Well it's been nearly a week and the excitement still hasn't fully died down after last Saturday's SCAA Brewers Cup and Barista Competition. That's probably at least partly because you all have been so fun and awesome in keeping the buzz going! Thanks for enjoying this with us and for giving your congrats and well wishes to our competing baristas. Thanks for drinking the coffee we put so much passion into.
And just for that... you get to look at some fun photos. Yaaaayyy! You will find them below right after we explain one more time what exactly went into and occurred at this momentous event. But even before that we want to involve you even further in the celebration by inviting you to Quills Cardinal Towne (327 West Cardinal Blvd.) THIS SATURDAY (1/25) where Michael Butterworth will be making all espresso drinks with his competition-profiled coffee - San Cristobal, Guatemala. He's working the rise & shine shift and supplies will run out quickly so be sure to come by early.
Now here's how it went down:
The Southeast region of the Big Eastern Barista Competition was held in Durham, NC January 17-19. The event featured 44 baristas from 11 different states. Competitors served 3 courses of espresso-based drinks while giving a presentation to a panel of 4 judges who evaluated the drinks' taste balance, body, and visual presentation in addition to the contestant's customer service skills. All three courses had to be served in a 15-minute time limit. Michael Butterworth, who competed with a coffee from San Cristobal, Guatemala (roasted by Quills) took fifth place and will travel to Seattle April 24-27 to compete in the national championship.
Two other Louisville baristas also reached the final round of the Brewer's Cup, a manually brewed coffee competition. James Tooill of Argo Sons took 3rd place, advancing to the National Brewers Cup and Quills' head roaster Jesse Myers took 4th place, just shy of advancing. Houston Miller did a stellar job and represented Quills proudly as well.
(Thanks to Darren Jennings & Co. (and at least one or two others) for the photos!)
CLICK ON EACH PHOTO TO BE SHOWN THE NEXT AND THEN AGAIN AND ETC. AND ETC.
