The Mountain Regional Barista Competition

I was lucky enough recently to judge in the first annual Mountain Regional Barista Competition in my home town of Denver Colorado. There was a huge turn out of competitors from all around the region, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah and Colorado. Twenty six competitors nervously turned out amazing drinks through out the first round on Saturday. It was a beautiful day in Denver, 75 degrees in March, however the next day was blizzard like conditions and the temperature dropped to 11 degrees, bur! I judged 10 people on the first day with the potential to drink 30 shots of espresso. Thankfully, as sensory, judges we don’t have to down the entire contents of all beverages, but sometimes they are so good you can’t help yourself. I most likely had about 15 shots of espresso and felt like was going to explode by the end of the day. All the competitors did a great job but one stood out above all, Jon Lewis. Jon runs his shop, Long Story Short Coffee, from a van in Coeur d’Alene Idaho. He has the ability to tell great stories about coffee and captivating his audience whilst competing. He is a true performer and an amazing Barista. So congratulations to Jon for winning the first annual MRBC! I also want to say thanks to Mike Strumpf for all his amazing work putting everything all together and to Michelle Campbell for being amazing and pouring all her energy into these events. I can’t wait to see everyone in Minneapolis for the USBC.

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