Cosmic Bloom competes in Seattle
Howdy Space Cadets,
We had the opportunity to compete in the US Coffee Championships national competition involving brewing espresso, filter brewed coffee and preparing warm and cold cocktails using coffee. This specific competition was called Coffee in Good Spirits. The competition consisted of the top 20 baristas and bartenders from all over the US throwing down in this 3 day event which took place at Olympia Coffee in the heart of Seattle, Washington.
Day One
On the first day we landed in Seattle and went straight to Olympia coffee to calibrate both espresso and filter brewed coffee. For espresso I used the Pink Bourbon from Colombia to pair with a cold cocktail, and for filter brewed coffee I took a clever dripper and brewed the Ombligon Honey. Ended up brewing both calibrating, then headed to the La Marzocco headquarters in Seattle for a night of drinks and celebration. The coffee community loves to host these events when all the industry competitors are in the same city.
Day Two Main Service Round
Today was the day for competing in the main service round. For this round I am to serve two cold cocktails and two hot cocktails to a panel of judges. We are judged and evaluated on taste, visual appeal, technical skill and creativity. For this round, I began by serving the judges a taste of Booze Bros Dos Hermanos Mexican Lager. I then filter brewed the Ombligon Honey and began with an Aperatif. A warm cocktail light and delicate using Amaro, Sherry and filter brewed coffee. For the second cocktail I wanted to represent Vista so I took some Booze Bros beer, Califino Tequila and served a Bloody Maria with Espresso in it. I wanted a drink that could represent some San Diego vibes with flavors from our homies. It had the flavors and vibes of a michelada with a cosmic twist. This concluded my competition round and to celebrate I went and competed in a latte art throwdown with some fellow competitors. I was able to get past the first round which was surprising by pouring a clean tulip. It was a lot of fun and a great way to hang with everyone. US Latte Art championships were also happening at the same venue, so of course they dominated the throwdown.
Day Three Spirit Bar
On the third day I had to prepare for what is called “Spirit Bar”. This round consisted of preparing two cocktails either hot or cold only using filter brewed coffee, and a spirit chosen at random. The judges have you roll a die 5 minutes before your presentation and then based on what you roll you are given either whiskey, gin or rum. For this round I had rolled the die and was given rum. I have a recipe for a root beer syrup so for this cocktail I made what I call Backtracked. For the base I used gin and rum. I lean into the pine-like flavors of the gin by adding juniper and peppermint to the syrup, and I bridge that to the rum by also using molasses, maple syrup and baking spices. For the coffee I had brewed the Ombligon Honey into an aeropress, put it into a hyper chiller and then shook it with the rest of the ingredients. Once shaken, I strain into the glass and top with beer. This adds a creamy malty sweetness imitating a root beer float. This round is always fun due to having to figure it out on the spot.
After competitions ended we were expecting results then all of the competitors ended up in the lobby. This lead to everyone brewing coffee, and building their signature drinks to quickly escalating into a mini party. This part was one of the most satisfying due to the lack of structure and judges, and everyone just together having a great time.
We got our results and finished in 11th place. It was a very tough competition, but altogether a very fun and eventful weekend. One of the past competitors/judges owns a sushi and cocktail bar called “Liberty” in the capitol hill area, and I ended up there to decompress and celebrate a crazy weekend.
Day Four Top 6 Competitors
The final day is dedicated to the top 6 competitors to complete a final round to see who wins and represents the US in the World Coffee Championships. I did not compete this round, but everyone who did absolutely killed it. Everyone did great and we congratulate all of them. Competing takes a lot of effort, a lot of time and energy put into it. Not only do you physically have to perform, but it is also a mind game. You make yourself vulnerable to be judged by the industry leaders. It is an investment not only financially but mentally as you prepare for competition while trying to also run a business. I have competed now for 3 years and each time aim to better myself. Not only do I wish to push my skill level, but through these competitions I have been able to meet and build relationships with some of the coolest people I have ever met.
Cheers,
See you space cowboy…
