Australian specialty coffee reached new heights as Melbourne barista Jack Simpson secured his third consecutive victory at the 2025 Australian Barista Championship. The event, organized by the Australian Specialty Coffee Association (ASCA), showcased the nation’s top talents in a fierce competition that captivated coffee enthusiasts nationwide.
The competition culminated in a thrilling finale on a Sunday afternoon, where judges meticulously evaluated the exceptional brews crafted by the top six contenders. Each barista had a mere 15 minutes to impress the panel with their expertise in creating milk-based coffee, espresso, and a signature drink that highlighted their creativity and skill.
Jack’s winning performance was a testament to his ingenuity and passion for specialty coffee. Utilizing beans from Colombian producer Jonathan Gasca, Jack’s concoction featured a unique blend of flavors, including pineapple, raspberry kombucha, cola, and peach, along with innovative ingredients like honey vinegar, cascara, and passionfruit husk.
Reflecting on Melbourne’s vibrant coffee culture, Jack emphasized the global surge in specialty coffee appreciation, citing emerging scenes in Montréal, Paris, and Spain. He commended dedicated producers worldwide for their commitment to elevating the coffee experience, inspiring him to push boundaries and innovate in his craft.
Jack’s triumph not only solidified his status as a rising star in the coffee world but also marked the fourth consecutive year that Axil Coffee Roasters had produced the Australian Barista Champion. The legacy of excellence at Axil was further exemplified in 2022 when Anthony Douglas clinched both the national and global titles at the World Barista Championship.
As the newly crowned Australian champion, Jack is set to represent his country at the prestigious 2025 World Barista Championship in Milan, Italy, later in the year. With a runner-up finish in the previous global competition, Jack’s upcoming challenge in Milan promises to be a thrilling showcase of his talent and dedication to the craft.
With Melbourne’s coffee scene continuing to thrive and evolve, Jack’s success serves as a testament to the city’s status as a global coffee hub. As he prepares to embark on his international journey, coffee enthusiasts eagerly anticipate his performance on the world stage, supporting his quest to compete against the finest baristas from around the globe.
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