Just this last weekend, 4 of us flew down to Los Angeles to compete and judge at the Western Regional Barista & Brewers Cup Competitions. Representing her skills, her caf, and B&B roasted Colombian beans - Stacy Wood-Burgess took to the stage for the first time last weekend, presenting a panel of judges with 4 espressos, 4 cappuccinos and 4 signature beverages of her own design.
Stacys welcoming personality was the first glowing impression that the crowd and judges got to experience. Her passion was genuine and her energy was awesome. Stacy completed her service in under 15 minutes and while she did not take home a top placement award, she accomplished what she set out to do and is ready for next year. Stacy is a barista at Caf Javasti in Seattle. Batdorf & Bronson is honored to have had a Wholesale partnership with Caf Javasti since 1999. Way to go Stacy, you made us all very proud! You can visit Caf Javasits two locations in Seattle.
Also competing last weekend was our very own Trainer/Educator Ben Jones. Ben competed in the Brewers Cup, using our Organic Costa Rica. Last year Ben took second place in this same competition, and this year, along with some seriously stiff competition he made it through to the finals, finishing the competition in a respectable fifth place.
Bens theme was based on the beauty of simple coffee preparation, and he even hand-made a drain box which he used to enhance the cleanliness & aesthetic of his presentation.
Ben's routine was relaxed and well composed. Batdorf is thrilled to have him represent us these last 2 competition seasons and we look forward to what else he has up his sleeve! Here is some video of the PNW finalists being awarded their placements: Along with our 2 fantastic competitors we sent 2 Batdorf employees down to judge the barista competition. Our Production Specialist and Barista Jamie Willis, volunteered for this event last year. Ready to step up her involvement as a technical judge, Jamie aced her judges training and went on to judge the technical portions of the Baristas performances. We look forward to her future involvements and are proud of her growing passion for coffee. We expect great things from Jamie!
No stranger to judging all types of coffee competitions, our Customer Services Manager Jenya Campbell flexed her palate as a Sensory judge for the third year in a row. This was the first year that this competition combined the NW & SW regions, which enabled her to judge coffee from the SW which she says was exciting and delicious. Jenya has plans to judge for the fifth time, at the National Barista Competition in Seattle this Spring.
Batdorf is proud of this team of coffee professionals, and thanks them for their dedication and passion for our industry and Company. No doubt you will see more of these folks in the coming competition seasons. For more information on this and other SCAA events: Specialty Coffee Association of America & US Coffee Championships