The best Hudsons Coffee barista resides at the franchise’s Melbourne Central location, with Yijun Yuan taking out the top prize at the 2011 Hudsons Coffee Barista Competition.

The top three competitors travelled to Melbourne on 22 September to put their barista skills to the test in front of a judging panel, for their chance to claim prizes that included a trip for two to Rome.

Each finalist that competed in The Hudsons Cup prepared 12 beverages in 15 minutes: four espressos, four cappuccinos and four individual signature beverages, all assessed on taste, presentation, technical skills

and cleanliness.

Yuan’s signature drink, the Esparklingpresso, impressed the judges with its orange juice, ice and pop rocks combination.

“I am thrilled with winning the 2011 Hudsons Coffee Barista Competition. I have been working really hard to create my unique signature drink, as well as perfecting the basics and preparing my presentation, I’m so glad to be recognised,” Yuan said.

Hudsons best barista team was also announced at the competition, with husband and wife team Adam and Allison DeVries from the Greenslopes Private Hospital location claiming first place.

The Bean Team competition offered Hudsons Coffee baristas the chance to battle it out in pairs. The top three teams each needed to produce 12 beverages in 12 minutes: four cappuccinos, four piccolos and four designer lattes.

“It’s been great teaming up with my wife and working together to refine our coffee making skills. It’s taken lots of hard work so we’re excited to have won and look forward to taking the family to the Skybury Estate Coffee Plantation, seeing the process from bean to cup,” Adam said.