Competitors from Tennessee and surrounding states gathered in Cleveland, Tenn., on Saturday for the first Southeast Regional AeroPress championship. Spectators and competitors alike enjoyed sampling brews from Bonlife, Velo, Madcap, Thrive Farmers Coffee, and others. Barista Magazine was super stoked to be among the sponsors of this event.
Through a series of head-to-head rounds, the winner was determined by a judges panel led by head judge, Scott Lamphere from Thrive Farmers, Atlanta, Georgia. œI was very impressed with the quality of competitors and the excellent coffees said Lamphere. Competitors all brewed the same Burundi coffee roasted by Bonlife and sourced by Thrive Farmers in round one, and then were free to use the coffee of their choice in later rounds.
First place honors went to Drake Farmer of Bonlife Coffee, in Cleveland, Tenn. Drake competed with Ethiopia Nekisse, sourced by Ninety Plus and roasted by Bonlife Coffee.
DRAKE’S RECIPE:
18g Coffee (Medium Grind)
Aeropress in upright position (not inverted)
Able Fine Filter
220ml H2O at 203 degrees added over the course of 30 seconds
¢ Let steep for 50 seconds
¢ 2 soft stirs
¢ Plunge for 40 seconds, aiming for a completion time of 2:10 seconds
Second Place went to Spencer Perez of PERC Coffee in Savannah, Ga. Spencer competed with Tanzania Kiboko Peaberry, sourced by Café Imports and roasted by PERC Coffee.
SPENCER’S RECIPE:
Invert Aeropress
Dose 14g coffee into Aeropress
Start timer
Pour 60g water onto coffee, spinning the brewer and pouring down its wall
Wait until 0:30
Pour 140g water onto coffee
Secure rinsed filtercap (with paper filter)
At 1:00, press until 1:30
Drink!
Third place went to Erika Moore of Bonlife Coffee in Cleveland, Tenn. Erika competed with Ethiopia Nekisse roasted by Bonlife Coffee.
The AeroPress continues to grow its cult like following due to its low cost and ease of use that produce excellent coffees. Competitors were awarded prizes including trophies, brewing equipment, and other swag from the many industry sponsors including, Aerobie, Espresso Parts, Bonavita, Able Brewing, Barista Magazine, and more.
Amendment: Drake brewed an awesome cup and I’m saying it should be his picture instead of mine.
The picture with the caption reading “Drake Farmer from Bonlife was the big winner at the Southeast AeroPress Championship!” is of me, not Drake Farmer.