Taking a "shot" at the national title, masters of the espresso machine will compete in the Specialty Coffee Association of America's (SCAA) 2007 United States Barista Championship (USBC), hosted by Krups. Round One of the intense four-day competition will begin on May 4 in Long Beach, Calif. at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center. The event will conclude with a final round featuring the top baristas in the nation, followed by a winners' ceremony, both on May 7. The USBC encourages and recognizes professional achievement in the art and skill of espresso beverage preparation and service. SCAA is the world's largest coffee trade association with over 2,700 member companies from over 40 countries. Krups, a leading manufacturer of premium home espresso and coffee machines, will return for its fourth year as title sponsor of the event.
The most skilled and adventurous baristas from around the country will gather in the hometown of the Specialty Coffee Association of America---Long Beach---to battle for the coveted title. Competitors will demonstrate the art of espresso, creating some of the world's finest coffee concoctions. Challengers will race through a maze of judges and photographers while maintaining composure as they prepare and serve 12 coffee drinks---four espressos, four cappuccinos and four original signature drinks of their own creation---all within a 15-minute timeframe. The official espresso machine used by competitors in the 2007 United States Barista Championship is a 3-Group La Marzocco.
Seven USBC-certified judges, including one head judge, two technical judges and four sensory judges, will evaluate each of the contenders. Judges will focus on station cleanliness, taste, beverage presentation, technical skills and total impression. The 2006 U.S. Barista Champion Matt Riddle, of Intelligentsia Coffee in Chicago, will compete again. Last year, Riddle went on to represent the U.S. in the World Barista Championship, where he took third place.
The new 2007 U.S. Barista Champion will receive the highest national honor for a barista, a trophy, $1,000 in cash, and an all-expenses paid trip from his or her hometown to the World Barista Championship in Tokyo, Japan, July 31 - Aug. 2, 2007, hosted by the Specialty Coffee Association of Japan. All USBC participants will also receive the Krups XP4030 Espresso Machine, valued at $200.
The event is free and open to the public during the finals and Champion Award Ceremony, both Monday, May 7. For additional information, please contact Michelle Campbell, SCAA director of community and events, at 562-624-4100 or mcampbell@scaa.org.
POSTED: Thursday, February 08, 2007