Ben Wins 2025 Canadian National Barista Championship — for the 7th Tim

Monogram co-owner and co-founder, Ben Put, is officially Canada’s 2025 National Barista Champion! 🇨🇦

The competition took place this past weekend in Edmonton, Alberta, and Ben brought home the gold with a thoughtful, creative, and technically stunning set. This marks Ben’s seventh national title, a record-breaking achievement that reaffirms his position as the most awarded barista champion in Canadian history. We’re beyond proud to see him once again represent Monogram and Canada with such grace and excellence.

This year’s routine was built around a deeply personal idea: collective wisdom. Ben explored how we carry the generosity and insight of those who came before us, and how their influence helps shape our values, decisions, and creative work. He reflected on the impact of his mentors, peers, and especially the producers who have dedicated their lives to growing remarkable coffee. Their care, innovation, and commitment to quality have guided Ben’s journey for years.

To bring this idea to life, Ben showcased three extraordinary coffees from producers Monogram has long partnered with and admired:

A rare anaerobic natural Gesha from Finca Takesi, the only lot of its kind ever produced
Ellipse from Finca Deborah, a hybrid Gesha crafted by Jamison Savage and processed using both anaerobic and washed techniques
A custom washed Gesha from Elida Estate, grown in the Torre plot and ripened using ethylene for added sweetness and complexity

These producers have had a profound impact on Ben’s career and on Monogram’s coffee program. Mariana Iturralde and Juan Condarco at Finca Takesi, Jamison Savage at Finca Deborah, and the Lamastus family at Elida Estate have each contributed not only exceptional coffees, but also knowledge, hospitality, and a shared belief in what coffee can be. Ben’s routine honoured their work and celebrated the deep relationships behind every cup.

As always, Ben brought bold innovation to the stage. For the milk course, he created a two-temperature experience using freeze-distilled coconut milk layered beneath steamed milk and espresso. Judges were instructed to taste both the hot and cold layers, resulting in a drink that transformed with each sip. His signature beverage combined geranium, black cherry, and vanilla cold foam, designed to highlight the delicate florality of his Gesha espresso.

None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of Jill Hoff, Monogram’s Director of Education and Ben’s longtime coach. Jill’s calm presence, thoughtful guidance, and tireless work helped shape every detail of the routine. Together, they are an exceptional team.

Ben Put with his coach Jill Hoff, of Monogram (left) and Jenny Borrego, the 2024 Mexican Barista Champion (right).

The Canadian Barista Championship is a high-pressure competition where baristas have 15 minutes to serve 12 drinks — four espressos, four milk-based drinks, and four signature beverages — while presenting a compelling story that connects their coffee to a broader idea. It’s a celebration of skill, creativity, and the vibrant community behind specialty coffee.

Ben will now represent Canada at the World Barista Championship in Milan this October, competing alongside champions from over 50 countries. We can’t wait to cheer him on and watch him share the stories, coffees, and values that continue to shape his path.