Jason Calhoon Wins SCAA’s Inaugural Southwest Regional Barista Competition; Qualifies for
United States Barista Championship, May 2-5, in Minneapolis
By a razor-sharp margin, Tucson, Ariz. barista Jason Calhoon became the initial winner of the Specialty Coffee Association of America’s (SCAA) inaugural Southwest Regional Barista Competition (SWRBC).
In edging out Jason Silberschlag – of Cartel Coffee Lab in Tempe, Ariz. – by an overall score of 469.5 to 465, Calhoon will now join SCAA’s other six regional barista competition winners in the semi-final round of the 2008 United States Barista Championship (USBC,) May 2-5 in Minneapolis. All SCAA regional barista competition winners’ USBC travel and lodging expenses are paid by each event host. The USBC is held in conjunction with SCAA’s 20th Annual Conference & Exhibition.
The SCAA is the world’s largest coffee trade association with members in more than 40 countries and event host, the International Las Vegas Restaurant Show is the fastest-growing culinary trade show in nation.
SWRBC competitors were required to deliver 12 coffee concoctions – four espressos, four cappuccinos and four original signature drinks – within a 15-minute timeframe. Seven SCAA-certified judges critiqued the contestants’ beverages on taste, presentation, technical skills, station cleanliness and total impression. The purpose of SCAA’s regional and national barista competitions – the USBC – is to recognize and encourage the art and skill associated with the barista profession.
“SCAA commends the top two finishers of our inaugural Southwest Regional Barista Competition, Jason Calhoon and Jason Silberschlag by demonstrating remarkable poise while expertly preparing and serving high-quality espresso beverages,” said SCAA Executive Director Ric Rhinehart. “We are also pleased to provide the region’s best baristas with an avenue in which to display the inherent artisanship of their profession.”
POSTED: Tuesday, March 04, 2008