On November 23rd, coffee pros and legends converged at Mecca Coffee for The Barista League. This competition event brought a level of energy, creativity and community spirit to Sydney that we’d been missing for a while. Pablo & Rusty’s proudly sponsored the event’s competition espresso coffee, featuring our exceptional Campo Hermoso Geisha.
A unique competition
The Barista League welcomed over 300 baristas and coffee lovers to witness the dynamic challenges undertaken by teams of two. Competitors tackled fast paced, multidisciplinary tasks crafting complex drinks, identifying flavor profiles and managing unpredictable service scenarios within 15 minutes. They had to showcase technical skills whilst being adaptable, creative and collaborative to show their overall barista ability.
It was an awesome electric atmosphere charged with the sounds of espresso machines steaming, cocktail shakers clinking and enthusiastic coffee conversations flowing. Beyond the competition, the event served as a hub for coffee lovers to connect, share ideas and be inspired by the artistry and innovation within Sydney’s thriving coffee culture.
Star judges
The judging panel featured some of the industry’s prolific figures, bringing years of expertise and insight to the competition. The panel included:
Aum Phithakphon (Udon House)
Dan Yee (Artificer Specialty Coffee Bar & Roastery)
Charles Babinski (Café 143)
Jibbi Little (Jibbi Coffee Roasters)
Team P&R
Representing Pablo & Rusty’s, Hayden and Paul, competing as Team "No Frills", brought passion, energy and innovation to the stage. They demonstrated an unwavering commitment to quality and creativity, making us immensely proud of their efforts. Although they didn’t clinch the top spot, their performance captured the collaborative and fun essence of the event. The competition was fierce, with every team pushing the boundaries of their skills.
Spotlight on Geisha
At the heart of the event was our Espresso Bar, where the Campo Hermoso Geisha took center stage. Attendees were invited to pour their own espressos, engage with our team and explore the intricate flavour profile of this fantastic coffee. We had an interactive Espresso bar setup encouraging hands-on learning, with many baristas experimenting with latte art, professional equipment and brewing techniques.
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, as guests loved the coffee’s silky mouthfeel and vibrant floral characteristics. This experience not only deepened attendees’ appreciation for specialty coffee but also highlighted the dedication and innovation behind each cup we serve.
A night to remember
Beyond the competition, The Barista League was a celebration of Sydney’s coffee culture. The evening featured gourmet food, expertly crafted cocktails (and mocktails), and an infectious sense of camaraderie. Guests mingled, networked and shared their love for coffee in an atmosphere that was both festive and inspiring.
The event culminated in the announcement of the winners, who earned a coveted spot on The Barista League’s Mystery Coffee Vacation, a transformative journey to a coffee origin alongside champions from around the globe. This once in a lifetime opportunity underscores the competition’s commitment to fostering growth and learning within the coffee community.
Looking forward
Pablo & Rusty’s is honoured to have been part of such a remarkable event. Sponsoring the competition espresso and engaging directly with Sydney’s vibrant coffee community reaffirmed our dedication to innovation, quality and sustainability in specialty coffee. Events like The Barista League inspire us to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the coffee industry.
We look forward to future opportunities to support and celebrate the artistry, passion and culture that make specialty coffee so extraordinary. Let’s keep the spirit of collaboration and innovation alive as we brew new ideas and strengthen connections within this incredible community.
