2024 USCC Prelims

October 14, 2024

We are so excited to have hosted for the second year in a row the USCC Prelims! The Cup Tasters Preliminary Saturday, October 14th, 2023.

We want to thank everyone who came out to watch the competitions and cheer on competitors, our sponsors, our volunteers and all of the competitors who cupped their hearts out!!

Congratulations!

Here are the final rankings from the competition. The Top 3 competitors automatically receive a slot at the US Cup Tasters Qualifiers. Well done competitors!

What are Prelims and What is the Cup Tasters Competition?

Prelims are local, community-driven events that are the perfect place for first-time competitors to get experience and get involved in coffee competitions. They are meant to be accessible, low-cost and fun and are a great entry-point to the world of coffee competitions. Everything is provided for the competitors, all you need to bring is a sense of adventure, curiosity and fun (and ok, maybe a little competitive spirit:)

Fast and fun, the Cup Tasters Preliminary challenges competitors to test their sensory skills by discerning taste differences in a “triangulation.” Tasters receive 5 sets of three cups where two cups are identical and one is different. Competitors are challenged to taste, smell, recall, and choose the unique cup in each triangulation. The person with the most correct answers in the shortest amount of time wins.

Competition Overview:

Tasters compete in groups of 3 individuals at a time (called "heats")
Tasters receive 5 sets of three cups where two cups are identical and one is different.
Competitors are challenged to taste, smell, recall, and choose the unique cup in each triangulation.
The person with the most correct answers in the shortest amount of time wins!
The top 3 competitors will receive a reserved spot at one of the two Qualifying events this winter!

A WEEKEND OF COFFEE FESTIVITIES:

Brio Coffeeworks will be hosting the Cup Tasters competition, while the Barista competition will be held at Uncommon Coffee. Here's what's happening at Brio on Saturday.

*our coffee bar will be open for regular service 8am-4pm. The competition is open to the public. Free to attend.

HERE'S HOW TO GET INVOLVED!

SPECTATE

VOLUNTEER

AND NOW...YOUR 2024 USCC CUP TASTERS COMPETITORS!

Sean Coyne (He/him), Burlington, VT - Brio Coffeeworks

Brittany Gross (She/he), New Bedford, MA - Speedwell Coffee

Andrew Shelley (He/him), Burlington, VT - Independent

Ashleigh Chrisena Ricci (She/her), Grand Island, NY - Tipico Coffee Roasters

Andrew Sepic (He/him), Jericho, VT - Nomad Coffee

Jesse Crouse (He/him), Lockport, NY - Tipico Coffee

Jason Gonzalez (He/any), Burlington, VT - Onyx Tonics

Rob Maynard (He/him), Burlington, VT - Uncommon Coffee

Anthony Gerakos (He/him), Bristol, VT - Little Sed Coffee Roasters

Barbara Luther (She/her), Bridgeport, VT - LDC

Jinwoo Ahn (He/him), Palisades, NJ - Cafe Grumpy

John Pang (He/him), Flushing, NY - Independent

Emery Conger (She/they), Indianapolis, IN - Shuv Coffee

Daniel Gutierrez (He/him), Middlebury, VT - Illuminar Coffee

HANDY LINKS:

US Coffee Championships Main Page: uscoffeechampionships.org

Competition Overview and Rules & Regs: uscoffeechampionships.org/preliminaries-overview-2022