What drives a barista to compete? What are the meticulous steps involved in preparing for a high-stakes competition? Join us for an intimate look into the world of barista competitions through the eyes of Jim Lin from Artisti Coffee Roasters, as he gears up for the regional championships with passion, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of coffee perfection.
For Jim, coffee is more than just a beverage; it's a passion that has led him through various facets of the Australian specialty coffee scene, from crafting latte art to mastering the art of the pour in brewers cup competitions. Now, his focus is set on the ultimate challenge: the barista competition. Just a day before the regionals, the air is thick with anticipation as Jim meticulously tastes aged coffee, a crucial step in selecting the perfect beans for his performance.
Working as a Sales and Account Manager for Artisti Coffee Roasters in Sydney, Jim's deep understanding of coffee extends from sourcing to the final brew. His journey began humbly in hospitality, a part-time kitchen hand job that unexpectedly led him to the captivating world behind the espresso bar. The seemingly "chill and casual" demeanor of baristas ignited a curiosity that blossomed into a full-fledged career in specialty coffee. It was the allure of Ethiopian coffee, with its complex and nuanced flavors, that truly pulled him into the "rabbit hole" of understanding what it takes to make truly exceptional coffee.
The visual artistry of latte art served as the initial spark for Jim's competitive spirit. Witnessing a Japanese barista's award-winning performance in 2018 ignited a desire to not just replicate but to master the intricate pours. This dedication to honing his latte art skills naturally intertwined with a deeper understanding of extraction, milk steaming, and the delicate dance of creating balanced and flavorful coffee.
The coffee chosen for this competition is a testament to Jim's meticulous approach: a carbonic maceration washed Ethiopian coffee from the Mesina region. This unique processing method, involving whole cherry fermentation in a CO2-rich environment, imparts a distinct character to the beans, enhancing the classic Ethiopian citrus and floral notes with a sparkling acidity and a silky texture.
Stepping onto the competition stage brings a unique kind of pressure. Jim shares his personal strategies for managing nerves, emphasizing the underlying excitement of showcasing months of dedicated practice. He also highlights the demanding nature of the barista category, which requires competitors to serve twelve meticulously crafted drinks – espressos, milk-based beverages, and signature creations – within a tight 15-minute window.
The art and science of roasting are integral to competition success. Jim details the countless hours spent refining roast profiles on the Aillio Bullet roaster, seeking to unlock the optimal sweetness, texture, and balance in the chosen coffee. This iterative process involves understanding how the beans respond to different roasting parameters, ensuring they perform flawlessly on the competition day's specific equipment.
Even with the perfect roast, dialing in the coffee on the day presents its own set of hurdles. Fluctuations in humidity, weather, and water composition can significantly impact extraction. Jim shares valuable tips for quickly identifying a grinder's "zero point," a crucial technique for making rapid adjustments under pressure.
Ultimately, Jim's pursuit of excellence in barista competitions is driven by more than just the desire to win. It's a journey of continuous learning, pushing personal and professional boundaries, and honoring the dedication of coffee producers worldwide. He emphasizes the crucial role of teamwork, with the entire Artisti Coffee Roasters team providing invaluable support in sourcing, roasting, coaching, and strategizing.
Looking ahead to the competition, Jim's mindset reflects a blend of ambition and humility. While aiming for the top spot is a natural aspiration, the true value lies in the progress made, the knowledge gained, and the opportunity to represent the specialty coffee industry with passion and integrity.
