This past weekend, our friends at West Oak Coffee Bar drove down to Austin and competed in the U.S. Coffee Championships Qualifier events for the upcoming US Coffee Championships in Seattle. We - being the coffee-nerds that we are - decided to go, too. Read on to find out how they did and see some photos from the event.
The events that the West Oak baristas competed in were the Brewer's Cup, Barista Championship, Cup Taster's, and Roaster Championship.
Special congratulations go to Conor Poull for placing 12th in the Brewer's Cup! Poull will move on to the national US Coffee Championships in Seattle this Spring. Make sure you congratulate him on your next visit to West Oak!
We had a blast getting to see all these guys out of the Denton context and out in the wild world of competition. Did you know that Denton is gaining notoriety for its coffee scene? For reals, y'all. We've come a long way. Maybe we're biased, but it's kinda cool for people to Denton, TX to find national recognition beyond our local colleges and music scene.
Nick Stevens ( @nickyjstevens ) competing in the Cup Tasters Competition. He's the green coffee buyer for West Oak Coffee Bar.
Josh prepping his competition station prior to his presentation time. Dat Topo tho'.
Jeremy Otten - Lead Roaster at West Oak competed in the Roaster Competition. @brother_friend_
Josh Smith competes in the Barista Competition. He made a beautiful presentation. @thepaulbunyan
Conor Poull competing in the Brewer's Cup competition. @personalgrind
Photo by Jeremy Otten @brother_friend_
The competition was nationally televised and live streamed - even West Oak had a screen set up in shop to watch the guys compete! This is Conor giving his special thanks during his post-competition interview.
All-in-all, the guys did very well at their first Coffee Champs event. We can't wait to see how they improve and continue to grow in the industry for years to come.
If y'all would like to check out West Oak Coffee Bar, head on over to the square at 114 W Oak St, Denton, TX 76201. Their hours are 7-days a week from 7:30am - 10:30pm. While you're there, tip really well and give Conor a hefty congrats!
Want to read more about West Oak Coffee Bar? We've written about them a few times before here.