The Baristi brought their A-game!

There's a lot to be said for a community that gathers indoors around an espresso machine on a beautifully hot (windless!) Cape Town summer day instead of heading for the beach...

Last Friday, baristas and coffee lovers crowded into Bean There to take part in and witness the first ever South African Barista Throwdown. Unlike barista championships, a throwdown is far more relaxed event where the emphasis is on creativity, sharing and learning from one another. Baristas can make almost any type of coffee they choose in any way they prefer to with the hope of convincing the judges that there brew is the best amongst their peers.

As the baristas battled it out, the crowd watched and cheered on whilst sipping a Darling Brew craft beer that they were treated to for free upon arrival.

Although it was hot and sometimes hard to hear what was being said, judges Sarah and Kenneth of Barista Magazine skillfully assessed the numerous cups of coffee presented to them and the top five were chosen:

1. Zane Mattisson (Care for Coffee)
2. Sabelo Puwani (Knead)
3. Wayne Oberholzer (Origin)
4. Rodreck Nzirainengwe (Union Hand-Roasted)
5. Romeo Chimunya (Bean There)


If you happen to find a Barista Throwdown happening in your city, I’d definitely encourage you to go and check it out. It’s a fun coffee education of brew methods, latte art and barista flair. We want more!

Check out the slideshow here: