Weekend Extravaganza at the Major Eastern Convention of the Barista Guild of America
In early 2014, the Barista Guild of America held its annual regional competition in Durham, North Carolina, where J. Park Brannen of Counter Culture Coffee emerged as the winner of the Northeast region. This marked Brannen's first victory in the competition.
The three-day event, held from January 17-19, 2014, attracted hundreds of spectators who came to watch competitive baristas and brewers showcase their skills. This year, for the first time, the Northeast and Southeast events were held under the same roof, making for a lively and exciting atmosphere.
Brannen's winning coffee choice was a sun-dried, natural-processed coffee developed in collaboration by Counter Culture and a grower from Burundi. His presentation focused on the importance of trust between growers, buyers, baristas, and customers.
Brannen's specialty drink contained 18 ingredients, most of which were steeped into his homemade tonic syrup. In a 15-minute timeframe, he served espresso, cappuccino, and his unique mock gin and tonic to the judges.
Meanwhile, Anna Cassell, a part-time film documentary filmmaker and full-time food lover, was also in attendance. A North Carolina native, Cassell has worked on organic farms around the world, gaining experience in various farming environments, from a garlic farm in upstate New York to a fruit orchard in Sweden. She even admitted to having slept in unusual places such as barns, buses, and on straw.
Cassell, who has a fondness for trying new variations of hummus, shared her enthusiasm for the event, expressing her admiration for the dedication and skill displayed by the competitive baristas.
Brannen, acknowledging the high standards for winning, expressed his resolution to get better at what he does for future competitions. He will compete in the 2014 United States Barista Championship in Seattle, Washington, with a first round bye.
The event was co-sponsored by Dallis Bros. and Counter Culture Coffee for the fourth year running. As the competition comes to a close, the coffee community eagerly awaits the next round of events and the extraordinary talents they will undoubtedly reveal.
