The Basel team made a strong impression at the Swiss Coffee Championships. Two 2nd places, two 3rd places, a 4th place, as well as a 5th and 10th – that is our team's tally. Even though it didn't quite result in a title this year, we are extremely proud of this performance. We are happy about having more medals on our shelf.
In the Barista discipline, we were represented by three participants in the final. Felix Hohlmann (right) sensationally took 2nd place, ahead of Michel Aeschbacher (2nd from right) in 3rd place. Benjamin Hohlmann (3rd from right) finished in 5th place. This year, 12 excellent baristas took part. An extremely strong field. So, just reaching the final is a great achievement! And then two spots on the podium to boot. Incredible!
In the Brewers Cup, three of our participants also made it to the final. There, Benjamin Hohlmann secured 2nd place (together with Kai Keong Ng), ahead of Florian Wicki (left) in 3rd place and Gonzalo de los Reyes (center) in 4th place.
In the Latte Art discipline, Demian Annaheim (2nd from left) took 10th place in his first participation. There is still room for improvement, and we look forward to what's to come.
In Cup Tasting, we only achieved mid-table rankings this year. Unfortunately, Benjamin Hohlmann and Gonzalo de los Reyes were unable to follow up on their brilliant performance from the previous year (when both were in the final).
Then there is also the All-Rounder competition. As the only participant to compete in three disciplines, Benjamin Hohlmann defended his title here. However, we have been told that the All-Rounder category will not be taking place again next year.
We are very satisfied and proud of the work accomplished. Thanks go to our friends, trainers, and roasters Reto Häner (3rd from left) from Haenowitz & Page, Philipp Henauer and Henauer Kaffee, Filip Bartelak and Elżbieta Citak from Coffee Proficiency, Claude Stahl and Black & Blaze, as well as Machhörndl Kaffee. Many thanks also to everyone who supported us during daily training at the Kaffeemacher Academy! Thanks also to Ditting for the sponsorship!
We would like to thank André Kissling and his team from Kialoa for the as always magnificently organized championship. The same applies to Micha Schranz from LatteArt.ch. Reto Häner and Philipp Henauer moderated the championship in a smart and expert manner, making it the successful event it was. A huge thanks to all the helpers who did a great job over the days, whether at the SCAE bar, as timekeepers, or clearing tables. Thanks also to Adrian Huber, who once again captured the championship so successfully on camera. Gloria Pedroza and Philipp Meier put together an international jury that finally elevated our Swiss championship to an absolute top level. That was first-class and a quantum leap – thank you for that!!! Also thanks to all the judges, namely Gwilym Davies, Petra Davies Veselá, Anita Bertok, Björn Dietrich, Luzia Taschler, Thomas Schweiger, Cem Korkmaz, Lukasz Jura, Błażej Walczykiewicz, Vlad Buda, Nina Rimpl, Micha Schranz, Michal Pivrnec, André Strittmatter, Martin Stock, Roger Bähler. Thanks also to Blaser Café for conducting the Cup Tasting championship.
