AASCA
Coffee Judges
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Ben Bicknell
Starting out in 2002 in a large chain, Ben’s part time work soon turned from a means to an end to an out of control passion, leading him to work in an independent café and continuing his research and experimentation over the following 3 years. In 2005 Ben started, along with a couple of other passionate WA coffee people, the WA Barista Academy. In 2006 he moved positions to more closely work with artisan local roaster, Five Senses Coffee.
Over the past several years, Ben has also become much more involved with the wider coffee community – he has been the Vice President of AASCA for the past 3 years, established the first 4 years of Barista Championships in WA, judged in competitions in every state around the country and has most recently been accredited as a World Barista Championship judge and travelled to Atlanta in 2009. Ben is also the 2009 Australian Cup Tasting Champion.
All of these positions have provided some exciting opportunities to spread the passion for specialty coffee around the country. In his role as a Barista Judge, Ben is keen to add to the constructive, learning process of being involved in the championships for both the competitors along with himself and his fellow judges.
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Ross Quail
I began judging a while ago to learn more about baristas’ needs, I ended up making great friends and really enjoying my time with others in the industry.
The many world class coffee professionals in Australia that AASCA has exposed me too, has been so valuable in my own development. I would encourage anyone interested in a vocation in the coffee industry to join AASCA in whatever capacity they can and the benefits will in many ways.
- Currently employed by Jasper Coffee
- Company Position: Roaster / Barista Training
- Judging Experience: Victorian Barista Championships 2006, 07, 08, 09. National Barista Championships 2008, 09. WBC Certified, 2009 WBC Heats and Final.
- Judging Roles: Sensory / Head Judge
- AASCA Role : Ordinary Committee Member (National Roasters Guild) 2008/9
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Saxon Wright
Saxon began working in the coffee industry back in 1993 at the Danbrew (now Danes) roastery. He spent the next four years assisting in roasting, blending and packing. After completing a science degree, Saxon spent the next few years working as a barista and consultant. During this time, he helped open and establish several successful café’s. After a brief distraction in corporate finance, he refocused on coffee, and in late 2003 Saxon co-founded Australian Independent Roasters, a specialty coffee roasting business offering custom private label roasting.
Saxon judged his first national barista competition in 2005 after judging several regional and state competitions. After serving as head judge of the Australian Barista Championship, he was most recently certified as a World Barista Championship judge and judged in Atlanta USA, in April 2009.