Well, it was pretty painful to get to the show as early as I could this morning. Way too much Petron and other imbibations last night at the great Cafe Imports party the night before. (as a side note, one of Cafe Import's managing partners, Jason Long got his start as a home roaster using popcorn poppers and air roasters! And not too long ago! Now he's sourcing and selling some of the world's best coffees to some of the top roasters in the US and the world).

But I knew I had a responsibility to you, the dear reader, so at a time I normally never exist at on a Sunday morning (8am), I got up and headed off to the second day at the SCAA.

No hotel coffee for me. One of the great things about having an all access press pass is that I'm able to get into the USBC training room. I guess not judging any longer also helps. But that means I'm able to get shots and americanos from the United States' best baristas as my morning kick start. And boy, did I.

When I got there, both Kyle from Stumptown and Eton from Groundwork Coffee were in full on practice mode. I had some shots of Eton's 'spro, and it was flowing fine, though he felt it needed some work, and ran off to retune his blend (he brought all the blend back to the practice area, and started mixing with a scale!).

Kyle's shots were just over the top. Some of the best Hairbender shots I've ever had in my life. Sweet, chocolate, fruits, aftertaste to die for. It was heaven.

After becoming sufficiently caffeinated by these two pros, I went out and watched about half of Heather Perry's Semi Finals performance. Ironically, she was on the middle machine - and this machine was having problems, some serious ones. Already the day before, Steve Fritzen had to file a protest because of the machine, and got a redo because of it. And there was Perry on the same machine. Later in the Day, Cho and others will be on that machine as well.

But from what I could see, she was fully in the zone. This wasn't the Heather Perry of 2003, chattering like an excited student. This was a refined, professional Barista who knew everything she was doing, and doing it all exceptionally well. Heather doesn't get talked up much in the 3rd wave cabal, and that's a shame - she knows her stuff. Her constant high placing and winning in regionals and nationals should speak volumes.

I posted a bunch of new photos to flickr of this segment, but here's some CG hosted imagery to keep you sated as well.
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Kyle Larson Practicing, and always having a good time Barista Setup One of the competitors' setups in the back. Pulling shots Kyle pulling shots as the Stumptown Crew looks on Eton practicing Eton was using a Nuova Simonelli grinder.

Eton's tasty shots These were sooooo good. Heather Perry Crowd was way too small, but it was early Sunday. Working... As judges look on. Notice Barry is all pants now ;) I didn't see shorts once on him all weekend. Pouring the Capp Heather professionally pouring her cappuccinos.

Getting ready Heather is ready to serve the judges their drinks. Tasting! Heather's cappuccinos are served to the sensory judges. Explaining the capp Heather wasn't the chatty 2003 version - she knew her drink and told the judges what to expect. According to Andrew Barnett, they got it. What it's all about The amazing trophy designed by Reg Barber for the USBC.