Score – 91/100
NI Barista Champions are put to the test and show they are worthy of the title.
I decided to take a long over due trip to Cafe Krem in Newry one busy Saturday afternoon. I was pleasantly surprised by the interior, this was no granny cafe, or bisto, this was a coffee shop through and through. I got inline to order and saw a face I recognised from online photos, Mariusz Mescek (no I didn’t remember his name, sorry) who came 2nd in the NI heat of the UKBC. Also pleasantly surprising was the addition of Cappuccino Italiano on the menu, these people knew their coffee.
I ordered and although from my vantage point I could not see the shot being pulled, I could tell it was being made from freshly ground coffee with a proper technique. Before completing the drink, the cup was set on the counter infront of me, as a perfect rosetta was poured. I really have to take my hat off to showmanship like this, which is sorely missing in many establishments.
Now for the important bit, the coffee, as I’ve mentioned before I’m not a technical expert nor do I have superhuman taste, but on my first mouthfull of this coffee I knew I was on to something. The microfoam and espresso had mixed thoroughly, there were no distinguishable layers (which is a good thing) and the texture was smooth and velvety. There were definite chocolate tones in the flavour, enhanced by the sweetness of the milk, but not so much as to overwhelm the coffee taste, it was an overall balanced cup. The temperature was hot, but not so hot that the cappuccino was undrinkable, it’s a very hard range to hit, but they did it and I was happy.
I had a nice chat with Mariuz after, who was still buzzing from the excitement of the UKBC. Its great to see a barista that is not only passionate about his work, but would take time to share that with a complete stranger. I wish Se and his team all the best for the future and may they keep up the good work, they’ve done NI proud and their coffee ain’t bad either 
*Technical Breakdown*
Taste – 9
Texture – 9.5
Temperature – 9.5
Technical Ability – 9
Appearance – 4.5
Atmosphere – 4
*Coffee Tip*
For anyone who doesn’t know, a “true” cappuccino is 5-6fl oz of liquid made from 1/3 espresso (one shot) and 2/3 milk. The usual serving of a cappuccino in UK/Ireland/USA etc. is one shot of espresso in a 9fl oz (or larger) cup making the overall coffee weaker, in turn allowing the coffee to be made with less fresh and/or lower quality beans, by diluting the taste. Its pretty yuk!
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