Name: Jamie Fey
Company: Dogwood Coffee Co.
Website: www.dogwoodcoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Ayele
Total years working as a Barista: 4
Tasting Notes: Delicate, juicy, and floral.
Reason for Competing: To challenge myself.
North Central
Company: Dogwood Coffee Co.
Website: www.dogwoodcoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Ayele
Total years working as a Barista: 4
Tasting Notes: Delicate, juicy, and floral.
Reason for Competing: To challenge myself.
North Central
Name: Nate Murphy
Company: The Coffee Ethic
Website: www.thecoffeeethic.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: TBD
Total years working as a Barista: 2
Tasting Notes: TBD
Reason for Competing: I figure I should join before I get drafted.
South Central
Company: The Coffee Ethic
Website: www.thecoffeeethic.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: TBD
Total years working as a Barista: 2
Tasting Notes: TBD
Reason for Competing: I figure I should join before I get drafted.
South Central
Name: Jordan Hubred
Company: Parka
Website: www.parkampls.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Neon Espresso Competition Blend by Dogwood
Total years working as a Barista: 4
Tasting Notes: Refreshing bright acidity, hard candied tropical fruit sweetness, lingering milk chocolate finish with a candied syrup mouthfeel.
Reason for Competing: I caught the coffee bug at age 15 and have been nerding out about it ever since. I am excited to be able to share my experience with specialty coffee over the past few years.
North Central
Company: Parka
Website: www.parkampls.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Neon Espresso Competition Blend by Dogwood
Total years working as a Barista: 4
Tasting Notes: Refreshing bright acidity, hard candied tropical fruit sweetness, lingering milk chocolate finish with a candied syrup mouthfeel.
Reason for Competing: I caught the coffee bug at age 15 and have been nerding out about it ever since. I am excited to be able to share my experience with specialty coffee over the past few years.
North Central
Name: Andrew Iwersen
Company: Quay Coffee
Website: www.quaycoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: 100% Arabica Coffee, Unique to Kansas City
Total years working as a Barista: 3
Tasting Notes: Like a party at sunset on the beach.
Reason for Competing: My mother goaded me to.
South Central
Company: Quay Coffee
Website: www.quaycoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: 100% Arabica Coffee, Unique to Kansas City
Total years working as a Barista: 3
Tasting Notes: Like a party at sunset on the beach.
Reason for Competing: My mother goaded me to.
South Central
Name: Alex Johnson
Company: Quixotic Coffee
Website: www.quixoticcoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Ecuador Lucas Vera
Total years working as a Barista: 7
Tasting Notes: Currants, raisin, juicy, rounded body, balanced.
Reason for Competing: Was curious to know what it was like to compete in Brewers Cup, also a great way to evaluate my skills.
North Central
Company: Quixotic Coffee
Website: www.quixoticcoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Ecuador Lucas Vera
Total years working as a Barista: 7
Tasting Notes: Currants, raisin, juicy, rounded body, balanced.
Reason for Competing: Was curious to know what it was like to compete in Brewers Cup, also a great way to evaluate my skills.
North Central
Name: Joshua Stephenson
Company: Greyhouse Coffee & Supply Co.
Website:
Espresso and/or Coffee used: PT's Southpaw Espresso
Total years working as a Barista: 3
Tasting Notes: Malty milk chocolate, Tangerine, Cherry
Reason for Competing: This competition is a great way to meet some awesome baristas, hear about and experience some awesome new coffees, and to expand my knowledge of specialty coffee.
North Central
Company: Greyhouse Coffee & Supply Co.
Website:
Espresso and/or Coffee used: PT's Southpaw Espresso
Total years working as a Barista: 3
Tasting Notes: Malty milk chocolate, Tangerine, Cherry
Reason for Competing: This competition is a great way to meet some awesome baristas, hear about and experience some awesome new coffees, and to expand my knowledge of specialty coffee.
North Central
Name: Josh Taves
Company: Dogwood Coffee Co.
Website: www.dogwoodcoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Nodier Andrade Microlot
Total years working as a Barista: 7
Tasting Notes: Your grandma's apple pie.
Reason for Competing: Well, I have a really good time doing it and I like repping Dogwood.
North Central
Company: Dogwood Coffee Co.
Website: www.dogwoodcoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Nodier Andrade Microlot
Total years working as a Barista: 7
Tasting Notes: Your grandma's apple pie.
Reason for Competing: Well, I have a really good time doing it and I like repping Dogwood.
North Central
Name: Mike Greene
Company: Lemonjello's Coffee
Website: www.lemonjellos.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Guatemalan Medium Roast from Equal Exchange
Total years working as a Barista: 2
Tasting Notes: Chocolate, Cherry, Winey, Sweet
Reason for Competing: It sounds like fun, honestly. I love brewing coffee, and this will be a new experience for me to take on.
North Central
Company: Lemonjello's Coffee
Website: www.lemonjellos.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Guatemalan Medium Roast from Equal Exchange
Total years working as a Barista: 2
Tasting Notes: Chocolate, Cherry, Winey, Sweet
Reason for Competing: It sounds like fun, honestly. I love brewing coffee, and this will be a new experience for me to take on.
North Central
Name: Jacque DesMarais
Company: Kaldi's Coffee
Website: www.kaldiscoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: TBD
Total years working as a Barista: 3
Tasting Notes: De-ricious
Reason for Competing: I love getting to be part of such a great industry event.
South Central
Company: Kaldi's Coffee
Website: www.kaldiscoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: TBD
Total years working as a Barista: 3
Tasting Notes: De-ricious
Reason for Competing: I love getting to be part of such a great industry event.
South Central
Name: Miranda Johnson
Company: Madcap Coffee Company
Website: www.madcapcoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Hernando Carvajal
Total years working as a Barista: 12
Tasting Notes: Peaches & Herbs
Reason for Competing: Learning and funning.
North Central
Company: Madcap Coffee Company
Website: www.madcapcoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Hernando Carvajal
Total years working as a Barista: 12
Tasting Notes: Peaches & Herbs
Reason for Competing: Learning and funning.
North Central
Name: Laura Clark
Company: Homer's Coffeehouse
Website: www.homerscoffeehouse.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: E.F. Hobbs Guatemala La Voz
Total years working as a Barista: 1
Tasting Notes: Cocoa powder, cherries, and orange acidity.
Reason for Competing: I love coffee. Besides just loving the taste, I am learning about the ins and outs of coffee. The experience will also make me a better barista, from consistency, and really getting to know the bean I love so much, and communicating that love to people.
South Central
Company: Homer's Coffeehouse
Website: www.homerscoffeehouse.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: E.F. Hobbs Guatemala La Voz
Total years working as a Barista: 1
Tasting Notes: Cocoa powder, cherries, and orange acidity.
Reason for Competing: I love coffee. Besides just loving the taste, I am learning about the ins and outs of coffee. The experience will also make me a better barista, from consistency, and really getting to know the bean I love so much, and communicating that love to people.
South Central
Name: Robbie Krask
Company: HalfWit Coffee Roasters
Website: www.halfwitcoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: HalfWit
Total years working as a Barista: 2
Tasting Notes: Tasty!
Reason for Competing: To learn more.
North Central
Company: HalfWit Coffee Roasters
Website: www.halfwitcoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: HalfWit
Total years working as a Barista: 2
Tasting Notes: Tasty!
Reason for Competing: To learn more.
North Central
Name: Pete Licata
Company: Parisi Coffee
Website: www.parisicoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Ecuador Vilcabamba
Total years working as a Barista: 10
Tasting Notes: Melon, clover honey, bittersweet chocolate.
Reason for Competing: To give some of my perspectives to others, hang out with awesome people, and feel the thrill of competition one last time.
South Central
Company: Parisi Coffee
Website: www.parisicoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Ecuador Vilcabamba
Total years working as a Barista: 10
Tasting Notes: Melon, clover honey, bittersweet chocolate.
Reason for Competing: To give some of my perspectives to others, hang out with awesome people, and feel the thrill of competition one last time.
South Central
Name: Scott Lucey
Company: Alterra Coffee Roasters
Website: www.acrmke.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Nelson Melo of Finca Las Acacias, Cauca, Col.
Total years working as a Barista: 11
Tasting Notes: Grapefruit, Date, Dried Bing Cherry
Reason for Competing: My interest is part competitive madness, part positive, servant-leader type obligation.
North Central
Company: Alterra Coffee Roasters
Website: www.acrmke.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Nelson Melo of Finca Las Acacias, Cauca, Col.
Total years working as a Barista: 11
Tasting Notes: Grapefruit, Date, Dried Bing Cherry
Reason for Competing: My interest is part competitive madness, part positive, servant-leader type obligation.
North Central
Name: Andrew Grassmick
Company: Madcap Coffee Company
Website: www.madcapcoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: TBD
Total years working as a Barista: 3
Tasting Notes: TBD
Reason for Competing: First step toward world domination.
North Central
Company: Madcap Coffee Company
Website: www.madcapcoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: TBD
Total years working as a Barista: 3
Tasting Notes: TBD
Reason for Competing: First step toward world domination.
North Central
Name: Talya Strader
Company: Bow Truss Coffee Roasters
Website: www.bowtruss.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Dark Matter, Bow Truss, Ipsento
Total years working as a Barista: 13
Tasting Notes: 1.)Herbal, Sweet Pepper 2.)Cran 3.)Honey
Reason for Competing: I love competition. This year I hope to rep all of Chicago in this competition to showcase a wide spectrum of Specialty Coffee and how customers now have the ability to choose exactly what they like.
North Central
Company: Bow Truss Coffee Roasters
Website: www.bowtruss.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Dark Matter, Bow Truss, Ipsento
Total years working as a Barista: 13
Tasting Notes: 1.)Herbal, Sweet Pepper 2.)Cran 3.)Honey
Reason for Competing: I love competition. This year I hope to rep all of Chicago in this competition to showcase a wide spectrum of Specialty Coffee and how customers now have the ability to choose exactly what they like.
North Central
Name: Tyler Rovenstine
Company: Oddly Correct Coffee Roasters
Website: www.oddlycorrect.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Entre Volcanes, Antigua Guatemala
Total years working as a Barista: 10
Tasting Notes: Goodness
Reason for Competing: It's stressfully fun.
South Central
Company: Oddly Correct Coffee Roasters
Website: www.oddlycorrect.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Entre Volcanes, Antigua Guatemala
Total years working as a Barista: 10
Tasting Notes: Goodness
Reason for Competing: It's stressfully fun.
South Central
Name: Forrest Wright
Company: PT's Coffee Roasting Co.
Website: www.ptscoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Thiriku
Total years working as a Barista: 2
Tasting Notes: Tons of notes, red grape, gold raisin, black currant, fig, apricot to name a few.
Reason for Competing: I really want to showcase an outstanding coffee as well as shine light on a co-op that I think is doing some really progressive work. Mainly I'm just excited to be able to share some great coffee and be a part of all this.
South Central
Company: PT's Coffee Roasting Co.
Website: www.ptscoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Thiriku
Total years working as a Barista: 2
Tasting Notes: Tons of notes, red grape, gold raisin, black currant, fig, apricot to name a few.
Reason for Competing: I really want to showcase an outstanding coffee as well as shine light on a co-op that I think is doing some really progressive work. Mainly I'm just excited to be able to share some great coffee and be a part of all this.
South Central
Name: Nora Brady
Company: Kaldi's Coffee
Website: www.kaldiscoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: It's a surprise!
Total years working as a Barista: 3
Tasting Notes: I'll tell ya on the 18th.
Reason for Competing: Growth.
South Central
Company: Kaldi's Coffee
Website: www.kaldiscoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: It's a surprise!
Total years working as a Barista: 3
Tasting Notes: I'll tell ya on the 18th.
Reason for Competing: Growth.
South Central
Name: Patrick Burns
Company: Palace Coffee Company
Website: www.palacecoffee.co
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Costa Rica La Violeta
Total years working as a Barista: 4
Tasting Notes: Butterscotch, Toffee, Citrus, Milk Chocolate Finish
Reason for Competing: I love our industry and I'd like to see how I handle a competition setting. I also would like to inspire other small shop owners and baristas to get involved in competing.
South Central
Company: Palace Coffee Company
Website: www.palacecoffee.co
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Costa Rica La Violeta
Total years working as a Barista: 4
Tasting Notes: Butterscotch, Toffee, Citrus, Milk Chocolate Finish
Reason for Competing: I love our industry and I'd like to see how I handle a competition setting. I also would like to inspire other small shop owners and baristas to get involved in competing.
South Central
Name: Matthew Scott
Company: Lemonjello's Coffee
Website: www.lemonjellos.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Queen Bee: Ethiopian Sidama & D.R. Congo Kivu
Total years working as a Barista: 15
Tasting Notes: Lemon candy, toasted malt, ginger bread. Soft mouthfeel and bright acidity. Floral, almond, coconut aroma.
Reason for Competing: To stay connected to the national barista community and to challenge myself and build my skill level.
North Central
Company: Lemonjello's Coffee
Website: www.lemonjellos.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Queen Bee: Ethiopian Sidama & D.R. Congo Kivu
Total years working as a Barista: 15
Tasting Notes: Lemon candy, toasted malt, ginger bread. Soft mouthfeel and bright acidity. Floral, almond, coconut aroma.
Reason for Competing: To stay connected to the national barista community and to challenge myself and build my skill level.
North Central
Name: Mike Schroeder
Company: Oddly Correct
Website: www.oddlycorrect.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: AB Igutha Mukurweini, Nyeri Kenya
Total years working as a Barista: 4
Tasting Notes: Herbal aroma, heavy body with cherry and lemonade sweetness.
Reason for Competing: Love brewing coffee, want to share how I approach serving.
South Central
Company: Oddly Correct
Website: www.oddlycorrect.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: AB Igutha Mukurweini, Nyeri Kenya
Total years working as a Barista: 4
Tasting Notes: Herbal aroma, heavy body with cherry and lemonade sweetness.
Reason for Competing: Love brewing coffee, want to share how I approach serving.
South Central
Name: Daniel Nikodem
Company: Intelligentsia Coffee
Website: www.intelligentsiacoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Gichathaini, Kenya
Total years working as a Barista: 2
Tasting Notes: Strawberry, Melon, Italian ice.
Reason for Competing: I'll jump at any opportunity to learn more about coffee.
North Central
Company: Intelligentsia Coffee
Website: www.intelligentsiacoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Gichathaini, Kenya
Total years working as a Barista: 2
Tasting Notes: Strawberry, Melon, Italian ice.
Reason for Competing: I'll jump at any opportunity to learn more about coffee.
North Central
Name: Jon Ferguson
Company: Dogwood Coffee Co.
Website: www.dogwoodcoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: TBA
Total years working as a Barista: 8
Tasting Notes: TBA
Reason for Competing: I enjoy sharing thoughts on coffees I have encountered. I also love coffee sports. I hope some day the SCAA will sanction a coffee scooping competition. That would be fun to watch.
North Central
Company: Dogwood Coffee Co.
Website: www.dogwoodcoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: TBA
Total years working as a Barista: 8
Tasting Notes: TBA
Reason for Competing: I enjoy sharing thoughts on coffees I have encountered. I also love coffee sports. I hope some day the SCAA will sanction a coffee scooping competition. That would be fun to watch.
North Central
Name: Simeon Bricker
Company: The Roasterie
Website: www.theroasterie.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Jambo Estate of Kenya
Total years working as a Barista: 2
Tasting Notes: Intensely sweet and bright berry notes with a cocoa and cherry finish.
Reason for Competing: To improve as a barista. To represent the Roasterie. To put the skills I've gained to the test. For the thrill. To help propagate a coffee culture in my city.
South Central
Company: The Roasterie
Website: www.theroasterie.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Jambo Estate of Kenya
Total years working as a Barista: 2
Tasting Notes: Intensely sweet and bright berry notes with a cocoa and cherry finish.
Reason for Competing: To improve as a barista. To represent the Roasterie. To put the skills I've gained to the test. For the thrill. To help propagate a coffee culture in my city.
South Central
Name: Lucas Becken
Company: LatteLand
Website: www.lattelandkc.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Sumatra Wahana Natural
Total years working as a Barista: 1
Tasting Notes: Blueberry and spice.
Reason for Competing: Experience, to further myself and feed my passion.
South Central
Company: LatteLand
Website: www.lattelandkc.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Sumatra Wahana Natural
Total years working as a Barista: 1
Tasting Notes: Blueberry and spice.
Reason for Competing: Experience, to further myself and feed my passion.
South Central
Name: Tim Cox
Company: Frogg Coffee Bar
Website:
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Oak Cliff/Avoca Collaborative Blend
Total years working as a Barista: 3
Tasting Notes: Raspberry tartness, dark chocolate finish, syrupy body.
Reason for Competing: To share my love of coffee, spread the message of collaboration and unity within the specialty coffee industry and to learn as much as I can in order to grow my craft.
South Central
Company: Frogg Coffee Bar
Website:
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Oak Cliff/Avoca Collaborative Blend
Total years working as a Barista: 3
Tasting Notes: Raspberry tartness, dark chocolate finish, syrupy body.
Reason for Competing: To share my love of coffee, spread the message of collaboration and unity within the specialty coffee industry and to learn as much as I can in order to grow my craft.
South Central
Name: Wyatt Johnson
Company: LatteLand
Website: www.lattelandkc.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Panama Lerida Estate
Total years working as a Barista: 1
Tasting Notes: Raspberry, Vanilla, Floral
Reason for Competing: To better develop myself as a person and a barista.
South Central
Company: LatteLand
Website: www.lattelandkc.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Panama Lerida Estate
Total years working as a Barista: 1
Tasting Notes: Raspberry, Vanilla, Floral
Reason for Competing: To better develop myself as a person and a barista.
South Central
Name: David Fasman
Company: Kaldi's Coffee
Website: www.kaldiscoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Panama Lerida Estate
Total years working as a Barista: 8
Tasting Notes: Raspberry, vanilla, toffee.
Reason for Competing: I am competing in order to further my skills as a barista and my knowledge of coffee in general.
South Central
Company: Kaldi's Coffee
Website: www.kaldiscoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Panama Lerida Estate
Total years working as a Barista: 8
Tasting Notes: Raspberry, vanilla, toffee.
Reason for Competing: I am competing in order to further my skills as a barista and my knowledge of coffee in general.
South Central
Name: Robert Reagan
Company: Palace Coffee Company
Website: www.palacecoffee.co
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Costa Rica Garbanzo
Total years working as a Barista: 2
Tasting Notes: Sweet Citrus and Cinnamon
Reason for Competing: To learn from and compete with some of the best baristas around the nation.
South Central
Company: Palace Coffee Company
Website: www.palacecoffee.co
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Costa Rica Garbanzo
Total years working as a Barista: 2
Tasting Notes: Sweet Citrus and Cinnamon
Reason for Competing: To learn from and compete with some of the best baristas around the nation.
South Central
Name: Jeff Batchelder
Company: Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea
Website: www.intelligentsiacoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: TBD (hoping Kenya, might be Bolivia)
Total years working as a Barista: 10
Tasting Notes: Raisin, lemon, watermelon.
Reason for Competing: I enjoy brewing coffee.
Company: Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea
Website: www.intelligentsiacoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: TBD (hoping Kenya, might be Bolivia)
Total years working as a Barista: 10
Tasting Notes: Raisin, lemon, watermelon.
Reason for Competing: I enjoy brewing coffee.
Name: Tamara Muro
Company: Velvet Espresso Bar
Website: www.throwacupcake.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: TBD coffee roasted by Verve Coffee Roasters
Total years working as a Barista: 4
Tasting Notes: TBA
Reason for Competing: My goal is to change the world one cup at a time and competing is one of the exciting ways I can share my love and passion for coffee with others.
Company: Velvet Espresso Bar
Website: www.throwacupcake.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: TBD coffee roasted by Verve Coffee Roasters
Total years working as a Barista: 4
Tasting Notes: TBA
Reason for Competing: My goal is to change the world one cup at a time and competing is one of the exciting ways I can share my love and passion for coffee with others.
Name: Reagan Petrehn
Company: Parisi Coffee
Website: www.parisicoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Ecuador Vilcabamba
Total years working as a Barista: 2
Tasting Notes: Really, really cool.
Reason for Competing: I'd like to test my skills as a barista.
South Central
Company: Parisi Coffee
Website: www.parisicoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Ecuador Vilcabamba
Total years working as a Barista: 2
Tasting Notes: Really, really cool.
Reason for Competing: I'd like to test my skills as a barista.
South Central
Name: Jonathan Aldrich
Company: Houndstooth Coffee
Website: www.houndstoothcoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: MadCap Colombia San Sebastian
Total years working as a Barista: 6
Tasting Notes: Clean, sweet, floral, fruity Colombian goodness.
Reason for Competing: To have fun, brew awesome coffee and represent the great stuff that's happening at Houndstooth and in the Austin and Texas coffee scenes.
South Central
Company: Houndstooth Coffee
Website: www.houndstoothcoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: MadCap Colombia San Sebastian
Total years working as a Barista: 6
Tasting Notes: Clean, sweet, floral, fruity Colombian goodness.
Reason for Competing: To have fun, brew awesome coffee and represent the great stuff that's happening at Houndstooth and in the Austin and Texas coffee scenes.
South Central
Name: Tyler Hawks
Company: Velvet Espresso Bar
Website: www.throwacupcake.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Finca el Trapiche Honduras by Greenway Coffee
Total years working as a Barista: 3
Tasting Notes: Honey Graham cracker, clove and allspice, with a solid base of sweetness.
Reason for Competing: Rep NO LA hard.
South Central
Company: Velvet Espresso Bar
Website: www.throwacupcake.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Finca el Trapiche Honduras by Greenway Coffee
Total years working as a Barista: 3
Tasting Notes: Honey Graham cracker, clove and allspice, with a solid base of sweetness.
Reason for Competing: Rep NO LA hard.
South Central
Name: Charlie Habegger
Company: Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea
Website: www.intelligentsiacoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Buesaco, Colombia
Total years working as a Barista: 5
Tasting Notes: Spice, snap, rich.
Reason for Competing: Great coffee chat; also small wares are addicting.
Company: Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea
Website: www.intelligentsiacoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Buesaco, Colombia
Total years working as a Barista: 5
Tasting Notes: Spice, snap, rich.
Reason for Competing: Great coffee chat; also small wares are addicting.
Name: Jonathan Colon
Company: HalfWit Coffee Roasters
Website: www.halfwitcoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: HalfWit Kenya Kagumoini
Total years working as a Barista: 2
Tasting Notes: Clarity, balance, well defined crystal acidity, supportive sweetness, lingering body.
Reason for Competing: Hone my skills and represent our shop and roastery.
North Central
Company: HalfWit Coffee Roasters
Website: www.halfwitcoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: HalfWit Kenya Kagumoini
Total years working as a Barista: 2
Tasting Notes: Clarity, balance, well defined crystal acidity, supportive sweetness, lingering body.
Reason for Competing: Hone my skills and represent our shop and roastery.
North Central
Name: Kostantinos "Dean" Kallivrousis
Company: Parisi Coffee
Website: www.parisicoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Kochere
Total years working as a Barista: 2
Tasting Notes: Retronasal goodness.
Reason for Competing: I got bills to pay. I got mouths to feed.
South Central
Company: Parisi Coffee
Website: www.parisicoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Kochere
Total years working as a Barista: 2
Tasting Notes: Retronasal goodness.
Reason for Competing: I got bills to pay. I got mouths to feed.
South Central
Name: Randy Robbins
Company: Parisi Coffee
Website: www.parisicoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Kochere
Total years working as a Barista: 5
Tasting Notes: Bergamot, Lemon, Jasmine, Light Body, Crisp Acidity, Sweet.
Reason for Competing: I simply love coffee. Pursuit of the "perfect cup" is something that I'm easily excited about. My nature is to fine tune and analyze. These go hand-in-hand.
South Central
Company: Parisi Coffee
Website: www.parisicoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Kochere
Total years working as a Barista: 5
Tasting Notes: Bergamot, Lemon, Jasmine, Light Body, Crisp Acidity, Sweet.
Reason for Competing: I simply love coffee. Pursuit of the "perfect cup" is something that I'm easily excited about. My nature is to fine tune and analyze. These go hand-in-hand.
South Central
Name: Kevin Reddy
Company: Kaldi's Coffee
Website: www.kaldiscoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Colombia Narino
Total years working as a Barista: 5
Tasting Notes: Fig, Sugar Daddy, Grapefruit, White Grape
Reason for Competing: I've been a cafe manager for years now, and my focus is often pulled away from coffee as a craft. This year marked my first origin trip to Colombia, where inspiration was unavoidable. I feel compelled to present Colombian coffee with as much respect as competition demands.
South Central
Company: Kaldi's Coffee
Website: www.kaldiscoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Colombia Narino
Total years working as a Barista: 5
Tasting Notes: Fig, Sugar Daddy, Grapefruit, White Grape
Reason for Competing: I've been a cafe manager for years now, and my focus is often pulled away from coffee as a craft. This year marked my first origin trip to Colombia, where inspiration was unavoidable. I feel compelled to present Colombian coffee with as much respect as competition demands.
South Central
Name: Steve Willingham
Company: Elemental Coffee Roasters
Website: www.elementalcoffeeroasters.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Hachira
Total years working as a Barista: 4
Tasting Notes: Citrus, Herbal, Honey
Reason for Competing: Education, fun.
South Central
Company: Elemental Coffee Roasters
Website: www.elementalcoffeeroasters.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Hachira
Total years working as a Barista: 4
Tasting Notes: Citrus, Herbal, Honey
Reason for Competing: Education, fun.
South Central
Name: James Godwin
Company: Roasters Coffee and Tea
Website: www.roasters.biz
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Ethiopia Amaro Gayo
Total years working as a Barista: 5
Tasting Notes: Blackberry, Grapefruit, Dry
Reason for Competing: I love sharing coffee with people and it gives me a goal to keep me motivated to learn.
South Central
Company: Roasters Coffee and Tea
Website: www.roasters.biz
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Ethiopia Amaro Gayo
Total years working as a Barista: 5
Tasting Notes: Blackberry, Grapefruit, Dry
Reason for Competing: I love sharing coffee with people and it gives me a goal to keep me motivated to learn.
South Central
Name: Mickey Comerford
Company: Alterra Coffee Company
Website: www.acrmke.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Kenya AA Mukurwe
Total years working as a Barista: 13
Tasting Notes: This is a coffee with an astounding character. I'm using a higher does with a long extraction which gives it a layered and textured taste that changeds with every sip.
Reason for Competing: I am passionate about coffee and feel the need to share this exquisite coffee with others.
North Central
Company: Alterra Coffee Company
Website: www.acrmke.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Kenya AA Mukurwe
Total years working as a Barista: 13
Tasting Notes: This is a coffee with an astounding character. I'm using a higher does with a long extraction which gives it a layered and textured taste that changeds with every sip.
Reason for Competing: I am passionate about coffee and feel the need to share this exquisite coffee with others.
North Central
Name: Katie Meyers
Company: Alterra Coffee Company
Website: www.acrmke.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Guatemala Hunapu Mountain of Flowers
Total years working as a Barista: 11
Tasting Notes: Lots of cherry notes. Nice dense body, Clean lemon acidity. You'll find some cocoa and baking spice in there as well.
Reason for Competing: I've been attending these events for a while and have always wanted to be a competitor, but just too scared. This coffee I'm using is too good not to be put in the spotlight, so I'm getting over my nerves and doing it!
North Central
Company: Alterra Coffee Company
Website: www.acrmke.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: Guatemala Hunapu Mountain of Flowers
Total years working as a Barista: 11
Tasting Notes: Lots of cherry notes. Nice dense body, Clean lemon acidity. You'll find some cocoa and baking spice in there as well.
Reason for Competing: I've been attending these events for a while and have always wanted to be a competitor, but just too scared. This coffee I'm using is too good not to be put in the spotlight, so I'm getting over my nerves and doing it!
North Central
Name: Jackie Schrader
Company: Greyhouse Coffee & Supply Co.
Website: www.greyhousecoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: PT's Southpaw Espresso
Total years working as a Barista: 5
Tasting Notes: Chocolate, Syrup, Cherry, Citrus
Reason for Competing: I'm a first timer...lookout!
North Central
Company: Greyhouse Coffee & Supply Co.
Website: www.greyhousecoffee.com
Espresso and/or Coffee used: PT's Southpaw Espresso
Total years working as a Barista: 5
Tasting Notes: Chocolate, Syrup, Cherry, Citrus
Reason for Competing: I'm a first timer...lookout!
North Central
