Posted by April Maibauer on Thu, Mar 12, 2009
photo taken from http://www.usbc2009.com
The 2009 United States Barista Championship (USBC) was held March 5 - 8 in Portland, Oregon. Sixty of the Nations top baristas came together for a chance to obtain the title of the 2009 United States Barista Champion. Competitors qualify for a spot in the USBC by winning one of 10 regional competitions or participating in one of the regional competitions.
Competitors served 12 drinks in a 15-minute period in front of a panel of seven judges. Four espressos, four cappuccinos and four beverages of their own creations were critiqued. Judges evaluated each Barista on hundreds of details including their technical skill; the flavor and quality of their espresso; the taste, creativity and appearance of their drinks, and on their presentation/customer service skills. The winner will be crowned the US Champion and advance to the World Barista Championship (WBC) in Atlanta, Georgia, April 16 - 19.
The 2009 United States Barista Champion is Mike Phillips of Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea, Chicago, IL.(Pictured center)
Second place winner is Nick Griffith, Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea, Los Angeles, CA. Nick was the first place winner at the Western Regional Barista Competition in Los Angeles, CA. (Pictured left)
Third place winner is Scott Lucey, Alterra Coffee, Milwaukee, WI. Scott took first place in the Great Lakes Regional Barista Competition in Chicago, IL. (Pictured right)
4th Place: Ryan Willbur, Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea, Los Angeles, CA
5th Place: Devin Pedde, Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea, Los Angeles, CA
6th Place: Mike Marquard, Kaldi's Coffee, St. Louis, MO
Congratulations to all and good luck to Mike Phillips at the WBC!