USBC Competitor Andrea Allen, Onyx Coffee Lab

SprudgeLive’s coverage of the 2015 United States Barista Championship is made possible by direct support from Nuova Simonelli, Cafe Imports, and Bonavita.  All of SprudgeLive’s 2015 barista competition coverage is underwritten in partnership with Square and Urnex Brands. 

We’re proud to serve as official media partners of the Specialty Coffee Association of America, who produce these extraordinary events.

We reached out to each of the 2015 US Barista Championship competitors prior to their routines, to learn a bit more about them as competitors and coffee pros. We hope you enjoy these interviews!

ANDREA ALLEN

Company: Onyx Coffee Lab
Number of years behind the bar: 13
Number of competitions: 2
Big Central Barista Competition- 2nd

Coffee: Julio’s Natural Gesha

Milk: Cow

Signature Beverage: The White Guatemalan

4 week rum barrel aged cold brew
Espresso
Cream
Little Sugar
Lime
Lots of yum

Secret Weapons: Yes but… it’s a secret

Playlist: Folksy Bluegrass

Theme: My presentation is all about natural processed coffee and all the various ways it’s so great.

Total Practice Hours: A lot. I’m very serious about coffee, so I feel like most of the coffees I’ve made in my career have been practice for this competition.

Coach(es): A lot of my staff has helped me with tasting coffee and giving me feedback- specifically Brendon Glidden and Gabe Smentek

Our mighty roaster, Mark Michelson, has advised me in all things roasting and life.

Dylan Siemens, our barista trainer, has watched me pour lots of capps, both into cups and onto the countertop, and has been invaluable in this process.

And last but not least my sweet husband Jon. He’s the one that went out and found this coffee for me.

Fashion: Probably black stuff, but all my beautiful wood wares are made by friends at American Estates.

Social Medias: @andreaarkansas