Round Two of the 2nd Annual Mill City Roasters' Focus on the Roast, 9.30.16, 2pm

[BoldJava]

Round Two of the 2nd Annual Mill City Roasters' Focus on the Roast competition is upon us. Congratulations to these 7 who are advanced to the finals:

Austin Amento, Redlands CA
Harrison Boyd, Temecula, CA
Lyle Erickson, Des Moines, IA
Alan Folks, Arden, NC
Cody Larson, Northfield, MN
Paul Trumm, Alexandria, MN
Austin Tsai, Granada Hills, CA

These individuals guessed the most correct origins in round 1. They have each put his best shine on a Huila, Colombian bean, a washed Caturra. The bean comes from the La Estrella (The Star) farm which is at 1550m.

We will livestream the cupping and placement of the roasts from Cafe Imports in Minneapolis, MN. Tune in at 2pm Central, on Friday, 9.30.16. See you there:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jobTs3hK2Y

While you are waiting grab some of our new listings. Two of my favorites are the Yemen Red Marqaha and the Ethiopian washed Abaya. There are also a few pounds left of some of our Round 1 greens. Grab some here: https://millcityroasters.com/product-category/green-coffee/

 

[BoldJava]

Results have been tabulated:

• 1st place, Austin Tsai, Granada Hills, CA. Austin won a 500g North sample roaster
• 2nd place, Cody Larson, Northfield, MN. Cody walks with a Tonino Roast Color Meter
• 3rd place, Austin Amento. Redlands, CA. Baratza will be sending out a Baratza Preciso grinder to Austin
• 4th place, Paul Trumm, Alexandria, MN. Prima Coffee Equipment generously donated a Paladin ♞ Mobile Cupping Kit which Paul will be receiving.
• 5th place, Lyle Erickson, Des Moines, IA. Lyle wins the Byrd & Belle shop apron.
• Honorable mention, Harrison Boyd, Temecula, CA
• Honorable mention, Alan Folks, Arden, NC

My thoughts as a judge:
* Excellent submissions
* Tight competition. We had to go to a head-to-head throwdown between Austin's and Cody's to break a tie.
* Light roasts were the "roast of the day."
* An 86.5 coffee is a superb coffee to use for competition. As Joe explained, a good roaster can put 2 points on it and a poor roast can lose about 2 points.

Fun, exciting, spirited contest this year. 115 entrants, with 7 proceeding to the second round roast-off. We look forward to next year's competition. Ideas and suggestions are always welcomed. Send them to [email protected] or [email protected].

Thanks all for a great contest this year!