COFFEE  |  COMPETITION  |  COMMUNITY

It's back, and bigger than ever! On Friday, May 2, baristas from around the country will converge on Bowling Green, Ky., for the eighth iteration of our event,, formerly known as the Kentucky/Tennessee Latte Art Throwdown. We’ve raised tens of thousands of dollars for charity in previous years, and we’re not stopping.

The bracket for this year's KYTNT is still set at a whopping 64, and we'll have two La Marzocco machines running full steam to keep the early rounds moving swiftly. And, thanks to the wonder of technology, you may preregister for the contest by clicking the link to the right (or "below" on mobile devices).  We'll have White Squirrel beer on tap, food available from California Street Tacos, raffles for awesome prizes from local businesses as well as coffee companies, and more!

Doors for the event will open at 5:00p Central time (baristas may enter a little sooner), with first pours starting at 5:30p. And all proceeds from buy-ins, beer sales, raffles, etc. will go to the fine work of Habitat for Humanity of Bowling Green/Warren County!

COMPETITOR PRIZE LIST

GRAND PRIZE $1,000 | 2nd $500 | 3rd $250 | 4th-8th $50 ea

SECOND-CHANCE PRIZES (drawn at random from the fallen)

MY OLD KENTUCKY Throwdown is presented by these fine sponsors — buy their stuff!

PACIFIC BARISTA SERIES | WHITE SQUIRREL BREWERY | SUNERGOS COFFEE | DR. KEVIN JACKSON, GGC EYES/CLINIC OPTICAL | PRIMA COFFEE | LA MARZOCCO | BARISTA MAGAZINE | NOT NEUTRAL | SWEATY GLASS | OF WOOD & CLAY | MELLOW MATT’S | STAIR CASE WINE SHOP

JOIN THE MAILING LIST!

THE BATTLE: HOW IT WORKS

Competing baristas will be randomly assigned a spot on a 64-person bracket (organizers will ensure baristas from the same shop will not be forced to pour against one another in the first round). Each barista will pour one drink during a head-to-head match, and a panel of three professional judges will choose the winner based on a.) definition & symmetry, b.) contrast & color infusion, c.) degree of difficulty, and d.) overall aesthetic beauty. The winner moves on to the next round. During the first two rounds, two espresso machines and two panels of judges will be utilized simultaneously to keep everything moving along.

Competitors may bring their own cups and pitchers to use during "barista's choice" rounds, or they may use Spencer's house pitchers and cups. Lattes poured in Round 1 will be "sold" for charity, so make sure those cups & pitchers are sanitary. Should you advance past Round 1, be ready for an Alternative Milk Round (Pacific Foods is the sponsor, after all), and for our annual Dice Round — you may be called on to pour a Heart, Rosetta, Tulip or even Swan, and in everything from 12oz paper cups to 3oz macchiato cups! (No macchiato swans though, we promise.) 

NO PRACTICE TIME WILL BE OFFERED. The action will take place on our La Marzocco Linea PB, as well as a Linea Classic furnished by Sunergos Coffee.