It was a pleasure to have been invited out to Santa Cruz California during the South West Regional Barista Competition for BGA level 1 tests. It was an impressive weekend put on by Verve Coffee Roasters that was confidently described as some as "a model event."

Where Level 1 testing went down, hats optional.

BGA level 1 tests were happening on Friday and Saturday at the Verve headquarters, a beautiful location that was home for the first night's wild times. For the these wild times to happen, there was an electric bull, a funky fresh dj setup high 10 ft. off the ground, food, beer, and a classic throwdown. With two machines Verve baristas Chris and Stacey were able to crank 46 people through a giant bracket style throwdown in an impressively short period of time. Verve barista Lizzy Sampson started her memorable weekend winning the night's throwdown as well as an admirable 3rd in the barista competition.

Friday Night BGA Party at the Verve Roastery

Congratulations also go out to Charles Babinski from Intelligentsia who took 2nd and Jared Truby from Verve Coffee Roasters who took 1st in the barista competition.

For the Brewer's Cup competition, 3rd place went to Andrew Villa from Bellano Coffee , 2nd place went to Alexandria Littlejohn from Cafecito Organico, and John Martin from Intelligentsia took home the 1st place prize.






As for the BGA level 1 certification, 12 people went through our written and practical tests, which for some may have been a well needed change of pace for those who were caught up in what is usually is a faced paced weekend. Competitors, judges, and even a World Barista Competition certified judge made it a point to get the experience of seeing what our level 1 certification is about.

sL doing what he does best.

Thanks so much to all of you who made it a point to go through level 1 certification this weekend and thanks also to Verve Coffee Roasters including the BGA into their regional barista competition weekend.