Ultimate Barista Challenge

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: DANNY JOHNS
djohnswholecup@aol.com
+1 503 232 1016

Kona Coffee Signature Cup sweet success for Barista Brooke Decker of Mountain Thunder Farm

Kailua Kona, Hawaii - Third time is a charm for Barista and Coffee Roaster Brooke Decker of Mountain Thunder as she steamed and her way to the top barely breaking a sweat with her Italian themed drink, Citrus Twist, brewed with 100% Kona coffee from her family farm, prepared as espresso, blended with velvety milk and orange zest. This was the 3rd annual Kona Signature Cup held during the 37th Kona Coffee Festival and Brooke's third entry.

KSC Champion Brooke Bateman preps her table

The 2007 Kona Signature Cup, November 10th, hosted by ³Kona Joe² Alban and wife deepa, Polynesian supermodel, was a fundraiser to support Green Source, the Kainaliu Exchange, dedicated to keeping Hawaii green. Kona Joe stated ³Each year we select a nonprofit organization to highlight. Green Source was a natural fit for us. It was the biggest Signature Cup yet and the first zero waste event² featuring cups made from cornstarch. Dinner, wine tasting, traditional entertainment and a silent auction accompanied the Signature Cup.

Lt. Governor of Hawaii Duke Aiona joined more than 200 attendees to watch the Baristi prepare and present an espresso drink of their own creation to a panel of discerning judges. Baristi were evaluated on drink taste, technical skills and presentation. Time was a critical factor with a mere 10 minutes to prepare four identical drinks. Many beat the clock with only seconds remaining or forfeited points. Very close second was Barista Drew Furness with his Big Bamboo signature drink. A flavorful mixture of sparkling water, sweet cream, honey and perfectly prepared 100% Kona espresso blended with ice and served in real Bamboo tumblers to the delight of the tasting judges.

A Kona Signature Cup Drink!

Perennial favorite Emcee Danny Johns of WholeCup Coffee Consulting, LLC presided over the Kona Signature Cup with his lively commentary and introductions as audience members enjoyed the show and cheered for their favorite barista.

Miss Kona Coffee, KSC Champion Brooke Bateman, Lt. Governor of Hawaii Duke Aiona and Sherri Johns (KSC Head Judge & Coordinator) with mic, at closing ceremonies.

Esteemed judges included Michael Tesauro, F&B Director of Hualalai Resort, Sean Hubbard, F&B Director of the Fairmont Orchid Hotel and Schack Vonruhmor, F&B Director of the Sheraton Keauhou Resort, Shawn Steiman, Coffee Consultant and Trent Bateman, Mountain Thunder (who stepped down from the judging panel during his daughter¹s competition). ³I cannot thank them enough for volunteering their time, energy and discerning palates to support the local coffee community. They seemed to really enjoy themselves as well,² says Sherri Johns, Kona Signature Cup Head Judge.

MC Danny & KSC Barista during competition!

Joseph Alban, Kona Joe Coffee Farms and host, "We are very pleased with the results of the Kona Signature Cup. This event is an annual tradition raising funds and awareness of not only our featured cause, also raising awareness of quality baristi and recognizing it takes the barista real skill to expertly prepare the fine coffees we grow. We are already planning for a bigger and better 2008 event."

For more information:
Kona Signature Cup and Kona Joe Farms; www.konajoe.com
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival; www.konacoffeefest.com
Green Source, Kainaliu Exchange; contact Keith Kavisic at sacred808@aol.com
WholeCup Coffee Consulting; Danny or Sherri Johns, sjohnswholecup@aol.com 503.232.1016
Download an application to compete, or Contact Danny or Sherri at info@baristachallenge.com / Tel: 503.232.1016 for general information.

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