The Results Are In: Mike Phillips is the United States Barista Champion
This past weekend, I was glued to my computer for two reasons: a) Phish got back together and I was watching the setlists and b) I was watching the United States Barista Championships.
When the findals rolled around on Sunday, Intelligentsia Coffee was well represented. At Everyday Joe’s we brew the beans roasted by Intelligentsia. We brew them with extreme care and love and sometimes an overarching feeling of elation. 4 of the 6 finalists were from Intelligentsia.
Those finalists included our sales rep Nick Griffith, who was lovingly embraced by his 4-year-old daughter during his post-routine interview. His efforts were enough to capture second place. First place was taken by Mike Phillips, also of Intelligentsia. Listening to Mike talk about his beans and concoctions was like listening to a professor whose class you enjoy. I felt like I should have been watching a really good show on PBS about the science of coffee and drink building right after Bob Ross taught me how to paint. Mr. Phillips will compete at the world championships in Atlanta in April.
Coming in third was Scott Lucey of Alterra. We watched Scott compete in & win the Great Lakes Regional in Chicago. His sense of humor makes you want to hug him.
Intelligentsia also took 4th (Ryan Wilbur) and 5th (Devin Peede). Sixth place is represented by Mark Marquard of Kaldi’s Coffee in St. Louis.
The top 3 in picture form (L to R: Griffith, Phillips, Lucey):
I’d like to point out that Mike Phillips has a beard. I’d also like to theorize that the beard probably willed him to victory.
If video is ever posted of this competition, I will find it and I will post it here. Or perhaps you’ll find it and let me know.
Further:
- Intelligentsia Official Site
- Alterra Official Site
- Kaldi’s Official Site
- USBC 2009 Official Site
- World Barista Championships Official Site
- A t-shirt concerning the power of the beard
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