Salvadoran barista championship dominated by women

For two days 16 baristas demonstrated their skills and quality of their espresso-based beverages before an audience of 175 people and a select group of international and national judges. Participants had to prepare 12 drinks in 15 minutes—four espresso, four cappuccino and four signature drinks—and were evaluated by seven judges.

Flor de Maria Góchez, from Viva Espresso, won first place and will represent El Salvador at the 10th World Barista Championship in Atlanta (USA) next year. The second and third place winners were Cristina Flores, also from Viva Espresso, and Ana Benítez from Esso On the Run. Fourth place went to Belinda Cruz from La Tartaleta, followed by Claudia Vanegas from Esso On the Run. Sixth place went to Alicia Peñado, also from La Tartaleta. This year, all six finalists were women, something never seen during a regional competition.

The event was held under the license from the World Barista Championship (WBC). International judges included Roukiat Delrue and José Arreola from WBC; Ken Olson, editor-in-chief of Barista Magazine; Lizz Hudson from Stumptown Coffee; Ryan Brown from Ritual Coffee; and Stephen Morrissey, from Square Mile Coffee and 2008 World Barista Champion.

Events like this help the Salvadoran coffee council to increase the recognition of Salvadoran coffee in domestic and international markets, while celebrating talent and coffee culture that characterizes El Salvador.

For more information see www.consejocafe.org/baristas/