The world of competitive coffee is a fascinating spectacle of precision, passion, and pressure. As a coffee enthusiast, I find the United States Barista Championship particularly captivating. It’s where the nation’s best baristas push the boundaries of flavor, technique, and presentation. Watching these contenders is like getting a masterclass in everything from bean sourcing and roasting profiles to the intricate science of milk texturing and extraction. The dedication on display is a powerful reminder that coffee is far more than a morning ritual; it’s a craft.
For those of us watching from home, a natural question arises: how can we get a taste of that championship-level experience? While we might not have a state-of-the-art espresso machine at our disposal, we can certainly start with the same foundational element: the coffee beans. Many of the contenders use specific, high-quality beans that are available to the public. Seeking out these beans is the first step toward understanding what makes a United States Barista Championship contender’s cup so special and unique.
United States Barista Championship Contenders: Beans to Try
- Onyx Coffee Lab Southern Weather Blend
- Counter Culture Fast Forward Espresso
- Verve Coffee Roasters Streetlevel Blend
- Intelligentsia Black Cat Project X Espresso
Onyx Coffee Lab Southern Weather Blend
I’ve been a fan of Onyx Coffee Lab for a while, and their Southern Weather blend is a standout for a reason. It’s a coffee I’ve seen mentioned in coffee competition circles, and after trying it, I understand why. This blend is designed for balance and clarity, featuring beans from Colombia and Ethiopia. The result is a cup that’s both comforting and complex. I get notes of dark chocolate, maple, and a bright, citrusy finish that keeps it from being too heavy. It’s incredibly versatile, working beautifully as both a smooth espresso shot and a rich filter coffee.
What impresses me most about Southern Weather is its consistency. Onyx is known for its meticulous sourcing and roasting, and this blend is a testament to that. Every bag I’ve ordered has been fresh and roasted to perfection. It’s a coffee that feels special but is also approachable enough for daily brewing. Whether you’re pulling shots for milk-based drinks or enjoying it black, it holds its own. For anyone wanting to experience the kind of quality that fuels a United States Barista Championship contender, this is a fantastic starting point.
Pros
- Excellent balance of chocolatey richness and bright acidity
- Extremely versatile for both espresso and drip brewing
- Consistently high quality and fresh roasting
Cons
- Priced higher than grocery store blends
- Can sell out quickly due to popularity
Counter Culture Fast Forward Espresso
Counter Culture is a giant in the specialty coffee scene, and their Fast Forward Espresso is a blend built for the modern barista. I find it to be a brilliant example of a approachable yet sophisticated espresso. It’s designed to be dynamic, offering a flavor profile that changes slightly depending on how you brew it. When I pull a shot, I typically taste notes of dark chocolate and caramel with a surprising, wine-like brightness. It’s not a harsh, bitter espresso; it’s smooth and complex, which makes it perfect for sipping straight.
I appreciate that Fast Forward is both a crowd-pleaser and a coffee geek’s coffee. It creates a stellar latte, with the milk complementing its sweetness rather than just masking bitterness. But it also has enough complexity to be interesting on its own. Counter Culture’s commitment to sustainability and direct trade is another reason I feel good about buying this coffee. It’s a product that supports quality from the farm to the cup. If you’re looking for an espresso blend that embodies the ethos of a United States Barista Championship contender—focus on quality, sustainability, and drinkability—this is a top choice.
Pros
- Complex flavor profile with low bitterness
- Works exceptionally well with milk or black
- Roasted by a company with strong ethical sourcing practices
Cons
- The bright acidity might not suit those who prefer very traditional, dark roasts
- Best consumed relatively quickly after opening to appreciate its brightness
Verve Coffee Roasters Streetlevel Blend
Verve Coffee Roasters, based in California, has a vibe that’s both cool and deeply serious about coffee. Their Streetlevel Blend is their everyday offering, but “everyday” here means something exceptional. I see this as a coffee that bridges the gap between accessibility and high-end quality. It’s a blend of Latin American beans that delivers a consistently sweet and nutty cup. I taste notes of milk chocolate, toasted almond, and a hint of citrus that makes it really lively.
What I like about Streetlevel is its reliability. It’s a coffee that’s hard to mess up. Whether I’m using my espresso machine, my AeroPress, or a simple pour-over, it produces a delicious, satisfying cup. It’s the kind of blend I’d recommend to someone who wants to step up their coffee game without being intimidated. It’s approachable but never boring. For a United States Barista Championship contender, this might be their go-to for a consistent, well-rounded base, and for me, it’s a staple in my coffee rotation for exactly the same reason.
Pros
- Very approachable and easy to brew well
- Pleasantly sweet with a smooth, balanced body
- More affordable than many other specialty options
Cons
- Less complex than some single-origin or limited-edition blends
- The flavor profile is designed for crowd-pleasing, which may lack uniqueness for experienced palates
Intelligentsia Black Cat Project X Espresso
When I think of benchmark specialty espresso, Intelligentsia’s Black Cat Project always comes to mind. The Project X iteration is something special. This is a coffee that feels like it was crafted for a competition. It’s a blend that changes seasonally, but it always maintains a focus on sweetness, balance, and a silky body. I’ve had bags with tasting notes ranging from cherry cola to brown sugar, and each one has been a memorable experience. The level of precision in the roasting is palpable.
Brewing this coffee is a treat. The aroma is intense and inviting, and the espresso shot pours with a beautiful, thick crema. The flavor is clean and layered, without any of the ashy or burnt notes you can find in lesser coffees. It’s a coffee that demands attention and rewards a careful brewing process. While it’s certainly an investment, for me, it’s worth it for a weekend treat or when I want to feel like a true United States Barista Championship contender in my own kitchen. It’s a masterclass in what espresso can be.
Pros
- Exceptionally balanced with a complex, sweet flavor profile
- Produces a rich, velvety crema
- Seasonal variations keep the experience interesting
Cons
- One of the more expensive options on the list
- Its subtle complexity can be lost if not brewed correctly
11 United States Barista Championship contenders and where to find them
If you’re like me, watching the United States Barista Championship (USBC) is a highlight of the coffee year. It’s not just a competition; it’s a showcase of incredible talent, innovation, and, most importantly, amazing coffee. The best part? You don’t have to be a judge to taste what these competitors are creating. Many of these baristas work at or own cafes you can visit. Here’s a guide to 11 United States Barista Championship contenders and where to find them.
First, let’s talk about the reigning champion, Isaiah Sheese from Luna Coffee in Washington. His win was a masterclass in precision, and you can experience his approach to coffee at his cafe. On the East Coast, Ellie Yang from Coffee Project New York is a constant innovator, bringing wild and creative concepts to the stage. Her cafe is a must-visit for anyone interested in coffee experimentation.
From the Midwest, keep an eye on Brandon Paul Weaver of JBC Coffee Roasters in Wisconsin. His presentations are known for their technical depth and storytelling. In California, Cole Torode from The Coffee Movement in San Francisco brings a West Coast vibe with a focus on clarity and balance in the cup. Another West Coast standout is Mackenzie Tatananni from Cafe Virtuoso in San Diego, whose work highlights sustainable sourcing.
Don’t sleep on the South. Reggie Miller from BLK & Bold is not only a fantastic barista but also part of a company with a powerful social mission. In Chicago, Joe Yang from Sawada Coffee brings a unique perspective that often blends coffee with other culinary arts. For those in the Pacific Northwest, Megan Garcia from Proud Mary Coffee in Portland is a force, known for her deep knowledge of coffee origins.
Rounding out the list are a few more names you should know. Christopher McAuley, formerly of various New York spots, is always a contender with his technical skills. Ethan Rode from Onyx Coffee Lab represents a roastery known for its competition-level quality. And finally, Mikael Jasin from Jasbin Coffee is a veteran whose experience always makes him a threat.
Visiting these cafes gives you a direct line to the minds shaping the future of American coffee. It’s a chance to taste the quality and passion that defines the USBC.
FAQ
What is the United States Barista Championship?
The United States Barista Championship (USBC) is a premier competition where professional baristas from across the country compete. They are judged on the quality of their espresso, milk beverages, and a signature drink, as well as their technical skills, presentation, and overall performance. It’s a serious event that pushes the boundaries of coffee service and preparation.
Why should I care about where these baristas work?
Great question! When a barista competes at this level, they bring that same dedication and expertise back to their home cafe. Visiting their workplace means you can experience a cup of coffee prepared with an incredible amount of care and knowledge. It’s a way to taste the results of all that practice and innovation firsthand.
Are the coffees used in the competition available at their cafes?
Sometimes, but not always. The competition often features rare, limited-edition, or experimental coffees that a barista has specifically chosen for the event. However, the barista’s home cafe will almost certainly serve coffee that reflects their palate and standards. You might find the exact competition coffee, or you might find other fantastic offerings that showcase their same philosophy.
How can I find out who is competing in the next championship?
The best source is the official Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) website. They post information about qualifying events, schedules, and finalist lists. Following the baristas and their cafes on social media is another excellent way to stay updated, as they often share their competition journeys online.
Is it intimidating to visit a cafe owned by a championship contender?
It really shouldn’t be! In my experience, the baristas who are this passionate about coffee are usually the most excited to share it with others. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You can simply say you heard about their involvement in the competition and were curious to try their coffee. They’ll likely appreciate your interest.
Can I try the signature drinks they create for the competition?
This is a bit trickier. The signature drinks are often complex, one-off creations designed for the stage. While you probably won’t find the exact drink on the menu, many of these cafes have a rotating selection of signature beverages that reflect the barista’s creative style. It’s always worth asking if they have any special drinks available that day.