Golden Bean Medal: Learn About the World's Largest Coffee Roasting Competition

Golden Bean Medal: Learn About the World's Largest Coffee Roasting Competition

Golden Bean Medal: Learn About the World's Largest Coffee Roasting Competition

Coffee enthusiasts and professionals alike often seek the pinnacle of recognition in the industry. Among the various accolades, the Golden Bean Medal stands out as the premier honour in the world of coffee roasting. This prestigious award is more than just a medal; it represents excellence, dedication, and a profound understanding of the art of coffee roasting. In this article, we delve into the details of the Golden Bean competition, exploring its significance, the process, and what it means for those who win this coveted award.

This article’s sections:

What is the Golden Bean Competition?

History and Significance

The Competition Categories

Judging Process

How to Participate

Golden Bean Medal Winners for you to try

Conclusion

What is the Golden Bean Competition?

The Golden Bean is the largest coffee roasting competition globally, founded in 2005 it attracts participants from all corners of the coffee industry. Established to recognize and celebrate the skills of coffee roasters, the competition evaluates thousands of coffee entries each year. The event not only showcases the best in the business but also fosters a community of learning and sharing among coffee professionals.

Golden Bean Medal History and Significance

The Golden Bean competition was founded in Australia and has since expanded to include events in North America. Its primary goal is to acknowledge the craftsmanship of coffee roasters and provide a platform for them to gain recognition and feedback from their peers. Winning a Golden Bean Medal is considered a significant achievement, often leading to increased business opportunities and industry credibility.

The Competition Categories

The competition is divided into several categories to ensure a fair evaluation of different coffee styles and roasting techniques. Some of the main categories include:

Espresso

Milk-based

Filter coffee

Single-origin

Blends

Each category is further subdivided to account for different roast levels and bean origins, allowing roasters to showcase their skills across a wide range of coffee types.

Golden Bean Medal Judging Process

One of the key aspects that make the Golden Bean competition reputable is its rigorous judging process. The entries are blind-tested by a panel of experienced judges, including industry experts, baristas, and previous award winners.

The judging criteria focus on various aspects such as aroma, flavour, acidity, body, and aftertaste. Each coffee is scored based on these attributes, and the highest-scoring coffees are awarded medals.

How to Participate

Participation in the Golden Bean competition is open to all coffee roasters, from small boutique operations to large commercial roasters. To enter, roasters must submit their coffee samples along with an entry fee. The samples are then categorized and sent to the judging panel. The competition also includes workshops and networking events, providing participants with opportunities to learn and connect with other professionals in the industry.

Golden Bean Medal Winners for you to try

Reserve Espresso | 6 Time Golden Bean Medal Winner: Our best-selling espresso blend is crafted from coffees directly imported from our dedicated partners in Cauca, Colombia; Lintong, Sumatra; and Minas Gerais, Brazil. Each component is carefully processed and selected for its ability to produce a sweet, well-balanced flavour and an exceptional mouthfeel.

Guatemala Milagro | 4 Time Golden Bean Medal Winner: Sourced from the lush highlands of Guatemala, this coffee embodies the rich heritage and meticulous craftsmanship of its region. The medium roast enhances its natural sweetness, delivering a smooth and balanced cup that is perfect for any time of the day.

SWP Decaf Espresso | 5 Time Golden Bean Medal Winner: If you are looking for great flavour without the caffeine kick, our multiple award-winning SWP Decaf coffee is known for its incredibly smooth and lively taste, and as many of our customers you'll be surprised by its exceptional flavour, and you'll hardly believing it's decaf.

Blindside Espresso | 2 Time Golden Bean Medal Winner: Roasted to a light/medium level, our Blindside Espresso highlights its bright acidity, syrupy body, and exquisite sweetness. This seasonal blend is designed for those who love a sweeter espresso with clear and distinct acidity.

Conclusion

The Golden Bean Medal represents the pinnacle of achievement in the coffee roasting world. It is a testament to the skill, passion, and dedication of the roasters who participate in the competition. Whether you are a coffee professional or an enthusiast, understanding the significance of this award provides valuable insight into the art and science of coffee roasting. By recognizing and celebrating excellence, the Golden Bean competition continues to elevate the standards of the coffee industry, inspiring roasters to strive for perfection.

Back to blog