Arizona Coffee

Excellent job by the Pittsburgh Tribune editing this latte art video clip.

While visiting Cartel Coffee Lab’s downtown location this morning, Jason Silberschlag mentioned to me that the USBC has redrawn the regional map used for competitions.

Now, instead of the “southwest” being defined as Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico it expands to include Hawaii, California, Utah, and Colorado!

This is great news, but also means those who choose to compete will have intense competition! If you’re interested, the announcement PDF is available here.

Oh, and the 2010 World Barista Champion is Michael Phillips.

Victor posted a link to this Live Science article about the “mysterious” benefits of coffee, and I thought I’d post a summary.

• Lowered cancer risk
• Sharper memory
• 39% decreased risk of head and neck cancer
• Fewer cancers of the mouth and throat than non-coffee drinkers
• Drinking coffee can help prevent the neural degeneration associated with brain disorders
• Good for the cardiovascular system
• Lowers the risk of stroke by 19% among women
• A 60% cut in risk of aggressive prostate cancer in men
• Reduce the risk of developing liver cancer by 41%
• Protective against certain brain tumors, endometrial cancer, and advanced prostate cancer
• Source of antioxidants that prevent cellular damage

Your results may vary.

Joe Johnston just published a terrific post outlining his guidelines for how to rate an espresso bar.

The folks at The Coffee Bump have kindly offered to give away a free Bodum Chambord 4-Cup French Press (valued at $37.99).

To enter to win, just leave a comment here, or on Twitter using the the hashtag #arizonacoffee. Your comment must be a funny joke or story. It can be original, or something you copied from somewhere else. Please keep it clean.

One winner, chosen at random, will be announced on June 25th. When you leave your comment, be sure to include an email address so we can contact you! Offer valid only in the United States. One entry per person. Thanks, and have fun!

I’m pleased to introduce the newest sponsor of Arizona Coffee is The Coffee Bump.

They sell coffee makers, grinders, and Bodum products. Thank you for your support!

The Coffee Bump
5890 De Zavala Rd. STE 107
San Antonio, TX 78249
Phone: (210) 615-6611

Mitch from Press Coffee gives us a personal demonstration of their new Trifecta Brewing system, which is a brand new machine. Press Coffee has the first one in the state that is in a coffee shop. So watch the video!

The sales rep for Bunn was on hand at the time, and I asked him what they sell for. He indicated that a coffee roaster could get one for $2,499 but the street price is double that (I seriously don’t get that… why not just have one price?).

It’s a very simple machine, with a sturdy aluminum construction weighing 49 lbs. Visually, it isn’t the most amazing looking machine, but it reminds me of the Super Soaker… simple design without a lot of flashy parts. In that manner, it is very much different than the Clover.

If you visit Press Coffee, you should ask for a cup. It’s really nice and is making some very good coffee. I tried two of their coffees: a Sudamo and a Peruvian and both were excellent. Very smooth. And unlike a french press there is no “grounds” at the bottom of the cup.

Press Coffee Food Wine
5410 E. High St.
Suite 115
Phoenix, AZ 85054
Phone: (480) 419-6221
Twitter: @PressCoffee

Flagstaff residents have another coffee shop to visit. Kickstand Kafe has just opened and is on Humphfreys St.

They get their coffee roasted by Firecreek Coffee Company of Cave Creek, AZ. Thanks to Jon over there for letting me know.

Kickstand Kafe
719 N. Humphreys
Flagstaff, AZ, 86001
Phone: (928) 779-5393

Press Coffee has a new toy — a Trifecta Coffee Brewer.

I’m going to get a video of it in operation very soon.

I’m currently enjoying some Kenya Tekangu coffee from Lost Dutchman Coffee Roasters.