Latte Art Throwdown Rules
This is a tournament run by a bracket system; there must be an even amount of competitors to balance the numbers. Competitors 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. Just like Tennis and many other sporting events!
Each competitor must pour 12 oz latte (compulsory design, rosetta, first round), 6 oz cappuccino (compulsory design, stacked tulip, second round), 4 oz cortado (freestyle third round). The final round will be completely freestyle, baristas choice of drink size and design.
There is a limit of 3 minutes. Competitors do not have to pull their own shots.
A. Competitor Sign-up
- Limited to 12 competitors
- The 12 are determined by first come/first serve (see registration form). If there are people still wanting to compete after the 12 spaces are filled, then they will be signed up first for the following throw down. If they do not show up their slot will be up for grabs.
- 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
- Competitor will have his or her number called, and must be available and ready to compete while the number that is 2 before them is currently competing.
- Competitor will have 3 minutes total behind the machine. It is not necessary to fill the whole 3 minutes.
- Competitors do not have to pull their own shots, they will be poured for them.
- Each competitor will get one pitcher/jug of milk, and only one opportunity to steam.
- Spilled milk will be handled case by case.
- A selection of mugs will be provided for the competitor to choose from, but the competitor can bring his or her own pitcher/jug of choice. Splitting milk is allowed.
- Espresso and milk are provided, and those are the only choices. Competitors MAY NOT bring their own espresso or milk.
- The latte art be must free pour, no etching or sauces allowed. Only ingredients will be espresso and milk.
- Once the drinks are poured the competitor will 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 compliment 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 with 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 cup is appropriately full of liquid
- There will be 3 judges. Two main judges and a tie-breaker judge. After the two sets of coffees are on the judges bench/space, on the count of 3 with no discussion the two judges will point at the winning set. In the case of a draw the tiebreaker judge shall decide on the winning set, under the same rules, no discussion and on a count of 3.
