Portland, Oregon Barista Wins Unprecedented Second Northwest Regional Barista Competition While Qualifying for 2008 United States Barista Championship
Portland, Oregon barista, Billy Wilson – from the Albina Press – demonstrated his superlative coffee preparation skills while outpacing the competition to become the first two-time winner of the Northwest Regional Barista Competition, presented by the Specialty Coffee Association of America. He also won last year’s Northwest Regional Barista Competition – which occurred in Portland.
Maki Campbell from Seattle’s Zoka Coffee Roaster & Tea Co. and Kevin Fuller – also from the Albina Press – finished second and third. In addition to earning the title of Northwest’s Best Barista, Wilson clinches a spot in the semi-final round of the 2008 United States Barista Championship at 20th Annual SCAA Conference & Exhibition on May 2-5 in Minneapolis. His USBC travel and hotel accommodations will be paid by Northwest Regional Barista Competition host, Zoka Coffee Roaster & Tea Co.
Northwest Regional Barista Competition entrants prepared and served 12 coffee beverages including four espressos, four cappuccinos and four original signature drinks of their choosing, all within 15 minutes. Event competitors were judged on station cleanliness, taste, beverage presentation, technical skills and total impression. The Northwest Regional Barista Competition featured the most accomplished baristas from Alaska, Oregon and Washington. The event is one of 10 SCAA regional competitions that recognizes professional achievement in the art and skill of preparing and serving specialty coffee beverages.
“I am very surprised, yet elated after winning the competition for a second year in a row,” said Wilson. “My mindset was simply to enjoy the experience with my peers without worrying about how I placed.”
Wilson’s judge-pleasing signature drink was inspired by a chocolate-espresso torte desert and side of blue cheese ice cream he had at a Portland restaurant. The event-clinching concoction featured a quarter teaspoon of tempered Scharffen Berger chocolate, an espresso shot and a small amount of ground berry allspice. To complement the drink, Wilson included a side of crème anglaise or “pourable custard,” which consisted of blue cheese and wildflower honey.
SCAA President Mary Petitt said, “On behalf of SCAA, I congratulate Billy Wilson for winning this year’s Northwest Regional Barista Competition and for earning a spot at the 2008 USBC. Billy’s performance underscores his extraordinary artisan skills and deep commitment level he has for the barista profession.”
POSTED: Friday, November 16, 2007