For fifteen minutes baristas competed with a little piece of heaven, a cherry bean, picked, dried, shipped and roasted. On a grand stage, that heaven was the ultimate nirvana for one woman whose journey to and from the land garnered her the title of United States Barista Champ. She competed among a phenomenal five who were as great at storytelling in their own cultural right. A salute to them all.
Now, a resounding quote paired with their set lists as smdlr was able to hear and document it.
Laila Ghambari
Seattle, WA
Cherry Street
“To be extraordinary these coffees would have to work together.”
1. ‘Aint That Enough for You’, John Davis & The Monster Orchestra
2. ‘Do You Believe,” Poolside
3. ‘The Way You Move’, Social Disco Club & Mala
4. ‘I’m Ready’, Kano
Charles Babinski
Los Angeles, CA
G&B Coffee
“The best qualities of a cappuccino are self-evident.”
1. ‘The Fear’ Ben Howard
2. ‘’Crystal Clear’ Opus Orange
3. ‘Center Stage’ Capital Cities
4. ‘Black Keys’ The Only One
Trevor Corlett
Washington, D.C.
MadCap Coffee Company
“Drinks tell a story…swirl, sniff, sip…”
1. ‘Stay Alive’, Walter Mitty
2. ‘Everyday People’, Arrested Development
3. ‘Heart it Races’, Architecture in Helsinki
Cole McBride
Seattle, WA
PublicUS & Veltons Coffee
1. ‘Doin’ It Right’, Daft Punk
2. ‘Queens’, Theesatisfaction
3. ‘Lofticries’, Purity Ring
Camila Ramos
Miami, Florida
Panther Coffee
1. ‘Paper Trails’, Darkside
2. ‘Can I Kick It’ Tribe Called Quest
3. ‘El Bandido’ Nicolas Jarr
Nora Brady
St. Louis, MO
BluePrint Coffee
“Texture is tied to our senses, influencing and evoking emotion.”
1. ‘Smug’ Polica
2. ‘Coffee’ Sylvan Esso
3. ‘Klapp, Klapp’ Little Dragon
4. ‘Rosa Grimes’