Ever wondered why the coffee in Canberra just hits different?
We sat down with Canberra coffee guru, Danny Wilson to talk coffee culture, the battle of the barista’s and the job that takes 5+ coffee’s a day.
Written by Courtney / Mustard Flats
Photo @umjordan Instagram
When it comes to coffee, cocktails and Canberra, Danny Wilson is the crema of the crop. He’s the head roaster at ONA and 3-time National Coffee in Good Spirits Champion but where did his love for coffee begin?
In 2010 Danny started his first job as a barista at a local coffee shop in Woden where he developed his passion for coffee. This job started simply because he needed some work. He then moved around between cafes until he met the team at ONA Coffee around 7 years ago where he is now the head roaster.
Danny is internationally recognised for his coffee cocktails, which are presented and judged by a panel of experts annually at the World Coffee Championships. His speciality is Coffee in Good Spirits, an exercise in innovation and mixology. Taking out 5th this year and a career high of 3rd, his skill have taken him around the world, including Brazil, Berlin and Milan. Danny is not new to the world of coffee competitions, which is why we asked him to give us a run down.
Danny explained that there is a process to preparing for the competitions. Generally, there are two components; research & development then the actual practice. Despite how rewarding it would be, I’m sure you can imagine how difficult it is to pull off. (..not to mention a logistical nightmare)
“The coffee has to taste the same in 6 months across the world as it does now in Australia.”
Danny explained that there are a lot of stages that need to go right between growing the coffee plant and serving the finished result. These coffee competitions aren’t limited to the big cities, we have some of our own here in Canberra! Danny says these are the most fun with mini events that provide a nice sense of community.
“The CBR coffee community is greater than you might think, and it plays a big role in how we as Canberran’s drink coffee. ”
Coffee culture here in the capital is huge and most people will have at least one a day. We are flooded with local, independent coffee shops that stock the best beans and we only really see ‘chain’ café’s in the shopping centres. These big chains can’t keep up with our kickass local spots and here’s why:
We have such high standards when it comes to coffee and if the difference in price is around $3, Canberra’s are usually happy to pay more for the better experience.
Canberra is a small place yet has heaps of coffee spots. This makes it really easy to travel and shop around for what you really like.
Even then, our ‘average’ coffee spots are still awesome which raises our expectation levels and standard to what a good coffee is – we truly are blessed.
So how do you make a significantly better coffee?
Danny says that the potential of a coffee depends on the beans. If the beans aren’t right, the barista can’t magically save the coffee and make it good. From growing conditions, to shipping the beans, then to roasting – these steps all need to be seamless before the barista even opens the bag. From his experience at ONA, Danny mentions having a reliable and quality bean supplier is crucial before roasting begins.
The job that requires drinking 3-5 coffees a day
His role at ONA includes taste testing every batch of beans that is distributed. He has to ensure the beans are roasted to perfection and taste just right in an espresso, flat white and filter coffee. Once this is perfected the barista now has a perfect base to start making the coffee. Baristas generally get to know the beans they use daily very well and how they perform, which will improve the quality of product with experience.
Then, the most meaningful part – the delivery. There’s nothing better than walking in to a café where they know your name and order then to be handed you drink with a smile.
Photo credit: ONA Coffee
Thank you so much Danny for taking the time to talk to us about your coffee journey and Canberra coffee culture.
We are always happy to hear from Canberran’s and local businesses that are crushing it. If you have something to share, please reach out!
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