Episode 33 - Competition Coffee with Jess Steffy

With the US Coffee Championships Qualifying Event starting February 2nd, we're honored to welcome Jess Steffy to the podcast to talk about coffee competitions and the important role they serve. Jess is the co-owner of Square One Coffee, a certified Q Grader, chair of the US Coffee Championships Competitions Committee and head judge for the Barista Competition and Brewer's Cup. We talked with her about the format of the events, what makes for a winning routine, and what the home brewer can learn from the competition.
What We're Drinking

Jess Steffy: Kenya Giakanja from Square One Coffee on the Chemex
Brian Beyke: Honduras Finca El Puente from Counter Culture Coffee on the V60
Bryan Schiele: Ethiopia Faya Deraro from Augies Coffee on the V60

Shownotes

Official US Coffee Championships Qualifying Barista Competition Page
Official US Coffee Championships Qualifying Brewer's Cup Page
Jess' Barista Magazine Cover
US Coffee Championships Rules & Downloads
SCAA Details Regarding the 2016 USCC Qualifying Event
Sprudge's List of Barista Championship Qualifying Round Competitors
Sprudge's List of Brewer's Cup Qualifying Round Competitors
Sprudge Live's Twitter
The Craft by Tim Varney

About Jess Steffy:

Co-Owner of Square One Coffee in Lancaster, PA
Certified Q Grader
Chair of the USCC Competitions Committee
Head judge of the US Barista and Brewers Cup competitions (and more)
Follow Jess on Instagram
Follow Square One on Instagram or Twitter