33rd Competitor. Devin Pedde, Intelligentsia Coffee and Tea, LA CA
esp: 3 brazils: natural, citrus acidity, body, chocolate & winey notes. after Marie’s performance, about 1/3 of the audience left and the room temp. dropped about 5 degrees. Bad luck for the grind, buddy. esp. served 2:10- nice. notices the flavor difference at different strata: geolicious!
capp: overdoses considerably, barely tamps. is this to bring out a richer flavor with full volume? classic white diner cups add a modest elegance. esp. is rich and red, slightly pale, no flecking. 4 visually correct hearts, varying quality but impressive. Devin’s cool, professional demenor matches his music. served 8:45.
sig: crushed fennel seed steeped in original Strauss milk to bring out earthy esp. notes. minouka? honey from New Zealand to round off the black licorice flavor. fennel has steeped for appx. 5 min, and Devin steams the milk w/ satchel in. milk over honey, esp. over to make a lovely parfait between the milk and foam. Intelligentsia are consumately professional. served 13:23, and Devin uses extra time for clean-up and a final pass at the judges’ water glasses. Eat bananas? good advice. Devin’s cups did not rattle. I thought it was because Intelligentsia are consumate professionals, but now i blame the bananas.
Man, Intelligentsia are good! Both Devin and Kyle had well-thought out, measured, professional, very impressive performances. The only person who might top that would be Heather Perry.
Oh, she’s next. I am having a good day.