On September 17 in the year 2011, 20 bold Dunn Bros baristas and 20 adoring fans gathered on the battle grounds of ESI in Minneapolis for an epic contest. After much bloodshed, Dunn Bros Coffee crowned two champions.

Alex Schuster from Eden Prairie West, MN took the crown for Barista Champion. Lauren Petersen of Excelsior, MN became the Latte Art Champion. These two will enjoy their reign for a year, until next years Barista Battle.

Alex showed great poise and knowledge as he wowed the judges in his 10 minutes of glory. Each competitor had 10 minutes to prepare a Dunn Bros offered coffee for four judges. They were judged on their brewing technique, flavor of the cup and knowledge of the coffee itself. Many baristas mused about processing methods, growing altitudes and farm characteristics. Our caffeinated judges broke down their expertise from hot water to first sip to finish. The second portion of the competition gave the baristas a chance to highlight their espresso skills and offered them a chance to show off their ‘signature’ drink. Some drinks were on the edge of creativity and others, perfected classics that looked dangerously enticing. Each judge scored this portion based on everything from milk steaming to coffee synergy (how the signature part of the drink actually worked with the espresso in the cup).

At the end, only one stood. Alex brewed his Kenyan Muiri Estate coffee in an Aero Press and carefully moved through the process while explaining his coffee effortlessly. He followed the cup with a traditional Australian Coffeehouse drink, the ‘Flat White’. This drink was highlighted by slightly cooler, sweet milk and a smaller serving vessel. Alex took the judges from the origins of this drink and explained what they would be enjoying brilliantly. Kudos to Alex and the team from Eden Prairie West for their efforts!

When the dust cleared and the smoke turned back to steam from the Cimbali, a Latte Art throwdown fit for a royal cavalry ensued. The tradition of a latte art throwdown dates back at least 5 years and rears its head in many forms. Our style was upheld by jovial baristas who were reeling from great food, good music and killer instinct. Baristas were paired and challenged to steam milk, choose a mug and pour something beautiful. Sounds simple enough, right? Wrong. The competition was tense, the lights were low and the nerves that were pouring through wrists and hands would shake even the bravest competitor. 10 began and only 1 came out victorious. Lauren dazzled the audience with her 6 oz pours of beautiful rosettas that were so aesthetically pleasing it seemed a crime to actually consume them. The grace shown in her focus and talent was evident to all and she was ultimately crowned the reigning Dunn Bros Latte Art Champion; ready and willing to face any who dare to challenge her rule.

Many thanks go out to those who made this event possible. Our fantastic panel of judges including such fame as current CEO Chris Eilers, Cafe Imports Quality Master Jamin Haddox, Barista and Coffee Enthusiast John Waltmann and Cafe Imports Customer Guru Matthew Brown. These men showed grit and heart as they waded through talent and a good strong caffeine buzz to ultimately crown a victor. Jason Cote was masterful behind the camera lens all day while Skip Fay, Jim Waltmann and Adam Ruggiero took care of all things food, social and hospitality related. A very special shout out to our Dunn Bros Franchisees who came out to show support for their aspiring Baristas. Joe Schwartz, Ann Schuster, Lisa Anderson, Gina and Paula Bettini thank you so much for your support and help throughout the day!

Be watching the skies for signs round this time next year as we make this Battle an annual adventure. Commit yourselves to bringing your best and continue to serve great coffee to good people all over the country!

Ryan Brown, Battle Commander in Chief

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