Round One started this morning and one of the best parts of covering this whole event is being able to get backstage, as well as onstage at the USBC. If we are really quick we can often sample the siganture drinks – though on a couple of occaisons the judges have finished absolutely every single drop – and the two I’ve tried have been very good indeed.
The setting is amazing – competitors performing under a domed ceiling. Like the WBC judges are working as teams and alternating which means they can spend longer callibrating and discussing and the whole thing moves much faster so competitors spend less time waiting nervously on stage.
I’ll also be heading back into the competitors area to talk to thoe who don’t mind me sticking a camera in their face and maybe tasting a little of their espresso.
From the half a dozen competitors I have seen this morning, there can be no doubt this is going to be a very exciting event, and the standard is almost absurdly high. One noticeable thing is hearing baristas talk more specifically about their coffees and the origins and journey of the components in their blend.
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