Caffè Artigiano’s Sammy Piccolo represented Canada this week at the 2009 World Barista Championships (WBC), held in Atlanta, Georgia. Beating talented opponents from around the world, Sammy won 2nd place in the coveted ad hotly pursued competition.

Celebrating its 10th year, the event welcomes gifted baristas from over 50 countries to compete for the annual title of World Barista Champion, during the SCAE Wonderful Coffee Event. Enthusiasts from across the globe took in the ultimate espresso experience watching live and via an internet live webcast.

Sammy is an unprecedented four-time World Barista Finalist achieving three consecutive 2nd and 3rd place finishes between 2004 and 2006. After spending the past two years focusing on his role at Caffè Artigiano and opening the Burnaby Café, Sammy decided to take up the challenge once again and following months of rigorous practice, Sammy delivered a polished routine, demonstrating his confidence, competence and great passion.

Each competitor must prepare and serve 12 separate espresso beverages including the classic espresso and cappuccino, as well as four "signature" drinks of their own creation and present them all to a distinguished panel of judges. Competitors have only fifteen minutes to prepare all twelve drinks and are judged on station cleanliness, taste, beverage presentation, technical skills and overall judge’s impression. Sammy’s well-balanced signature drink made with a winning combination of grapefruit reduction, cane sugar, crème fraiche and espresso was a sure hit with the panel. Sammy used a unique thermal mixer to comprise his signature creation that perfectly matched his custom espresso blend (a delicious mix of 85% Costa Rican Herbazu and 15% Aricha Yirgacheffe from Ethiopia).

Says Piccolo: "It's always an honor to be able to represent your country in front of a world audience. The competition gets tougher every year, but its exciting to see the event grow with both more participating countries and incredibly skilled baristas." Sammy was up against some tough competition this year – with Gwilym Davies from the United Kingdom placing 1st and the USA coming in 3rd.

Sammy Piccolo's WBC Signature Espresso is available at Caffè Artigiano locations for $21.99 / one pound bag. This unique blend was roasted to perfection by Vince and Mike Piccolo at 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters.

Photo courtesy World Barista Championship

POSTED: Wednesday, April 22, 2009