Hold on to your coffee-loving merchandising trucker hats, because it's time for another action-packed episode of the Coffee Sprudgecast. This week, hosts Zachary Carlsen and Jordan Michelman are all abuzz about the imminent Specialty Coffee Association Expo this weekend in Chicago, Illinois. The comps! The booths! The gallons and gallons of alternative milks! We'll be there—with perhaps a special visit from Buzzy the Bean!

Check out the latest show, and read on for show notes, links, and highlights.

Things we're excited for at the Specialty Coffee Association's Expo in Chicago, Illinois

The competitions: 2024 US Latte Art Championship, 2024 Roasting Championship, and the 2024 Coffee In Good Spirits Championship off-site at the new Lavazza Training Lab.

Our Chicago Guide and special competition coverage on Finals Sunday from Arielle Rebekah!

Tech and innovations reporting from our editor-at-large on the floor Jenn Chen!

The True Artisan Cafe from La Marzocco featuring some of the very best coffee roasters in the country.

Special thanks to Bellwether Coffee, our Presenting Sponsor of our SCA Expo Coverage, and thank you to our coverage sponsors Created Co. and Proper Syrup!

What we're drinking on this episode of the Coffee Sprudgecast

Relevant Coffee Hops Cold Brew from Vancouver, Washington.

We just love RTD! Special thanks to Snapchill Coffee for presenting the Ready To Drink series on Sprudge this year.

Loose Threads

George Howell loves Buzzy the Bean on LinkedIn.

The vegan Doe Donuts' Chocolate Espresso Bear Claw from Portland, Oregon is delicious with a chocolate sauce and espresso glaaaaze.

Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher is a delicious alcohol-free drink.

This episode of the Coffee Sprudgecast is sponsored by Baratza, Pacific Barista Series, Ghirardelli, and DONA.