Baristas break away from the same old grind to draw some fine lines — over favorite beverages
By Bob & Tracy Palermini for Ashland.news
A large crowd gathered Friday evening at Noble Coffee in Ashland to participate in the Latte Art Throwdown, hosted by Noble and La Marzocco, an Italian espresso machine manufacturer. Jared Rennie, Noble founder and CEO, created the event to celebrate the State of Jefferson coffee community and prove there are only friendly rivalries among baristas.
Noble is the first shop in the world to use the latest La Marzocco espresso machine which they helped test earlier this month.
Twenty-eight baristas went head-to-head in groups of two in the competition to produce the best latte art. A group of three baristas representing area coffee shops judged the competition. The latte art was evaluated based on contrast, foam quality, symmetry, harmony and complexity.
Five rounds of competition produced many beautiful lattes which were shared with the supportive crowd of on-lookers.
The final rounds were competitions between local coffee shop managers. Noble manager Robin Waisanen took first place honors with Noble manager Chloe Sanders in second place. Nate Aviles, also a Noble manager, placed third, prevailing over Case manager Rachel Barnhart with his swan art.
Bob Palermini is an Ashland.news board member and photographer. Email Ashland.news at [email protected].
