Michael Phillips Wins 2010 United States Barista Championship – SCAA 2010

LONG BEACH, Calif., April 21 /PRNewswire/ — It\’s a repeat win for
master-of-espresso Michael Phillips, who took the top spot at the Specialty
Coffee Association of America\’s 2010 United States Barista Championship (USBC).
Phillips, who works with Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea in Chicago, IL, beat
out other top baristas and coffeehouse professionals during a heated competition
that took place April 15 – 18 at the Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, Calif.
The annual U.S. Barista Championship recognizes achievement in the art and skill
of espresso drink preparation and service. SCAA is the world\’s coffee authority
and largest coffee trade association.

Top six USBC winners in order:

– Champion: Michael Phillips, Intelligentsia Coffee, Chicago, IL.

– Chris Baca, Verve Coffee Roasters, Santa Cruz, Calif.

– Devin Pedde, Intelligentsia Coffee, Los Angeles, Calif.

– Sara Peterson, Verve Coffee Roasters, Santa Cruz, Calif.

– Charles Babinski, Intelligentsia Coffee, Chicago, IL.

– Mike Marquard, Kaldi\’s Coffee Roasting Co., St. Louis, Mo.

Phillips moves on to compete in the 2010 World Barista Championship, founded
by both the SCAA and the Speciality Coffee Association of Europe, in London next
June (www.worldbaristachampionship.com).

During the U.S. competition, the most skilled and professional baristas from
around the country showcased their skills and professionalism. Each barista
prepared and served 12 orders, including four espressos, four cappuccinos and
four original signature drinks of their own creation — all within a 15-minute
timeframe. As they created their coffee beverages, contestants engaged the
audience and explained their actions and selections while expertly working the
competition\’s official espresso machine, Nuova Simonelli, Aurelia machine, and
the official grinder, Mahlkoenig.

Seven USBC-certified judges, including one head judge, two technical judges
and four sensory judges, carefully evaluated and scored each of the contenders.
Judges focused on station cleanliness, taste, beverage presentation, technical
skills and total impression.

About SCAA

For more than a quarter of a century, the Specialty Coffee Association of
America (SCAA) has offered its members education, training, resources and
business services. It is the world\’s largest coffee trade association, with
members representing more than 40 countries and every segment of the specialty
coffee industry, from growers to roasters and retailers. The SCAA has also been
at the forefront of developing and promoting specialty coffee, and is committed
to meeting the challenges of a rapidly changing industry by setting and
maintaining standards, expanding professional certification programs, conducting
industry-specific research, and providing even more opportunities to connect,
exchange, and work together so our industry continues to thrive.