Latte Art Throwdown at Mudhouse Coffee Roasters

Think you have the best latte art around? It’s time to put those skills to the test. Thursday, May 26th, Mudhouse will host a statewide Latte Art Throwdown at our Downtown location. The contest is open to baristas of any level. Sign up for participating artists begins at 6:00PM with a $5 entrance fee– and the winner takes the pot. First pour will be at 6:30PM sharp.

Competition Rules and Set Up

SET UP

Bracket style, sudden death format featuring head-to-head competition as “a match” between the competitors.

Competitors will be randomly assigned bracket placement upon arrival.

Each match lasts about 3 minutes.

Competitors will have ~3 minutes to create their latte artwork.

Round 1 Design: HEART
Round 2 Design: ROSETTA
Round 3 Design: TULIP
Final Round(S): Freestyle

Competitors will be provided with a standard pitcher. Baristas may bring their own pitcher if desired.

Competitors must use provided serveware and milk. No outside serveware or milk will be accepted.

No design tools, syrups or powders may be used.

ESPRESSO

Espresso will be provided by Mudhouse.

A Mudhouse staff member will pull all shots for competitors.

Competitors are not allowed to pull their own shots.
Mudhouse staff will not shake, stir, swirl, or otherwise intentionally alter espresso prior to handing it to the competitor.

Espresso will be extracted at an 18:36 ratio in roughly 25 seconds.

Espresso will be roasted to a medium dark level.

Espresso will be approximately 9 days off roast.

JUDGING

A team of 3 judges will each select their winning design. The barista receiving 2 or more votes moves on to the next round. The loser is eliminated.

Art will be judged on contrast, definition, level of difficulty, creativity, and aesthetic beauty. Judges will consider:

Visual Foam Quality

Judges should visually assess the quality of the foam on the beverage for a bubble-free, smooth,glossy rich consistency.

Contrast between Ingredients

Winning patterns should demonstrate sharp contrast between the surface of the beverage and the white milk foam.

Harmony, Size, and Position of Pattern

Competitors should align the pattern with the cup handle at 3 o’clock.
Judges will review the size and position of the pattern and its relation to the cup.
The position of the art should be evenly distributed on all sides of the serveware.
If the pattern involves several elements, the judges will review their position and balance.

Public Attendance and Raffle

For those who aren’t as skilled with making a picture perfect latte– the throwdown is open, and free, to watch for the public. At the event will be a public raffle with prizes ranging from Kendra Scott to vineyard experiences to gifts from Roast Magazine– with all proceeds being donated to the International Rescue Committee.

We are thrilled to announce that Oatly has pledged to match up to $2000 from the public raffle and provide prizes for the top three finishers!

Also, in addition to providing an item for our raffle, you can shop anytime in person at Kendra Scott's Stonefield location (2035 Bond St Unit 25, Charlottesville VA 22901) OR online from May 26th through 27th and 20% of your purchase will be donated to the IRC at no additional charge.

The thrill of the contest, exciting raffle prizes– and Jonathan Teeter, lead vocalist from Films on Song, playing an acoustic set– the throwdown is a perfect night to celebrate excellence in the coffee community.

In order to help with up-close viewing, and to let people at home to get in on the action, Mudhouse will host a live stream available on our Facebook page.

Learn More– and let us know you’re coming– on our Facebook Event >>