Latte Art Smackdown @ Rough Diamond

Image: Shay Fraser

Thanks to all the baristas that competed in our first Latte Art Smackdown.

We had a fantastic night and raised over $300 for the Delta Therapy Dogs program at South West Healthcare, Warrnambool.

Delta Therapy Dogs brighten the day of hundreds of patients each year when 10 super pooches make their way to the hospital wards. The program is part of the hospital’s 125-strong registered Volunteers Service.

Eight baristas competed in the event on the night. Most were local but Port Fairy and Ballarat were also represented. Jonathan Buckle (Rough Diamond), Eden Buckle, Will Preston (Brightbird Espresso), Holly Ripper (Brightbird Espresso), Ally Richardson (Day Kitty), Rebekah Conheady (Day Kitty), Karen (Stirling Espresso) and Josh Belleville (Webster’s Market and Café) all put in a great effort under pressure!

We had three rounds; rosetta, tulip and free pour. All eight competitors took part in each round in a knock-out format. Two baristas poured head-to-head and the crowd voted by a show of hands on a winner.

Our three winners were:
Will Preston – Rosetta Champion
Eden Buckle – Tulip Champion
Josh Belleville – Free pour Champion

Will Preston, Mr Rosetta
Image: Shay Fraser

Eden Buckle, Queen of the Tulip
Image: Shay Fraser

Josh Belleville, King Free Pour
Image: Shay Fraser

Big thanks goes out to the crowd for their generous donations and all our sponsors – Schulz Organic Dairy, Small Batch Roasting Co. and Sterling Espresso.  Thanks also to Shay Fraser for the great pics and the Rough Diamond crew, Rowan, Rachel and Chloe for helping out on the night.

Coffees ready for judging
Image: Shay Fraser