Simpson has been crowned as Australian Barista Champion after competing in a series of heats and finals in Melbourne last week.
The win will see Simpson travel to Athens this June to represent Australia in the World Barista Championship.
“It is an incredible honour to be crowned Australian Barista Champion and to go on to represent Axil Coffee at the World Barista Championships in June,” says Simpson.
“Anthony Douglas [of Axil Coffee] has been such an inspiration to me since being crowned World Barista Champion, so to be able to follow in his footsteps is a massive achievement,” said Jack.
As part of the competition, Simpson produced a routine showcasing the innovative role of a barista and how it is changing in a digital world.
His routine comprised of an espresso, a milk-based coffee and a coffee-based signature drink which consisted of lacto-fermented raspberries, cold vacuum-boiled bergamot tea and clarified milk.
“I wanted my routine to reflect the constantly evolving nature of the coffee world and the need for baristas to always be thinking creatively in order to keep up with trends in tastes and technology,” says Simpson.
“The techniques and equipment used in my routine are a testament to this.”
Simpson has over 10 years experience in the coffee industry, with 7 of those at Melbourne’s Axil Coffee.
It’s the second year running that Axil Coffee has taken out the title, with last year’s winner Anthony Douglas also from the company.
Simpson will compete in the World Barista Championship on 22-24 June 2023 in Athens, Greece.