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Ryan Fisher of Commonwealth Coffee placed second in the NYC Coffee Masters Tournament, which took place last weekend in Manhattan. The prestigious barista competition brought challengers from all over the world to a competition judged by coffee specialists, including Gwilym Davies (World Barista Champion 2009), Anne Lunell (Koppi Coffee Roasters), Sam Penix (Everyman Espresso), and Stephen Vick (Blue Bottle Coffee).
The first place was taken by Australian Ben Morrow. Denver sent more competitors to the caffeinated face-off than any other city. Elle Taylor of Amethyst Coffee as well as Josh Taves and Paul Johnson of Novo Coffee participated in the contest.
Fisher focuses on of his daily efforts on roasting coffee. Commonwealth is a two year old business that he founded along with Jason Farrar. The beans they craft can be found in local coffee shops like Downpours, Crema, and Amethyst, and restaurants like Onefold and Mercantile Dining & Provisions.