Thanks Dan for your introduction and the thank you. I split your post from the "ONE POST WINNERS?" thread for the benefit of the sponsors who really appreciate the feedback (for historical interest, here's similar threads from
2006 and
2007). As I mentioned in my e-mail to you, you're one LUCKY guy. A Baratza Vario grinder
and a pound of coffee each month for a year, wow! Jeff and Bryan really pulled out the stops this year, as did many of the other sponsors. That's no small gesture in these rough economic times.
On that note, I would like to express my appreciation to all the sponsors. They make projects that expand our knowledge of espresso like the
Titan Grinder Project possible and support reviews that inform us about high-end gear like the
La Spaziale Vivaldi II. I don't know how much coffee we went through this year, other than "a lot." The coffee roaster sponsors cheerfully kept the test grinders whirling with great coffees. Thanks again!
I would like to offer special thanks to Jim Piccinich of 1st-line equipment. Truth be told, I very reluctantly considered this year's return of the contest. It consumes an inordinate amount of time for coding, testing, organizing, managing the entries, and processing the awards. Normally I start preparing in early November, but this year Thanksgiving was a week away and I hadn't even e-mailed the sponsors. Before officially canceling the event, I sent out a note to a few of the long-time sponsors to gauge their interest. It was Jim who said "Don't cancel, it's an HB tradition!" I don't know if three years running qualifies as a tradition, but to pique my interest, he offered to sponsor the choice of an Ascaso Steel Duo Professional espresso machine or Mazzer Mini Electronic grinder! These retail for $999, more than double the value of 1st-line's contribution last year and a new all-time high for prizes on HB. With that offer, I could not say no. Fortunately the sponsors responded quickly and it all came together in time for the Friday after Thanksgiving. Thanks Jim for the extra push!
Finally, I will close with the classic thank you post from one of last year's winners:
Shotsurfer wrote:A Visit From HB and the Site Sponsors
'Twas a month before the Holidays, when all across the land,
Home Baristas all gathered, with their open hands;
Their cups were placed by their machines with care,
In hopes that HB and the SPONSORS soon would be there;
The baristas were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of grinders danced in their heads;
And I at my desk, watching my husband nap,
had just settled down for a nice cuppa cap.
When out on the Web there arose such a clatter
I sprang to the HB website to see what was the matter.
Away to the HB window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the thread, I could reply in a dash.
The moon on my screen set the Wish List aglow,
Like the luster of crema, generosity was bestowed,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But Surprises, Delights, and Gifts! Oh my dear!
With HB's trusty leader, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be Dan, AKA St. Nick,
More rapid than eagles the Sponsors they came,
And he laid out the rules, and wrote them by name:
"Now, 1st-Line! now, Chris's! now, Counter Culture, join in the mission!
On, Ecco Caffe! on Espresso Parts! on, Great Infusions, what a vision,
From Intelligentsia, Klatch Roasting, and Olympia Coffee, windfalls!
Now Paradise, PT's Coffee, and Vaneli's, giving away all!
And then in a twinkling, the games did begin!
The baristas were eager, all hoping to win!
As I drew in my hand, and put the final click on my mouse,
PT's Coffee came through with a Gift for my house!
The Maestro -- how it twinkled! The coffee how merry!
My cheeks were like roses, my full heart like a cherry!
To the team at PT's Coffee, It was great to meet ya!
Thank You! Thank You! For a year of the luscious Bella Vita!
When the coffee arrived, I went straight to my work,
Pulled down on the lever with nary a jerk;
The crema it poured the thickness of honey,
I will still savor this coffee, when I have to pay money!
Upon the first sip, I tasted chocolates and fruit,
A very nice texture and Crema to boot!
Baristas enjoy a coffee of this ilk;
It is definitely a classic, and pairs nicely with milk.
The baristas are all cheering and giving a whistle,
Replies are still flying like virtual missiles,
But I heard them exclaim, as the end is in sight,
"HAPPY HOLIDAYS HB AND SITE SPONSORS, THANKS FOR THE SURPRISES, GIFTS, AND DELIGHTS!"
by ddr on Mon Dec 08, 2008 2:11 pm 
