Signature Beverage (World Barista Championship)
Excerpt from the WBC 2015 Rules (pdf)
- A. A signature beverage demonstrates a competitor’s creativity and skill to create an appealing and individual espresso focused beverage.
- B. The signature beverage should be a liquid beverage; the judges must be able to drink it. Food may accompany the beverage, but only the beverage item will be evaluated by sensory judges.
- C. Each of the four signature beverages must contain a minimum of one espresso shot (per the definition of espresso in 2.2.1 A-K), otherwise the competitor will receive a score of zero points for “Taste balance” on the sensory score sheets in the signature beverage category for that corresponding beverage.
- D. Espresso used in the signature beverage must be prepared during the competitor’s performance time, otherwise the signature beverage will receive a score of zero for “Taste balance” on the sensory score sheets in the signature beverage category.
- E. A dominant taste of espresso must be present, otherwise the “Taste balance” score will reflect the resulting sensory experience.
- F. The signature beverage may be served at any consumable temperature.
- G. Any ingredients may be used in the signature beverage preparation except alcohol, alcohol extracts or by-products, controlled or illegal substances. If these substances are found in the beverage, competitors will receive zero points in all categories available on the sensory score sheets in the signature beverage category.
- H. All ingredients must be disclosed upon request. Competitors must bring the original packaging of all ingredients used in his/her signature beverage for inspection by judges to verify ingredients. If the competitor does not provide original 2015 World Barista Championship Rules and Regulations – Version 2014.10.31 Page 7 packaging when asked, the signature beverage will receive zero points in all categories available on the sensory score sheets in the signature beverage category.
- I. Signature beverage ingredients should be prepared and assembled on-site during the competition time. The preparation of a signature beverage is captured in the “Well explained, introduced, and prepared” category on the sensory score sheet. Preparation in advance of the competition time is necessary for certain ingredients (i.e. a 24 hour infusion) and is accepted.
- J. Nothing other than ground coffee and water may be placed in the portafilters, otherwise the signature beverage will receive zero points in all categories available on the technical and sensory score sheets in the signature beverage category.