The 12 semifinalists for the USBC who made it through the first round. They'll join the six regional champions for Saturday's semifinal round.
Another amazing day here in Boston (except that it’s freakin’ freezing!). Here are some of our favorite moments.
Today marked the opening of the show floor, which hosted the US Areopress Championship at the Bunn booth. While in the Activities Hall, the United States Barista Championship, the US Brewers Cup, the Cup Tasters Challenge, the US Latte Art Exhibition all entered their second day of competition.
The Barista Guild café is always a busy place. I was lucky enough to get a great shot of Verve Coffee’s Streetlevel Espresso.
Handsome Coffee’s Jay Lijewski works the BMag booth with an assist from Sonja Grant.
2012 USBC Champ Katie Carguilo competes in the first round of the 2013 USBC.
Katie and Aida Batlle after Katie’s performance. Katie used coffee from Aida’s farm, Kilimanjaro
The US Aeropress championship kicks off with a welcome from Alan Adler!
The illustrious judges’ panel for the US Aeropress Championship.
Today was the second day of the US Brewers Cup.
Mark Inman competes in the Cup Tasters Challenge.
James Hoffmann and Emma Markland Webster stop by the BMag booth as Jay and Ken try a poor attempt at photobombing.
Chris Baca and Stacy Kock from Verve flashing fat stacks! I wonder if they know the BGA café is free?
Andy Sperger and Aimee Markelz from Aeropress Championship sponsor BUNN.
Klatch Roasting’s Heather Perry serving up shots.
Kent Bakke and Ryan Wilbur at the unveiling of the new La Marzocco Linea.
Loads of people have stopped by our neighbor Alpha Dominche’s booth to check out the new Steampunk and Mod bar.
Khristian Bombeck from Alpha Dominche shows off his company’s bitchin’ new machine!
Two-time US Brewers Cup champ Andy Sprenger has another trophy for his case. He’s the 2013 US Aeropress Champion!
The baristas and audience waits to see who will advance in the USBC and the US Brewers Cup.
The US Brewers Cup Finalists get ready to move on to Saturday’s finish.
The 12 semifinalists for the USBC who made it through the first round. They’ll join the six regional champions for Saturday’s semifinal round.
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 state parks, public libraries, and physical media.