Details

Registration

  • Registration is open from December 6th to January 2nd or once all slots have been filled up.
  • $10 non refundable entry fee to be paid in cash only. 
  • Payments are to be made at Alchemist Coffee Lab - 1306 N Wishon Ave, Fresno, CA 93728.
  • Once payment has been made, we will take your picture with our polaroid camera to use for the bracket system.

Rules

This is a tournament run by a bracket system; Competitor's names will be drawn out at the start in pairs and the winner of each pair will go on to the next pairing until only two remain and a winner is announced.

Each competitor must pour the randomly chosen design when the wheel is spun at the start of each round; options range from heart, tulip, swan, Rosetta, etc.

There is a limit of 3 minutes. Competitors do not pull their own shots.

A. Competitor Sign-up

  • Limited to 24 competitors
  • The 24 are determined by first come/first serve (see registration info).
  • In order to participate, the competitor must have some experience with espresso preparation and the equipment used to do so. In addition, the competitor must have experience pouring milk-based beverages.

B. Competition time/Competitor requirements

  • Competitors will have their name called, and must be available and ready to compete.
  • Competitor will have 3 minutes total behind the machine. It is not necessary to fill the whole 3 minutes.
  • Competitors will not pull their own shots, they will be pulled and poured for them.
  • Each competitor will get only one opportunity to steam.
  • Mugs and steaming pitchers will be provided for the competitor. Competitors MAY NOT bring their own mugs or pitchers.
  • Espresso and milk are provided, and those are the only choices. Competitors MAY NOT bring their own espresso or milk.
  • The latte art must be free pour, no etching or sauces allowed. Only ingredients will be espresso and milk.
  • Once the drinks are poured the competitor must swiftly place it on the designated space to be judged.

C. Judging

  • The drinks will be judged in 4 categories:

Balance & Symmetry

  • Dividing lines are clean, even, and show no signs of hesitation,
  • Individual elements work well with and complement each other,

Colour Infusion & Definition

  • The contrast between the whiteness of the foam, and the darkness of the crema,
  • How infused or intertwined the brownness of the crema is with the whiteness of the foam,
  • The intention of the design is obvious and clear,

Use of Space

  • The design fills the cup in an appropriate and pleasant way,
  • The design neither crowds the cup, nor leaves it feeling empty or unfinished,
  • There is a harmony between the size of the cup and size of the design,

Overall Impression

  • General aesthetic appeal,
  • Drink is free of spill marks and the cup is appropriately full of liquid,
  • There will be 3 judges to insure that there will be no ties. 

Prizes

There will be 3 winners, 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place. Prizes listed for each winner below:

  • 1st Place - Grand Prize of $500 cash.
  • 2nd Place - Hario Ceramic V60 pour over kit and a bag of specialty beans.
  • 3rd Place - $50 Alchemist Gift Card.