Coconut infusions, Turkish delight blends and twists on the traditional chai latte - Northland's coffee pros have been putting their best beans to the grind this week for a shot at being named the region's top barista.
Thirty contestants were frothing for a chance at the title of Northland Barista Champion, giving them automatic entry into the national grand finals.
Competition co-ordinator Rob Tadman, of Northland Hospitality, said some competitors chose their own beans, some going so far as to have them specially batch roasted for the event.
He said the standard "went through the roof" year-on-year, with Northland's coffee scene coming a long way.
"It's a chicken and egg situation - whether the consumer is becoming more savvy or baristas are becoming more discerning," Mr Tadman said.