Placing third place for the second year running in Meadow Fresh New Zealand Barista Championship 2018 #mfnzbc2018 has been an excellent result! I'm grateful for the opportunity and know that's there's always so much more to learn and improve upon. Being inspired by fellow competitors and further connected with like-mind coffee professionals in NZ specialty coffee industry has been the best outcome this year. Thank you all volunteers, event organisers/hosts, judges, and sponsors for making #mfnzbc2018 again an extraordinary experience for all: @meadowfreshforcafes @amcroasterysupply @acmeandco @cafettoglobal @castawayfoodpackaging_nz @marcobeveragesystems @victoriaarduino_nz @nzspeccoffee Massive special shout out the one and only @truckeeeemmmma, the legend and her legendary team pulling yet another awesome event. Congratulations to fellow finalists Logan Collinge, Grace Choi, Brittany Cox. Special mention to Nico Refiti @nicorefiti from ozone coffee roaster for smooth and polished performance, and the champion this year, John Gordon @johngordon09 @gorillagear.coffee for taking out 1st place with tasty experimental lots, clear communication, and inspirational message. Thank you Steve @redrabbitcoffeeco for profile roasting of the Lemon Geisha and did an amazing job with the limited amount of time we had 😅. You are the man! 👍 Thank you @franks_coffee for believing in the vision, all your dedication and hard work to make this outstanding results possible. Thank you everyone who participate in tasting: T&T, Kai, Connor, Jamal, Charles, Frankie, Tom Special mentions to Nate, Richard, @davidmeszaros @nataliemeszaros @thecoletrane. You've been too good to me. In addition, Finca Hartmann Lemon Geisha from Panama, which I used for competition this year, will be available for purchase at selected cafe and roastery, with espresso focus roast through @societycoffee.nz and manual brew focus roast through @redrabbitcoffeeco. The official release date is 14th June. Pre-order of 150 grams retail pack is now available at a special price of $25. Grab yours before it hit the shelf! Contact [email protected] or purchase in store! 📷 By @atphotonz (at Frank's)