P&O Cruises Australia’s annual coffee championship at sea returned recently after an involuntary three-year hiatus. The barista at sea competition, a staple in the 20-year-plus partnership between Nestle Professional and P&O Australia, was held on board the line’s three locally deployed ships: Pacific Adventure, Pacific Encounter, and Pacific Explorer. Six...
P&O Cruises Australia’s annual coffee championship at sea returned recently after an involuntary three-year hiatus.
The barista at sea competition, a staple in the 20-year-plus partnership between Nestle Professional and P&O Australia, was held on board the line’s three locally deployed ships: Pacific Adventure, Pacific Encounter, and Pacific Explorer.
Six talented baristas were selected to compete from the 92 bar staff who service the ships, with their challenge to create an espresso, a flat white, and a cappuccino for each of the judges using BUONDI Dark Spark roasted coffee beans – the blend used onboard P&O’s cruise ships.
The panel of judges observed the competitors’ technical ability, cleanliness, and self-conduct.
“We were looking for a golden-brown crema on the espresso, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and a well-balanced taste,” Nestle Professional Master Barista Jo Yuen said.
The java guru commented that all six competitors delivered to a very high standard, showing exceptional latte art skills and superior attention-to-detail behind the machine.
One winner per ship was named: Adventure’s victor was Gilbert Mapa, Encounter’s champion was Glenn Kurt, and Explorer’s gold medallist was Michelle Carandang.
