Barista competitions are more than just a display of skill; they represent a confluence of artistry, meticulousness, and narrative craftsmanship expressed through coffee. Participants are granted a mere fifteen minutes to present espressos, milk-based beverages, and a bespoke signature drink to a panel of adjudicators. Every element, from coffee selection to brewing methods and presentation, holds significant weight. Achieving victory once is remarkable, but multiple wins solidify a competitor's status among the global elite.
In the Canadian coffee landscape, Benjamin Put stands as a revered figure. His triumph in the 2025 Canadian National Barista Championship marked his seventh win, an unprecedented accomplishment in the competition's annals. Since securing his initial national title in 2013, Put has consistently made his presence felt on the international stage, proudly representing Canada at the World Barista Championship and consistently ranking among the top five. Beyond the competitive arena, Put is a co-founder of Monogram Coffee, a distinguished Calgary-based roastery and cafe collective that has been instrumental in shaping Canada's contemporary coffee culture. Renowned for his innovative spirit—he was an early adopter of freeze-distilled milk in competitions—and unwavering dedication to flavor and hospitality, Put has cultivated a reputation that extends far beyond the confines of competition halls.
During a recent discussion following his 2025 championship win, Ben offered perspectives on his career trajectory, the iconic beverages that have defined his journey, and the integral connection between competitive insights and the daily operations of a coffee establishment. His immersion in specialty coffee was a gradual evolution, marked by a constant pursuit of knowledge spanning chemistry, sensory science, and various languages. The deep bonds forged with colleagues, who have become lifelong companions, enrich his professional life. The profound influence he wields over the flavor profile of coffee, from sourcing to roasting and brewing, provides immense satisfaction. This multifaceted passion for the industry has sustained his long-standing happiness in coffee. Furthermore, Put shared innovative techniques from his recent win, including serving milk drinks at two distinct temperatures by freezing coconut milk within the cup. This unconventional approach, facilitated by a rule change, created a unique sensory experience for the judges. He also emphasized the critical role of rest and energy management in maintaining peak performance during demanding three-round competitions, a strategy that contrasts with conventional preparation methods. He humorously noted his superstitious reliance on Blundstones shoes, attributing his best results to wearing them. Put's signature drink this year was a deconstructed cappuccino using washed Geshas, aiming to highlight their delicate floral, citrus, and stonefruit notes that often disappear when mixed with milk. He achieved this by using freeze-distilled coconut milk, black cherry syrup, and a touch of geraniol to amplify the floral aromas. He also revealed the extensive trial-and-error process behind his signature creations, often involving dozens of failed experiments before a successful formula emerges, emphasizing the challenge of balancing creativity with deliciousness in competition settings. This year, his espresso choice was a blend of three Gesha coffees—a first for him—each from producers with whom he has cultivated close relationships. He conceptualized this blend as a tangible representation of the collective knowledge shared by these coffee masters, resulting in a harmoniously balanced and intensely flavored espresso that remarkably hit perfection throughout the competition. He reminisced about a daring two-part signature drink from 2017, where he froze one half with liquid nitrogen within the cup, a high-scoring but logistically challenging creation. Reflecting on his World Barista Championship experiences since 2014, Put admitted that the initial nervousness and excitement remain undiminished, even as the competitive landscape grows more intense. The enduring friendships forged through competition are among its most cherished rewards. He also highlighted the significant crossover between competition innovations and everyday cafe offerings, noting how customer interest in competition-grade coffees has led Monogram to consistently feature unique Gesha and other specialty varieties. For home baristas, he praised their experimental spirit, which he believes is revitalizing innovation in the coffee industry, noting that many current trends, like RDT (Ross Droplet Technique), originated in home communities. He expressed excitement for the continued growth and broader acceptance of specialty coffee, aiming to share its nuances with a wider global audience.
Benjamin Put's journey in the competitive coffee world exemplifies the power of dedication, innovation, and an unyielding passion for one's craft. His story inspires us to continually seek improvement, embrace creativity, and recognize the value of community and shared knowledge in any field. It reminds us that true mastery is not just about individual achievement but also about elevating the entire discipline and inspiring others to pursue excellence with unwavering enthusiasm.