The first Olympia Manual Brewing Battle took place Friday, August 20th at Batdorf & Bronson's® Cupping and Training Lab. Six competitors went head-to-head to see which cup won the judges' hearts in a blind tasting. The rules were that everyone was to use one manual brewing method of their choice, and each participant had to use the same coffee, Batdorf & Bronson's Organic Nicaragua Isabelia. Everyone had 15 minutes to prepare their brew and pour it into identical Gibraltar glasses on the cupping table.
The judges for the evening included Mathias Eichler, proprietor of Einmaleins in Downtown Olympia, Brian Meyers, Batdorf & Bronson's® Roasting Manager and Jessie Thurston, an all-around town local foodie and chef. The judging was intense and viewed by the many onlookers who showed up to cheer their favorite "brew-ista". The winner was Kendal Calquhoun of Mudbay Coffee Roasters followed by Matt Chrisophe, both of which used the Hario V60 brewer. Honorable mention goes to Forrest Huff, Sandy Hall, Bill Braun, and Will Frith. Thanks to everyone who came out and we hope to see y'all at the next Manual Brew Battle. If you can't make it to the left coast, check out the Atlanta Manual Brew Battle, hosted by Jason Dominy at the Atlanta Batdorf & Bronson Roastery.
