USCC PRELIMS

We are thrilled to share that we have been selected as official hosts of USCC Preliminary Events! These events will take place from Friday, October 13-Sunday, October 15 2023. Registration is open.

 

Brio Coffeeworks will be hosting the Cup Tasters competition & Uncommon will be hosting the Barista competition. During the weekend, there will be a ton of community events and things to do while you’re visiting Vermont!  Follow @uncommonvt on instagram for updates!

Registration Links

What are Prelims?
Prelims are the entry-point to competitions. They’re meant to be community-driven events which are inherently accessible. There is a low cost to participation for competitors and competitors do not need to bring any wares or supplies. If you compete, you can bring your own wares, but you can’t bring your own coffee, milk, or ingredients.

Competing
If you’re competing or judging, you’ll be required to watch the Online Learning Session for your event. This will help prepare you for what to expect from your chosen competition, as well as answer questions you may have and provide you with contact information for who to reach out to in case you need any additional support.

  • Barista:

    • The top 3 competitors will receive a reserved spot at one of the two Qualifying events this winter.

    • Competitors will have 7 minutes to make espressos and milk beverages for 2 sensory judges.

    • Competitors' preparation skills will be assessed by 1 technical judge.

    • A Head Judge oversees all these judges but does not score.

    • Competitors must use the provided compulsory coffee(s). Competitors will choose from 2 or more compulsory coffees in a blind tasting on Friday.

    • All wares and equipment are supplied by Prelims Hosts! Competitors may bring their own wares if they would like.

Supporting Competitions in Vermont
If you’d like to support the competitions, there are many ways you can get involved! There are volunteer slots open, which include judging. Anyone who considers themselves to be a specialty coffee enthusiast is encouraged to consider volunteering as a judge. There will be a Head Judge on site to train new judges. Please note that you can’t compete and judge the same competition within the same season!

If you sign up to volunteer, a competition organizer will be in touch with you to outline which tasks and shifts are available.