Sydney-based coffee roaster White Horse Coffee has been awarded the Silver Medal in the Espresso category at the Golden Bean World Series held in Guatemala from February 17 to 20. The award-winning espresso blend, End of the Line – Cronulla Beach Blend, is made from a mix of beans sourced from Ethiopia, Burundi, and Colombia. The blend was inspired by the iconic Cronulla Beach, known as the last stop on Sydney’s train line, which is reflected in the name “End of the Line.”
“This year, Brian, our head roaster, took full control of the End of the Line blend, and as always, he did an excellent job,” said Dominick Majdandzic, Head of Coffee and Co-Founder of White Horse Coffee.
Majdandzic shared his excitement over the result, noting that the competition is fierce and the difference between gold and silver can be minimal. “I’ve learned not to build expectations, so getting the silver was a pleasant surprise,” he said. “We are thrilled with the result.”
The competition is known for its close scores, and Majdandzic pointed out that even slight differences in flavor, such as dryness or bitterness, can impact the final ranking.
“Competing in Golden Bean year after year gives us valuable exposure, allowing us to connect with new people and learn from different roasting styles. It’s the relationships and the chance to share with industry peers that keep bringing me back,” he added.
Lead Coffee Roaster Conan acknowledged the tough competition, with many roasters showcasing intricate and complex profiles. While thrilled with their success in the Espresso category, Conan expressed disappointment that the End of the Line blend didn’t place in the Milk category. He believed its distinct flavors, particularly as a flat white, would have made it stand out.
“I think the blend’s unique, expressive flavors—almost reminiscent of a piña colada—would have been especially appealing in the Milk category,” he said.
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