Jak Ryan of Proud Mary Coffee has won the U.S. Barista Championship, which took place in Denver, Colorado this past June. Following his victory, Ryan is now preparing to represent the United States at the upcoming World Barista Championship in Panama.
Ryan's winning routine was centered on the theme of 'timing,' exploring how a barista can observe, cooperate with, and alter time to create a sensory experience. His coffee choice was a dark-room dried Natural, a process he described as an alteration of time. The routine also featured freeze-distilled milk and a signature beverage incorporating techniques like passion fruit fermentation, plantain and honey clarification, and steam distillation to manipulate flavor and aroma.
According to industry media, Ryan's path to victory involved significant on-the-spot adaptation due to equipment malfunctions and other challenges during the competition. He credited his ability to improvise and adjust his routine live on stage as a key factor in his success. In his advice to future competitors, Ryan emphasized the importance of mastering fundamental skills to build a foundation for authentic and adaptable performances, rather than following trends.