MEDIA RELEASE
For the first time, the annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival will feature the international event Ultimate Barista Challenge Hawaii and a Kona Barista Jam.
As attendees from all over the world participate in the festival, Island Baristi will come together for a rousing two days of barista hands on training sessions designed to increase coffee skills, share passion and increase local consumption followed by the celebrated UBC Hawaii barista competition.
The events 1-6 p.m. Nov. 9-10 at the Keauhou Beach Resort.
The Ultimate Barista Challenge (UBC) Hawaii will feature two tasty bouts of espresso challenges, the popular Latte Art Challenge where baristi prepare intricate designs with espresso and steamed milk. Drinks will be judged on Visual Design and Taste.
The Espresso Frappe Challenge features iced blended drinks of the baristi own creation, where balance of espresso and ingredients is important.
Baristi, who win the qualifying round, face international barista champion Ultimate Barista Heather Perry in a one-on-one dueling Final Challenge of fast-paced espresso excellence. Top scoring barista becomes the Ultimate Barista! UBC certified judges are chefs within the community, coffee tasting specialists, and food writers.
Top scoring local barista will win a trip to attend the annual Specialty Coffee Association of America conference in Portland, Oregon April 2012.
Dr. Shawn Steiman, coffee scientist and consultant at Coffea Consulting, said, “The Kona Barista Jam and Ultimate Barista Challenge are about education and friendly competition. What better way to unite the Hawaii coffee industry and get people excited about coffee quality?”
Participation fees in the Jam and UBC are $50 with all proceeds going to the festival.
The award-winning Kona Coffee Cultural Festival is recognized as the oldest and most successful food festival in Hawaii.
The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival is recognized and supported as a ‘Major Festival’ by Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) as the Festival showcases Hawaii’s unique culture and diversity.
The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival is also supported by Ueshima Coffee (UCC Hawaii) Corp., Gevalia Kaffe, Kamehameha Schools, Keauhou Resort, KTA Super Stores, Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union, West Hawaii Today and numerous other corporate and community donors.
The Ultimate Barista Challenge is owned and produced by WholeCup Coffee Consulting, LLC.
— Find out more:
www.ultimatebaristachallenge.com
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