Australias coffee scene - a Baristas perspective

Sam Sgambellone is completely immersed in the world of coffee. With a wealth of hands-on experience, cupping championship wins, a partnership in one of Sydney’s most reputable cafés and roasting businesses, Mecca Coffee, and a trainer at Coffee Kaizen, this industry veteran shares insights on the Australian coffee world – and how to shop for a domestic espresso machine.

What are the latest coffee bean trends - internationally and locally?

More coffee roasters are now sourcing beans from traditional regions such as Ethiopia, Costa Rica and El Salvador, which has increased the competition. To stay out of the buying frenzy and to find interesting coffees, Mecca Coffee has started exploring emerging growing regions like Rwanda, Burundi or Honduras. It’s an exciting time for the industry and I look forward to seeing what some of these regions can produce with improved investment in infrastructure and education.

Is one style of coffee more popular with Australian coffee drinkers?

The market is always split between those who view coffee as a staple and those who are looking for an adventurous coffee experience. Filter coffee, especially batch brew is continuing to grow in popularity as is cold brewed coffee, given our warm climate. We are also seeing a trend towards coffees with less milk (or none at all).

What's the most common question you are asked by customers?

I get a lot of questions about how to pour latte art. Customers who make coffee at home also ask why they can’t make their coffee at home taste as good as the cafe.

What are the key features to look for in a domestic espresso machine?

Most importantly have a clear idea what your priorities are and imagine how you are going to use it. Quite often there is a compromise between quality and convenience. Decide how much work you are willing to put in to coffee making, including cleaning and maintenance, then see if a machine that matches that criteria will produce a cup of coffee you would be happy to drink frequently. If I’m recommending a machine to someone I put snobbery aside and try to suggest something that they will use frequently and that produces a cup of coffee they enjoy.

What are you top tips for making a great coffee at home?

Start with beans that have the potential to produce a coffee to the taste profile you like. A good idea is to buy beans from a cafe who's coffee you enjoy. Buy small amounts, that way you have a fresh supply. If it’s not tasting like it does in the cafe chat to your barista, if he can’t help or isn't interested in helping than buy from somewhere else.

What’s your favourite style of coffee and beans?

I have a pretty open mind when it comes to coffee. As long as it is well grown, processed and roasted I like all sorts of flavour profiles. Mostly I drink coffee black, either as espresso or filter coffee.

How does Australia compare to other coffee growing and roasting regions?

In terms of growing we have a very small industry around Byron Bay but don’t really have the climate or altitude for it. In terms of roasting, I think we have a wonderfully diverse market and many roasters are doing world leading stuff on a day to day basis.

Do you have a hot tip for the coffee obsessed?

I think it's a great time for coffee consumers. So many new places are opening, it’s getting easier to find good coffee in cafes and the industry is becoming more professional and better educated. Thanks to things like Kickstarter there are always cool little bits of equipment coming on the market, like the recent Acaia scale. There are also a number of good quality books about coffee, with more coming, including The World Atlas of Coffee by former World Barista Champ James Hoffman.

 Headline photo credit - Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority