"Welcome to Five Senses Coffee"

The annual search for Australia’s best barista kicked off last month in South Australia, and this weekend it was time for Victoria’s best to step up to the plate. Competition is particularly fierce in Victoria, the state which many call Australia’s coffee capital.

Caleb Podhaczky put in a polished performance to take out the title of Victorian Barista Championship. His win came as no surprise to the Five Senses team, who have long recognised Caleb’s talent. Caleb is Five Senses’ point man for roasting in Victoria. Runner up was Kris Wood, with Talor Browne taking out bronze.

Like many of the Five Senses team, Caleb has a strong competitive streak, but was gracious in victory, saying “I still can’t believe I actually won, it is quite a humbling experience. All competitors, judges and volunteers were amazing and there was a lot of hard work put in by everyone.”

Will Priestley was crowned the 2010 Victorian Latte Art Champion, after pulling out some jaw-droppingly good art, and Aaron Wood took out the Cup Tasting Championship.

A big thank you to everyone who helped to pull off the day, all those from AASCA, the judges, the volunteers and the trusty sponsors.