The first Gravel & Grind Barista Throw-down was a raging success thanks to our engaging and energetic community!
16 baristas participated in our bracket style competition, 2 home roasters submitted their coffee to be cupped and judged, 5 judges, and a full house of new and old faces made the evening such a special place to be.
Judges point to the latte they believe to deserve the winning title. Photo Credit: Alyssa Boxhill
Our home roaster winner was Andrew Bromhal with his Popcorn popper roasted Sumatra.
Andrew Bromhal is seen holding the trophy for best home roaster. Photo Credit: Alyssa Boxhill
Our winning barista was Geram Alsten who drove an hour to participate, and we are so glad he did.
Gravel & Grind’s very own Kristi Squires and victor Geram Alsten go head to head on their last pour of the evening. Photo Credit: Alyssa Boxhill
We are also grateful to have been mentioned in the Frederick News Post! You can read the story here.
Gravel and Grind will be hosting a Barista Throwdown on Saturday, January 14th!
Baristas from all shops and walks of life are welcome to come behind the bar at Gravel & Grind to battle it out for the title of Fredericks Best Latte Artist. Reserve your spot below and pay a $10 entry fee cash upon arrival. Entry fees will enter the pool. The winner takes the pool along with a prize courtesy of Gravel & Grind.
At Home Roasters! You are also invited to submit a sample of coffee to be cupped by our judges. The winner takes the title of Frederick’s Best Home Roaster along with a prize. There is no fee to enter your coffee.
Think you’ve got what it takes to be one of our three judges? Submit your name along with a short description highlighting your qualifications to be considered. Please note that you will be required to judge not only the visual portion of this competition (latte art) but also the tasting portion of this competition (cupping).
Barista
Baristas must be 18 years or older
Barista is not required to have any prior experience.
You must pay a $10 entry fee in cash upon arrival.
Bracket style, sudden death format featuring head-to-head competition as “a match” between the competitors.
Contestants will be randomly assigned bracket placement upon arrival.
Each match lasts 3 minutes.
Baristas will have 3 minutes to create their latte artwork.
Round 1 Design: Heart
Round 2 Design: Tulip
Round 3 Design: Rosetta
Final Round: Freestyle
Baristas will be provided with a standard pitcher, a shot of espresso, and a 10-ounce competition-style cafe cup.
If baristas are unsatisfied with their first art attempt, they may make a second, but cannot exceed the 3-minute time limit.
At the end of 3 minutes baristas will move their lattes to the judging table.
A team of 3 judges will each select their favorite. The barista receiving 2 or more votes moves on to the next round. The loser is eliminated.
No design tools, syrups, or powders may be used.
Art will be judged on milk texture, contrast, symmetry/harmony, level of difficulty, and overall appeal/presentation.
The winner will take home a cash prize
Home Roasters:
To enter your coffee please fill out and submit the form below.
Home Roasters must be 18 or older
Home Roasters can only enter one coffee which can be a single origin or a blend.
All coffees will be prepared with the same brew method done in formal cupping.
Roasters must bring their coffee the morning of the competition in order to have it dialed in for the cupping.
Coffee will be judged based on Fragrance/Aroma, Flavor, Aftertaste, Acidity, and Body.
Winner will take home the title of Best Home Roaster along with a prize courtesy of Gravel and Grind