Michael Phillips Wins 2010 United States Barista Championship

LONG BEACH, Calif., April 21 /PRNewswire/ -- It's a repeat win for master-of-espresso Michael Phillips, who took the top spot at the Specialty Coffee Association of America's 2010 United States Barista Championship (USBC). Phillips, who works with Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea in Chicago, IL, beat out other top baristas and coffeehouse professionals during a heated competition that took place April 15 - 18 at the Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, Calif. The annual U.S. Barista Championship recognizes achievement in the art and skill of espresso drink preparation and service. SCAA is the world's coffee authority and largest coffee trade association.

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Top six USBC winners in order:

- Champion: Michael Phillips, Intelligentsia Coffee, Chicago, IL.

- Chris Baca, Verve Coffee Roasters, Santa Cruz, Calif.

- Devin Pedde, Intelligentsia Coffee, Los Angeles, Calif.

- Sara Peterson, Verve Coffee Roasters, Santa Cruz, Calif.

- Charles Babinski, Intelligentsia Coffee, Chicago, IL.

- Mike Marquard, Kaldi's Coffee Roasting Co., St. Louis, Mo.

Phillips moves on to compete in the 2010 World Barista Championship, founded by both the SCAA and the Speciality Coffee Association of Europe, in London next June (www.worldbaristachampionship.com).

During the U.S. competition, the most skilled and professional baristas from around the country showcased their skills and professionalism. Each barista 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 audience and explained their actions and selections while expertly working the competition's official espresso machine, Nuova Simonelli, Aurelia machine, and the official grinder, Mahlkoenig.

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.

About SCAA

For more than a quarter of a century, the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) has offered its members education, training, resources and business services. It is the world's largest coffee trade association, with members representing more than 40 countries and every segment of the specialty coffee industry, from growers to roasters and retailers. The SCAA has also been at the forefront of developing and promoting specialty coffee, and is committed to meeting the challenges of a rapidly changing industry by setting and maintaining standards, expanding professional certification programs, conducting industry-specific research, and providing even more opportunities to connect, exchange, and work together so our industry continues to thrive.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Photos and interviews available.

SOURCE Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA)