“This is the second time I have entered but it was so much harder than last year. The coffee was more complex and very similar.”
In the first round Jaye got seven out of eight correct in a time of 4 minutes and 18 seconds. That put her in third place going into the finals which was a knockout round.
She got six out of eight in 2 minutes, 29 seconds which landed her in 4th place from a starting lineup of 36.
“I was so stoked I got one right so I was shocked and chuffed with myself at the results.
“I will definitely be entering again next year. Cup Taster winners go to Chicago. This year’s competition has taught me that I can do this. I had it in my grasp, just two cups and a few seconds away. So yes, I’ll be back next year.”
Jaye, 28, has been making coffee since she was 15.
“I love it. Customers and colleagues are a big part of the reason. It’s also about the process. I get to see the entire process from start to finish.
“I dial in my machine first thing in the morning and get to work. There’s quite a science to it. "
Jaye has her own brand Your Local Barista. “It was so cool to see someone wearing one of my T-shirts at the competition.”
The design on her merchandise is very special to Jaye.