Canadian Coffee Tea Show Vancouver October 2013.

Canadian Coffee & Tea Show Vancouver October 2013.

September 12, 2012

Barista brilliance

Closely contested finish sees a new champ

It was an espresso fight to the finish for two of Canada’s finest baristas, both hailing from Calgary’s Phil and Sebastian Coffee. In the end there were only a few points between the two top baristas – and good friends – Jeremy Ho and Ben Putt.

The two poured their artistry for a rapt audience at the Canadian Coffee & Tea Show, held on September 9 and 10 at the International Centre outside Toronto. In the end, there were aaahhhs and cheers as the winners were announced:

1. Jeremy Ho , Phil & Sebastian Coffee Rosters, Calgary


2. Ben Put , Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters, Calgary


3. Randy Hogg , Bridgehead, Ottawa


4. Georgia Henry , Dark Horse Espresso Bar, Toronto


5. Sameer Mohamed , Farenheit Coffee, Toronto


6. Graham Bouvier , Fernwood Coffee, Victoria

Jeremy Ho will now compete in the 2013 World Barista Championship in Melbourne, Australia.

“Underdog Jeremy Ho outshone his training partner, four-time runner-up and favourite to win Ben Putt, and won the right to represent Canada at the World Barista Championship,” said Josh Rek Feldman, emcee of the Canadian Barista Championship and lead instructor at the Canadian Barista Academy. “It was an exciting event with a dramatic conclusion.”

“Canada had another amazing competition this year with baristas from across the country competing for the title,” added Swiss Water Decaffeinated Coffee Co.’s Andrea Piccolo, head judge of the Canadian Barista Championship. “These baristas continue to raise the bar for what specialty coffee can be.”

Each of the “coffee ambassadors” prepared and served 12 separate espresso beverages and presented them to a distinguished panel of judges. They were marked on various elements, including station cleanliness, taste, beverage presentation, technical skills and overall impression.

Next year, who knows who the winner will be, as Jeremy Ho defends his title.

About the Canadian Coffee & Tea Show:

The Canadian Coffee & Tea Show is designed to meet the needs of independent coffee & tea retailers, restaurateurs, foodservice operators, chain operators and buyers. The show offers an extensive educational program geared to new entrepreneurs, independents and chain operators alike. It also features the country’s largest industry trade show, showcasing products and services from North America and around the world, the Canadian Barista Championship, So You Think You Can Be a Tea Sommelier Competition and the Coffee & Tea Cocktail Competition.