Western Australian Barista Academy, Western Australia

Traveling & Events

Wow .. time has flown! In just over 3 months I’ll be on my way back home to Perth.

Coffee Lab, Waterbury Vermont

Last month, I jumped at the opportunity to spend a week at Coffee Lab International on a 5 day roasting course. It was great to finally get some experience on a variety of commercial and sample roasters as well as a chance to use all the equipment in the “Lab” which is not only for namesake.

Eva Solo - A Simple Approach

Simply put, my first experience with the Eva Solo was memorable. I knew it must be mine for two reasons, simple and effective, which equates to less morning thinking more morning drinking.

Introducing Jeremy Hulsdunk

We welcome Jeremy Hulsdunk as the new WA Barista Academy Manager and Head Trainer.

Well it seems like a pre-requisite that each trainer at the Barista Academy needs to compete and win the WA Barista Competition with Jen winning in 2008 and Mark recently winning 2009. In regards to Jeremy though, we thought we’d take the pressure off, as he already has that trophy in his pool room as the winner in the inaugural year 2006.

NEWS FLASH: Head Trainer wins WA Barista Championships ... again!

Mark Chandler, manager of the Western Australian Barista Academy, today took out the 2009 Western Australian Barista Championships held at the Mount Hawthorn Community Hall.

It is the second year in a row a WABA trainer has won the event with Jennifer Murray winning the 2008 event and going on to finish third in the Australian Competition earlier this year.

Seattle Coffee Fest 2008

When I realised that I would be in the right hemisphere during this years Seattle Coffee Fest, I made an extra effort to make sure I could get there. All up, I got to spend a week in what felt like coffee Hollywood … happily stumbling across one famous café / roaster after another.

Manic Espresso - Ethiopian Yergacheffe Beloya Estate

It’s not every day I get served a cup of coffee that is so incredibly delicious, I can’t help but involuntarily announce it’s greatness between each sip. T’was yet again another clover coffee that tweaked my senses, an Ethiopian Yergacheffe microlot to be exact, sourced and roasted by 49th parrallel. It promised so much on that little white board, and amazingly delivered it with a clarity I’ve come to expect from a well made clover.

Café Myriad Montreal - Coming Soon

Anthony Benda and Scott Rao are opening what without a doubt will become a go to coffee destination in the heart of Montreal.

Monkey Coffee

Yay, Sam from Cafe Veritas sent me an email asking if I wanted to come and taste some coffee eaten, digested and pooped out of some Indian monkeys!! Heck yeah I did …

Café Santé Veritas - Synesso in Montreal

In a city saturated with stale drip coffee and many mediocre attempts at espresso, I’m very grateful to have come across Sam (owner/operator/barista) of Café Veritas in the Old Port. 

Montréal, Québec ... Barista at Large

I’ve finally made it … apologies for the late post, however, to say that this is the first chance I’ve had in between all the wild welcoming parties, is only a minor understatement.

Australian Barista Competition 2008

I’m back, I’m inspired and I’m completely stoked to have taken out third place in the 2008 National Barista Competition.

Cawfee talk with Jen

After winning the 2008 Western Australian Barista Competition Jen began the hours of preparation for the national final. During this time she jotted down some thoughts of her coffee journey for Five Senses who put together a story on their site.

Now boarding

Wow, that came quickly, I’m about to hop on a plane to Melbourne tomorrow to compete in the National Barista Competition this weekend. It’s really exciting to represent WA and it seems like only a short time ago I was in Adelaide competing in the 2007 open heats.

NEWS FLASH: Head Trainer wins 2008 WA Barista Championships

Jennifer Murray, manager of the Western Australian Barista Academy, has taken out the 2008 Western Australian Barista Championship!

New WABA site launched

Crammed with new content and freshly launched, we’re pleased to announce that the WA Barista Academy’s (WABA) website is here for your browsing pleasure.