This year’s Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) convention is just wrapping up, and along with it, the 2008 United States Barista Competition. Three of our finest baristas, Scott Lucey, Justin Teisl and Dave Schwalbach (pictured top to bottom), have been practicing for months in preparation for this year’s USBC and each made a great showing in the competition. This was Dave’s first time to compete and he held up well against the daunting list of big names that made up this years group of over 50 competitors. Scott and Justin took their well-oiled routines through the first round of competition and into the semi-finals. We are thrilled to have seen them advance into the select group consisting mostly of regional champs, who were automatically added to the semi-finals, past USBC champs and other talented baristas from across the States. It took great skill and great scores from the judges to make it into the semis and, along with their espressos and cappuccinos, Scott’s custard and Costa Rica “Campeon del Valle” drink and Justin’s espresso Manhattan were just enough to place them amongst some of the barista world’s finest.

We and our many talented baristas will be working hard in preparation for, and looking forward to, next year’s competition, so be on the lookout for at least one Alterran somewhere in the final 6 of the USBC 2009 in Portland.

Click here to check out video of Scott’s and Justin’s semi-finals performances.