Registration is now open for the guide coffee-brewing competitors in New York Metropolis, which is able to happen on March 7, 2026.

BY JENNA GOTTHELF
BARISTA MAGAZINE ONLINE

Espresso competitions are a canvas for innovation, celebration, and community-building. Oftentimes, these parts come collectively in competitors areas that exist already. Each on occasion one thing new comes alongside. And proper now may simply be that on occasion… 

Rivals, warmth your kettles! A brand new espresso competitors has entered the constructing! 

Introducing Brewlette

Brewlette is a guide coffee-brewing competitors the place a little bit little bit of luck meets brewing talent, espresso ardour, and camaraderie.  

It begins with 13 opponents and unfolds over two rounds. Spherical One begins with all 13 opponents spinning the Brewlette Wheel, which is able to randomly assign a goal TDS% (Complete Dissolved Solids share). From there, opponents have eight minutes to manually brew a espresso that lands as shut as potential to their goal.  

On the finish of Spherical One, the eight opponents who hit closest to their assigned TDS will advance to Spherical Two. 

Throughout Spherical Two, the ultimate eight opponents are entered right into a randomly generated elimination bracket. Rivals will brew in opposition to one another in eight minute heats via quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals. A panel of three judges will style and consider the espresso with out understanding the way it was brewed or who brewed it, protecting the concentrate on what’s within the cup. The ultimate brewer remaining might be topped the Brewlette Champion. 

Every Brewlette will characteristic two single origin coffees from Counter Tradition Espresso. Rivals are required to make use of sponsored grinders from Mahlkönig and water from Third Wave Water. Official competitors TDS measurements might be taken with a VST Espresso Instruments Refractometer. There might be a Brewlette Library of brewing gear out there to opponents, sponsored by AeroPress, Hario, and Sluggish Pour Provide. Rivals are welcome to deliver their very own gear, however it’s not a requirement. 

After registration, opponents will obtain the competitors coffees. These coffees might be highlighted nationally at Counter Tradition Espresso Tasting at Ten occasions main as much as Brewlette. Rivals can even have the possibility to take part in a Digital Studying Session with the producers and importers chargeable for the competitors coffees. 

Registration for NYC is Now Open! (Chicago, L.A. + Dallas Coming Quickly)

Registration for all competitions might be hosted on Eventbrite. The primary Brewlette is arising in New York Metropolis on Saturday, March seventh. Registration opens right here on February 7, 2026 (Registration Entry Code: Brewlette2026NYC).

Should you can’t make it to NYC, you continue to have an opportunity to compete! Brewlette might be hosted all year long in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Dallas on the next dates: 

• CHICAGO: Sunday, June 14, 2026 
  Registration opens Might 14, 2026 at 1pm ET
  Registration Entry Code: Brewlette2026CHI 

• LOS ANGELES: Sunday, August 23, 2026 
  Registration opens July 23, 2026 at 1pm ET 
  Registration Entry Code: Brewlette2026LA 

• DALLAS-FORT WORTH: Monday, October 19, 2026 
  Registration opens September 19, 2026 at 1pm ET
  Registration Entry Code: Brewlette2026DFW 

Guidelines + Rules

To be taught extra about Brewlette, try the informational web page on the Counter Tradition web site. You will discover the Guidelines and Rules right here.  

Brewlette is for everybody—whether or not it’s your first time competing or your fortieth. You by no means know except you strive. This could possibly be your time!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jenna Gotthelf (she/her) is a Brooklyn-based espresso skilled who oversees the nationwide schooling program at Counter Tradition Espresso. 

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