Episode One - Australia Brewers' Cup Competition

How Competing in the Australian Brewers Cup Shaped My Coffee Journey

A New Brewing Chapter

Every coffee journey has pivotal moments that push us to grow. For me, that moment was entering the Australian Brewers Cup 2024 as an independent competitor. Having already been crowned Singapore’s Barista Champion, stepping into the Australian coffee scene was an entirely new challenge. Competing in this prestigious competition not only tested my skills but also reaffirmed my passion for coffee. I wanted to share the experience, especially since I chose an unconventional path to the semi-finals in 2024—one that you can relate to as a coffee lover.

From Barista Champion to Brewers Cup Competitor

For those familiar with the coffee competition world, the Singapore Barista Championship often serves as the gateway to larger, international stages. Winning that title was a proud moment for me in 2019, but my true passion for coffee brewing lies beyond espresso machines. That’s why I set my sights on the Australian Brewers Cup, a competition that celebrates manual brewing methods and the purity of coffee flavours.

This competition offered a unique challenge—crafting the perfect cup of filter coffee to impress an expert judging panel. But there was more to it for me: I wanted to show that the beauty of coffee lies in its accessibility to everyone, not just competitors sponsored by big roasters.

Competing as an Independent Competitor

Here’s where my journey took an unconventional turn. Unlike many competitors who have backing from renowned roasters and access to exclusive competition coffees, I chose to compete independently. I wanted to challenge myself as a brewer in a raw, unfiltered way.

I made the bold decision to use retail coffees—yes, the kind of beans you can pick up at your favourite specialty coffee shop. My goal was to showcase the potential in everyday coffees, proving that it’s not about having elite beans; it’s about how you brew them. I wanted to share with fellow brewers and coffee lovers that you don’t need access to exclusive beans to brew an exceptional cup. With After Hours Coffee, this philosophy continues to drive my roasting approach today.

The Challenge and the Reward

Competing as an independent brews cup competitor was an eye-opening experience. Without the support of a big roaster or specialised coaching, I relied on my understanding of coffee brewing techniques, and passion for flavour extraction. The learning curve was steep, but that made every success even more rewarding. 

During the semi-finals, I missed one of the crucial rules by requesting the judges to smell the dry fragrance of the coffee grounds. As a result, I received a score of zero for a significant scoring component. Considering that, along with how well the other competitors performed, I did not make it to the finals.

Even with retail coffee, I made it through to the semi-finals, which was a huge achievement for me personally. The experience taught me that what matters most is not the coffee you have but the way you approach it. Understanding extraction, balancing flavours, and truly knowing your coffee can take you far, whether you're a competitor or a home brewer.

What This Means for After Hours Coffee

At After Hours Coffee, the philosophy remains the same. We believe that great coffee should be accessible to everyone, and the focus is always on highlighting the beans’ full potential. My experience in the Australian Brewers Cup reinforced the importance of respecting the coffee from the ground up, which is why we take great care in our roasting to ensure each origin’s flavours shine through. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or a professional brewer, our small-batch roasts are designed to bring out the best in every cup.

Find out more about After Hours Coffee