Melbourne-based barista Jack Simpson of Axil Coffee has taken out the top spot at the ASCA National Coffee Championships for the second year in a row.
It’s the third win in a row for Melbourne’s Axil Coffee, and makes it a total of six wins for the brand since the competition’s launch in 2006.
As Australia Barista Champion, Simpson will represent the country at the World Barista Championship in South Korea this May.
Last year, Simpson placed third in the World Barista Championship.
“It is an honour to be crowned the 2024 Australian Barista Champion, and I am extremely thankful for the unwavering support and training that Axil Coffee have given me throughout the process of creating, designing and researching these three specialty coffee beverages,” says Simpson.
“This year I had a whole new perspective and approach to the competition, I am really proud of the way I was able to showcase my ever-evolving coffee making style, and the work of the Axil team. I am thrilled to be able to represent Australia on the world stage in May.”
As part of the judging process, Simpson presented an espresso, milk-based coffee, and coffee-based signature drink.
For the coffee-based signature drink Simpson teamed up with bartender Sam Thornhill to present a tipple which used a rotary evaporator to separate peach juice into honey and hydrosalt, which was then combined with the fermentation of konoto, and served with a peach and marigold flower aroma cloud.
For his showcase, Simpson used Geisha and Pacamara coffees.
Simpson will compete in the World Barista Championship in South Korea from 1-4 May 2024.