2015 WBC Competitor Jason Loo, The Red Beanbag, Malaysia

SprudgeLive’s coverage of the 2015 World Barista Championship is made possible by direct support from Nuova Simonelli and Viora Lid. All of SprudgeLive’s 2015 barista competition coverage is underwritten in partnership with Square and Urnex Brands. 

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We reached out to each of the 2015 World Barista Championship competitors prior to their routines, to learn a bit more about them as competitors and coffee pros. We hope you enjoy these interviews!

Name: Jason Loo

Company: The Red Beanbag

Country: Malaysia

Number of years as a barista: 3

Number of competitions competed in: 4
Malaysian Barista Championship: 1st (2013), 1st (2015)
Indonesian Coffee Festival Barista Championship: 1st
Fushan Barista Challenge

Competition Coffee: Panama Kotowa Finca Don K, roasted by Artisan Roastery in Malaysia.

Competition Milk: Twin Brook Milk

Signature Beverage: Four shots of Mandarina Washed Geisha, two shots of Natural Wine Typica+Geisha, wild honey from China’s Yan Ming mountain, a dash of fresh milk, yuzu zest, and an ice ball. Each component was selected to compliment one another to achieve a balance-focused coffee.

Secret Weapon: Confidence that your roaster and producer will put in as much effort as it takes to make great coffee.

Playlist:
1. Alfred Hall- Foreign Coast
2. Alfred Hall- So Bright
3. Faul & Wad Ad vs. Pnau – Changes
4. Bastille- Of The Night
5. Young Rising Sons- High

Routine Theme: Achieving balance to allow specialty coffee to become more accepted by consumers.

Total Practice Hours: 150 maybe?

Coach/Coaches: My coach is also my roaster. He makes sure my coffee tastes good and keep me confident in it. 

Why do you think you’d make a great World Barista Champion?
I have a passion to create more great coffee and to develop the industry, producing more knowledgeable and skilled baristas to bring more awesome coffee to people.