Gauteng Coffee Competition final results

The Gauteng Regional Coffee Competitions wrapped up at the Sandton Convention Centre today, with 4 new regional champions being named. The occasion was especially significant thanks to sponsorship from Nuova Simonelli, bringing out 2009 World Barista Champion, Gwilym Davies to SA for the event.


Ishan Natalie took to the stage first, and though a previous 2x SA champion, was still a little nervous "I'm anxious, but I'm excited too. I love competing - it feels like the old me!" Ishan moved smoothly through his routine, using an Indonesian coffee from the island of Flores for the espressos. His signature drink was a granadilla and sugar infusion, served in delicate espresso glasses. A very solid and slick performance from Ishan. "It was nerve wracking but lots of fun. I'm really happy with how it went and with how everything turned out."


Next up was the experienced Bruce Manning, always an entertainer, and a finalist from last year's KZN Regionals. Bruce took an unusual approach this time, playing zen music and giving the judges newspapers to read while he prepared espresso described as "Pronutro and toffee", and for a change not talking too much! Bruce, created a starchy, basmati infusion in a Bodem and paired it with a Peruvian single origin as his signature drink. "Amazing venue and organization, and I'm really happy. It's great to serve judges like these who know their coffee, and nice to perform for them. I tried to magnify some aspects of the coffee, the mouthfeel, the bitterness and the sourness, hopefully not the coffee's detriment, but to give it a proper punch in the mouth!"


Martin Ten Koorden, looking slick in formalwear and a hat, moved quickly around the coffee station, serving up a blend of Tanzanian and Ethiopian Yirgacheffe for all his drinks. The espressos and cappuccinos looked great and despite a small cup-drop, Martin kept the judges and audience well informed through the performance. He ended his set with a smoothie type signature beverage that was designed for sportspeople and quick, on-the-go consumption. "It went alright, at the end of the day you gotta stay calm and recover if something happens and allow time for things that you might not anticipate. But, ja, I was happy, and I'm proud of myself. "


Mike Gumbo from Nino's, a first time finalist at regional level, took the stage next and presented the judges with a Brazilian and Colombian blend. "It was fine, but I was under pressure. I just tried to own the stage and be myself" Mike dedicated his signature drink to his wife Hazel, which he called the Hazelnut special, a caramel and hazelnut reduction, freshly squeezed orange and cinnamon based espresso drink. "My wife introduced me to coffee, so I did this for her!"


The 5th barista up was Johnson Sehoro - already a finalist in Cup Tasters and Aeropress this week - Johnson, the success story of the Gauteng Coffee Industry, a singing, smiling, happy man of a barista - put his heart and soul into his performance. "It was great, I was prepared, I roasted my own coffee and I had fun. It was a washed Tanzanian with an unwashed Ugandan coffee. His signature drink was a ginger & fennel, coconut and lemon grass tea, paired with espresso.


Finally, seasoned competitor Wayne Burrows took the stage and immediately clicked into a fast paced, information rich routine. Ugandan Bugiso was used for all drinks. He was very specific with the Judges in their tasting instructions and kept them closely informed. "Sip, stir, smell. Raw tactile balance is what I want you to taste!" Wayne's signature beverage was a raw maple syrup with double thick plain greek yoghurt concoction. "I'm happy with it - the coffee came out exceptionally well. It's all about what's in the cup."