We're absolutely thrilled to announce that Gab Tan, our passionate Brand Ambassador, has claimed victory at the VIC Community Coffee Championships held at the Meat Markets in North Melbourne. Organised by the Australian Specialty Coffee Association (ASCA), this prestigious competition determines the qualifiers for the national championships and showcases not only Gab's exceptional barista skills but also his deep commitment to understanding coffee from farm to cup.
A Journey That Started at Origin
What makes Gab's championship win truly special is the extraordinary journey he undertook to source his competition coffees. This year marked a significant milestone for him as he embarked on his first-ever origin trips, travelling to Panama and Indonesia to personally select the beans that would define his championship routine.
These weren't just buying trips – they were immersive experiences that allowed Gab to connect directly with coffee farmers, understand processing methods, and gain key insights into the craft that begins long before coffee reaches our Richmond roastery.
Image by Gab Tan @gabrel____
The Winning Coffee Lineup
Gab's championship routine featured two exceptional coffees that perfectly showcased his origin journey:
Espresso course: 48 hour Anaerobic Natural Gesha from Janson Estate, Volcan, Panama
Milk-based course: 96 hour Carbonic Maceration Lini S varietal from Wanoja Estate, West Java, Indonesia
These selections demonstrate Gab's sophisticated understanding of coffee varieties, processing methods, and how different origins can create distinct flavour profiles that shine in competition.
Yeseul Choi 3rd place (left), Gab Tan 1st place (centre), Tom Hutchins 2nd place (right) Image by Daniel Chen @danielchenphoto
Authentic Storytelling on the Competition Floor
Beyond the technical excellence of his coffee preparation, Gab brought something truly special to his routine – authentic storytelling. He shared his origin experiences with the judges and audience, connecting each cup to the farms, producers, and processes he had witnessed firsthand.
This approach embodies everything we believe in at Veneziano; that great coffee is about more than just the final cup. It's about understanding and respecting the entire journey from seed to sip, and the passionate people who make exceptional coffee possible.
Image by Daniel Chen @danielchenphoto
Looking Ahead to Nationals
Gab's victory has secured his place at the Australian Specialty Coffee Association National Championships taking place in September. Gab will represent Victoria on the national stage alongside other talented baristas from across Australia.
We're honoured to have him as our Brand Ambassador and excited to support him as he takes his passion and skills to the national stage.