SANTA ANA, Calif. – Charles Babinski of Go Get ‘Em Tiger in Los Angeles, CA has been named the winner of the 2015 United States Barista Championship, which took place February 19-22, 2015 in Long Beach, CA. at the U.S. Coffee Championships.
The annual U.S. Barista Championship recognizes achievement in the art and skill of espresso drink preparation and service. The 2015 Official USBC Host is Espresso Supply.
The top six U.S. Barista Championship competitors for 2015 are: 1st Place – Charles Babinski, Go Get ‘Em Tiger, Los Angeles, CA 2nd place – Cole McBride – PublicUS, Las Vegas, NV 3rd place – Sam Schroeder – Olympia Coffee Roasting Co., Olympia, WA 4th place – Sam Lewontin – Everyman Espresso, New York, NY 5th place – Devin Chapman – Verve Coffee Roasters, Los Angeles, CA 6th place – Michael Harwood – Ceremony Coffee Roasters, Annapolis, MD
During the 4-day competition, the most skilled baristas from around the country showcased their skills and professionalism.
Each of the 39 competitors 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 judges and explained their actions and selections while expertly working the competition’s official espresso machine, Victoria Arduino, 388 Black Eagle, and the official grinder, Mahlkoenig K30 Vario.
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. Babinski will represent the United States at the World Barista Championship in Seattle, WA, April 9-12, 2015, courtesy of travel sponsor DaVinci Gourmet.
The World Barista Championship is organized by World Coffee Events (WCE), the premier producer of events for the coffee community worldwide, and engages the specialty coffee community to promote coffee excellence.
WCE is founded by the Specialty Coffee Association of Europe (SCAE) and the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA).
For more information, visit www.worldcoffeeevents.org.
To learn more about the United States Barista Championship visit www.uscoffeechampionships.org.
