R. Willbur

Well, the results are in and the competition has ended. The finals were tough. I, personally, do not like any situation where 4 of my favorite baristas are up and only one can win… or almost worse, only 3 of the 4 will be recognized with a prize. As you all have probably heard, Billy Wilson is the new reigning Northwest Regional Barista Champion. Jon Lewis, one of the best men I know, not only as a barista but as a human being and father, took second, and Kevin Fuller, owner of the Albina Press took third. Kyle Larson, whose attitude towards coffee I greatly admire, was another finalist, as were the two girls from Zoka…

Billy and I were talking before the announcement and he kept worrying about placing and felt like he had made some mistakes… and this is the point I make then and now… Two years ago, Billy was one of the best baristas I knew. He had passion, drive, and much skill. But he kept competing and making it into the finals to only have his signature drinks shot down for lack of creativity… mainly cause they sucked. Now, with time and maturity, Billy is the best American barista I know… He’s taken his weakness (a lack of signature drink) and become a food scientist. So, with this, I say congratulations Billy Wilson. I’m proud to have my roots in the same place you do. I admire anyone who can target their weakness and work hard to over-come it.

I am so tired right now it’s kinda crazy. Tonight is the Bikes to Rwanda benefit show. Lots of fun there. Oh, and I leave everyone with this… The first round was kind of rediculous… Kevin Fuller actually had the highest score and it was his first run through in competition ever. Billy was #2… Ryan Dixon, also a first timer, finished 7th tieing with Lorrie from Trabant. Congrats Kevin… top score, 2nd anniversary, great party… sounds like a decent weekend to me…

I don’t know how I let it slip my mind last night to update this thing, but here I am now. For the most part, I’m sure you all know who’s in the finals… In case you don’t, let me fill you in…

1. Kevin Fuller- Albina Press
2. Jon Lewis- Bumper Crop Coffee
3. Kyle Larson-Stumptown Coffee Roasters
4. Billy Wilson- Albina Press
5. Maki Campbell- Zoka
6. Lindsay Elliot- Zoka

It’s been an awesome competition with much happening. There are a few people beyond the finalist I feel need mentioning… Kyle from Zoka did an excellent job. He really rocked it steady. Also, Ryan Dixon did a great job and though he made some slightly larger mistakes, he really did well at keeping his cool and really remaining focused.

Last nights party was an great time too. Thanks again Duane for all the great food, beer, and music! Highlights for me here were talking to Klaus and really getting to ask him a lot of questions about coffee. I’ve been wondering a few things lately and he set me straight on some issues. Watching Duane occassionally bust out a dance or two was awesome… Many of my favorite coffee people were there just chilling. It was good to see Ryan Wolf from Crema, Rhiannon, Grady, and of course the Ritual kids. By the way, I have to tell you, Liz from Stumpies is doing an amazing job at just dominating this weekend. She’s been most of the organizational mind behind the competition and she’s a large part of what has made this weekend such a success…

Well, off I go to the finals….