An Interview With Isaiah
Brian: So how did it go in Chicago?
Isaiah: Um, these are serious questions.
B: Did you win?
I: No.
B: What happened?
I: I was a point short of the finals.
B: Do you think you should've won?
I: I think I should've made it to the finals.
B: Why do you think you didn't?
I: I don't like where this is going.
B: Ok, what about the article in Barista Magazine this month?
I: It was nice to have my name in the magazine two months in a row.
B: Did you think it was curious that Derek's picture was in there and you won the competition?
I: ... no comment.
B: You pointed out to me earlier that an extraordinary number of competition winners are from Intelligentsia these days. Do you think that is because their coffee is better or maybe because their baristas are better?
I: Oh man, no. I love what Intelli has done for our industry. Dealing with farm direct. But I've got to be honest. I've tried their coffee on numerous occasions. I don't think it's bad. But I don't think it's all what it's hyped up to be. I think a name will carry you far in this industry.
B: Hmm. The USBC is coming up in Portland in a couple weeks. Do you think you'll have a chance against some of these bigger name shops?
I: ......... (laughing) If I'm on my game, we might be able to make the top 25. Top 10... good luck.
B: Our flight leaves before the finals.
I: What are you trying to communicate to me with this statement?
B: I'm doing the interview here. Did you see the article in Imbibe this month about Topeca Coffee?
I: Yeah. It's good to see Tulsa getting on the map of coffee these days.
B: Yes. I'm glad Topeca opened the door for good coffee in Tulsa, aren't you?
I: Amen.
B: When are we going to do another podcast? The people call.
I: Right after Portland.
B: Sheesh. Do you have any ideas to change the way you're doing things in order to win next time?
I: Tell them I work for Intelligentsia? And get a faux-hawk mullet and tattoos.
B: Oh no. Well, good luck.
posted by Brian at 10:20 AM
3 Comments:
Nice work guys... I mean, I'm not expert, being a newbie and all but I have to agree with Isaiah.
For me, this time around (while in Chicago) Intelligentsia coffee was a disappointment, flat and nothing worth getting excited about. I'm being honest, and trying to be as objective as possible. I have no reason to downplay their coffee.
I hope folks in Tulsa realize how good they have it to have a place like Doubleshot. When you experience what others have to offer, you have a point of reference for the sake of comparison.
All the best in Portland. :)
you guys are always fun to read/listen to. Good luck in Portland and make sure to take some of that fresh espesso. Maybe some day Ill be around OK to try it.
Only the boys from DoubleShot could give bulletin-board worthy quotes for the USBC. I love it. Good luck Isaiah.
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