Northwest Regional Barista Competition Oct 20-22 '06

[miKe mcKoffee]

NWRBC three plus weeks away and looking forward to it! Assuming I pass Thursday's certification workshop this'll be my first time judging, should be educational and fun. Also volunteered to volunteer when not judging.

[miKe mcKoffee]

As I mentioned in another thread had some challenges during calibrations so wasn't judging. Been there for the entire great competition and lots of great people. Here's a video from the end of Saturday. Klaus (WBC Champion doing most of the MCing) introducing all the competitors and announcing tomorrow's six finalists. Sorry but they had the lights down low.



I'm planning to attempt videoing all six tomorrow and upload the winning performance.

[HB]

I'm disappointed you didn't get a chance to judge, but glad to see your reporting of the event. Video and/or commentary of the finals would be especially great!

[pdx]

I'm impressed that Billy Wilson made it to the finals having gone a minute over time. His signature drink is visually amazing and the experience of tasting it is great. He really framed the flavor profile of Hairbender with the ingredient selection (milk foam, chocolate-infused creme fraiche, espresso caviar & a mist of grapefruit juice for aroma). When the encapsulated espresso "caviar" breaks to coat your tongue it leaves that benchmark aftertaste. I wish there were a way to carry the experience into the cafe setting, but I can't see anyone doing this practically.

[miKe mcKoffee]

Michelle from the SCAA taking pictures of the six finalists.


Klaus joined the finalists for a photo.

[miKe mcKoffee]

Terry already announced the winners. Here's a pic'. (video of the annoucement uploading to Google as I type, will also be uploading video of Billy's winning performance.)

Billy holding his 1st Place Trophy


Left to right Jon Lewis (2nd Place), Billy Wilson and Kevin Fuller (3rd Place)


La Marzocco steamed it's all over.

[miKe mcKoffee]

And here's the (possibly anti-climatic) video introducing the finalists and announcing the winner....

[miKe mcKoffee]

Billy Wilson's winning performance.


Unfortunately didn't know my camera well enough to realize it could either zoom or have audio in video mode so sorry no audio. (Olympus C750, primarily still camera) Quite a shame too, his commentary was outstanding. Kevin's 3rd place performance will be online shortly with audio. Screwed up and didn't get Jon's 2nd place performance, sorry.

[pdx]

I have video of Billy, Kyle & Kevin taken from the front of the balcony- let me know if you want files to post- i can rip to whatever in quicktime.

I didn't manage to record Jon, either.

[miKe mcKoffee]

I have video of Billy, Kyle & Kevin taken from the front of the balcony- let me know if you want files to post- i can rip to whatever in quicktime.

I didn't manage to record Jon, either.

If your vid of Billy includes audio just upload it to google video and post it! Mine was pretty dark too. Kevin's came out better I think and it finally made it up.

Kevin Fuller's Third Place winning performance:

[miKe mcKoffee]

Stumptown's Kyle Larson went into the finals finishing fourth in the preliminary rounds. Interestingly he didn't use Hairbender for any of his drinks. Used SO Guatemala El Injerto for all shots. Here's the video of his finals performance.

[OlywaDave]

For those not lucky enough to have attended this past weekend's event let me tell you what a blast it was. By far my favorite coffee function ever, this one will be tough to top and I've been to my share of jams, competitions and trade shows. The parties were great of course and I know folks will be talking about Albina's party for years to come. I never thought picking a few espressos to sample could be so hard. The selections on the Clover at the Comp were awesome as well, not to mention the COE cuppings in the loft.

Mike! It was great meeting you, I'm not surprised we ran into each other in front of the "4th Machine". As for your lighting situation and video, I thought that if there was a downfall to this weekend's event it was that the lighting was a tad funky to get good pics in.

BIG SHOUT OUT to all involved in making this happen, especially Duane and Stumptown Crew, Matt and The American Barista & Coffee School, BGA and The Albina Press. You guys put together a really great weekend. Even though I'll be wrecked by next week I am so glad it wasn't on the same weekend as Coffee Fest so I could attend and enjoy.

For those who couldn't make it... Sorry.

P.S. Great videos guys!

[pdx]

Here's Billy's routine filmed from the front of the balcony. There was a speaker right in front of me, so the sound is pretty good.

[miKe mcKoffee]

Mike! It was great meeting you, I'm not surprised we ran into each other in front of the "4th Machine".

Ditto great meeting you and Terry! No question got a few mighty fine straight shots and a couple machiattos from good 'ol #4 over the 3 days. One of these days I gotta make the couple hour buzz up North and visit EPNW.

[terryz]

Ditto great meeting you and Terry! No question got a few mighty fine straight shots and a couple machiattos from good 'ol #4 over the 3 days. One of these days I gotta make the couple hour buzz up North and visit EPNW.

Yea, Mike it was great meeting you. A busy weekend, but allot of great folks. Come on up to Olympia and we will show ya round the place and I bet you will find a coffee or two you might like as well