The heady smell of fresh, brewing coffee, amidst the bustle and hustle of Bangalore's biggest and busiest shopping mall, had many visitors following their nose to see what the buzz was all about. Although there was no free coffees being handed out at the end of the nose trail, there was the thrill of watching the Indian Barista Championship (IBC) which is in its fifth successive year.

Organised by the Speciality Coffee Association of India (SCAT), the ripples, the barista championship has created in the coffee planting and brewing industry in India has grown tremendously. Especially if the increasing number of participants are a yardstick of measurement. For the last year's 20 odd barista championship aspirants, there were 44 this year.

The highly spirited competition among the young baristas spread over four days had all the ingredients of a good brew. Quality performance, the very best espresso machines and grinders, international judges and abundant creativity.

The World Barista Championship, which is the internationally recognized competition for professional baristas is the ultimate goal of all aspirants. This year's winner of the Indian Barista Championship, Mr. Gautam K S, of Parimala Coffee Works is all set to give a tough fight in the international arena at the world championship in Berne, Switzerland, later this year.

THE WINNERS WHO WHIPPED UP A STORM IN A COFFEE CUP

Platinum trophy along with a cash prize of Rs. 15,000: Gautam K.S, of Parimala Coffee Works. He also gets an air ticket to Berne, Switzerland, where he will represent India at the world Barista Championship in May 2006.
Gold Trophy along with a cash prize of Rs.20,000 : Mr. Felix Daniel, Cafe Coffee Day.
Silver Trophy along with a cash prize of Rs.10,000 : Ronald Hilary, Cafe Coffee Day.
Bronze Trophy along with a cash prize of Rs.5,000/- Suresh K, Barista Coffee Company Ltd.
Best Barista Technique: Felix Daniel, Cafe Coffee Day : A certificate and a cash prize of Rs.2,500/
Best Signature Drink: Ronald Hilary, Cafe Coffee Day : A certificate and a cash prize of Rs.2,500/
Best Communication Skill: Seema Tripathi, Cafe Coffee Day : A certificate and a cash prize of Rs.2,500/