On the other side of SNBC 2012

It is natural for a barista to train hard for a competition, any competitions and definitely harder for a championship. A championship that could be a life changing moment for any barista that wins it, that is what is at stake. Training usually starts as early as 3 months before the actual competition and I do know some that even starts doing their routine a year ahead of the next championship.

I am not going to explain in length of the training that individual barista take upon them while in preparation but I want to share my experience being on the other side of the championship. Before you wonder why am I about to change a topic, don't worry cos the geist is still on training. Let me bring you to the other side, the training and preparation of a championship judge!

2 days before the championship, we gathered together and was seated for a half day briefing by Justin Metcalf( WBC Head Judge, judging mentor, WBC committee) who was head judging this year SNBC. It was soon followed by a 'surprise' written test which has a few sections and testing our calibre on general coffee knowledge, barista skills as well as how well we understand the championship scoresheet. After lunch, we did a series of tasting, visual analyzing of espresso and cappuccino and rounds after rounds of mock judging. Here, we were identified as to where we suit best, technical or sensory with some being ear marked to do both.
At the end of the day, we were again advised to read up the rules and regulations as thoroughly as though we are the one competing. We were also advised to preserve our palate and refrain from eating spicy food, hot soup and anything else which can disturb our sensory as well as not smoking on the day of the championship.

It was a fruitful experience and another feather in the hat for me, being an ex-competitor. Looking forward to another year of judging but on the quiet, yearning to once again compete on the stage in hope of winning the crown as Singapore best Barista.