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PULL JOURNAL OF JAMS, COMPETITIONS AND BARISTA EVENTS a series of metal filters that get finer and finer, called the Espro Press. His microphone stopped working during his presentation, and he handled it smoothly, taking it off and putting it down on a table, and leaning in close to the judges to impart his knowledge, making it a much more intimate eager to work with the new floor plan for the barista competition, and afterwards agreed that it is a great improvement for the baristas, judges and audience alike. Not only can baristas communicate with the judges while preparing their drinks, but now the audience has a direct view of the presentation. Another exciting improvement was at the fourth machine where attendees could sample coffees from various roasters throughout the weekend. This year after a barista competed, they were able to pull shots of their coffee for the audience. After six amazing final performances on Sunday, Devin Chapman from Coava Coffee Roasters in Portland, Ore., won the 2012 NWRBC. In his presentation, Devin intentionally did not reveal the origin of his coffee until the very end. He used a single origin espresso from Katie Carguilo of Counter Culture Coffee in New York won the Northeast Regional Barista Competition with an intellectual performance that focused on how microclimates and processing effect the cup. (though inaudible to the audience) presentation. I'm excited to see how the new format for the USBC and Brewers Cup turns out: for the first round in this regional competition, the Brewers Cup competitors only had to compete once with a mystery coffee, and their presentations were saved until the finals round. For the national Brewers Cup, however, they must brew the coffee of their choice and give a presentation, as well as make it through the mystery coffee round. Normally a three-day competition, this year organizers were able to fit both events into just two days, which for me, having seen how these competitions get organized, and the work that goes into them to execute them, is just amazing. The prep time normally allotted to barista competitors was moved to the day before, but other than that change, things seemed to go just as usual. Organizers Marcus Boni and Amber Sather were serving event planner realness, managing to be in every corner of the venue at once, solving problems and calming nervous competitors with their steady presence. These competitions really feel like a family reunion. The community of coffee professionals that attend, volunteer and compete keep me focused on what's important. See you in Portland! —Erin McCarthy NORTHWEST REGION: Where It All Begins The Regional Barista and Brewers Cup competition season officially began with the Northwest Regional Barista (NWRBC) and Brewers Cup Competitions held in Tacoma, Wash., and graciously hosted by Dillanos Coffee Roasters. The weekend started off with a full day of judges' certification and calibration on Thursday. This year' s testing methods were vastly improved, including a challenging written exam, a triangulation cupping to test palate, and quizzes on scoring espresso and cappuccinos visually. The 2012 NWRBC brought in a wonderful mix of novice and experienced competitors from Oregon and Washington. Participants were 24 barista magazine After being named the Northwest Brewers Cup Champ for the second year in a row, Devin Chapman (left) congratulated third place finisher, Oliver Stormshak, and Sam Schroeder, who won second. Just after this, Devin was named the winner of the Northwest Regional Barista Competition, as well. Honduras farmed by Benjamin Miranda in all three drink flights. Laila Ghambari from Stumptown Coffee Roasters in Portland, Ore., placed second using Guatemala Finca El Injerto for the third year in row. Coming in third was Tyler Stevens from BARISTA, also located in Portland, featuring El Injerto's La Cima lot. His signature drink included a oak barrel aged fig gastrique. Making history, Devin Chapman also brought home first place in the Brewers Cup Competition. Using a Chemex and paper filter, he brewed coffee from the San Rafael farm located in Antigua, Guatemala. He chose this high elevation washed bourbon for its balance and cleanliness. Placing second in the Brewers Cup was Sam Schroeder from Olympia Coffee Roasters located in Olumpia, Washington. Sam used a Geisha from the Mama Cata farm in Panama. He is featured in a beautiful video at http:// vimeo.com/333795000 where he explains his method of brewing with a Kalita Wave Dripper. Taking home third was Oliver Stormshak, owner, coffee buyer and master roaster of Olympia Coffee Roasters. He chose to use Pablo Zuniga's microlot from the Santa Marta farm located in San Sebastian De La Plata, Colombia. After brewing much like you would for a cupping, he strained the coffee with a cloth filter before serving. All in all, it was a hugely successful weekend. The level of craftsmanship and expertise featured at the Northwest competitions is outstanding. It's looking to be a quite exciting 2012 USBC in Portland, Ore., this April. —Rita Kaminsky PHOTO BY ERIN MEISTER PHOTO BY MICHAEL FERNANDEZ