TNT NW comes to Portland

The final pour off between Riley Paterson and DJ Brower.
Ristretto Roasters hosted the first Portland installment of the TNT NW series at its Nicolai location.
Ristretto Roasters hosted the first Portland installment of the TNT NW series at its Nicolai location.

 

We had a little treat here last night here in Portland (and no I don’t just mean the NBA draft). The TNT NW team came to town and threw down a throwdown at Ristretto Roasters. Loads of other Washingtonians came down from Seattle, Tacoma and parts beyond to participate, mingle, snag some swag, and enjoy some tasty beverages and snacks.

Espresso Parts' Panda unloads a box of swag for attendees.
Espresso Parts‘ Panda Fernandez unloads a box of swag for attendees.

The TNT had two challenges. One was a traditional latte art throwdown, and the other was a olfactory sensory test. In the sensory test contestants had to pick two out of four descriptors correctly for each scent they were presented with. It was a good twist to have a competition open to anyone (even those with poor latte art skills, like say, me!)

Bronwen Serna takes a stab at the sensory competition.
Bronwen Serna takes a stab at the sensory competition.
Samples to identify in the olfactory competition.
Samples to identify in the olfactory competition.

The latte art throwdown had some great prizes at stake for the top-three finishers from the event sponsors including a Virtuoso grinder from Baratza, a subscription to Craft Coffee, and a subscription to Barista Magazine.

The crowd gathers around the bar to watch the latte art throwdown.
The crowd gathers around the bar to watch the latte art throwdown.
Longtime Coffee Fest latte art judge Matt Milletto competes against longtime latte art contestant Cole McBride.
Longtime Coffee Fest latte art judge Matt Milletto competes against longtime latte art contestant Cole McBride.
The final pour off between Riley Paterson and DJ Brower.
The final pour off between Riley Paterson and DJ Brower.

Ultimately, the Seattle baristas in attendance showed their mettle and prowess with the pour as they took the top three places. Visions Cole McBride finished in third while DJ Brower from Cafe Migliore taking second, and Riley Paterson landed in first place. It was a beautiful night in the Rose City and a heckuva lot of fun. I hope we get a chance to see the TNT NW team down this way again soon!

About Ken 263 Articles
Kenneth R. Olson (he/him) is co-founder and publisher of Barista Magazine the worldwide trade magazine for the professional coffee community. He has written extensively about specialty coffee, traveled near and far for stories, activities, and fun, and been invited to present on topics important to coffee culture. He is also an avid fan of the Portland Trail Blazers, the Washington Huskies, and public libraries.