CRISTIAN VERA
BARISTA CHAMPION OF CHILE
@baristacristian
Barista Mag: Before coffee, did you work in a different job or industry, or what did you study in school?
Cristian: I was in the HORECA services. I studied hotels and tourism.
BMag: How did you get started in coffee?
Cristian: I was looking to study to be a sommelier but my father got sick so I decided to delay the study. During this time I met people around coffee and I fell in love with coffee.
BMag: What was your first amazing experience with coffee?
Cristian: I got the opportunity to take a cupping course with Ensei Neto from Brasil in Chile, and that opened my mind to coffee.
BMag: Who has been your greatest influence in coffee? Why?
Cristian: Jon Willassen came to Chile to offer some classes, and he explained that the baristas are the ambassadors of coffee.
BMag: What would you like to see change about the coffee industry/community?
Cristian: I would like to see more people pushing quality coffee instead of commercial coffee.
BMag: Name a coffee luminary (famous person) you would like to meet, and why:
Cristian: I would like to meet with Ted Lingle, because he developed the education from brewing and cupping, and he studied chemistry for a long time.
BMag: Name a barista you admire, and why:
Cristian: Stefanos Domatiotis from Greece, because he works very hard to get what he wants.
BMag: Do you have a favorite customer? If so, tell us about him or her.
Cristian: Yes. He is always pushing me to be a better barista. He always asks and requests I make better and better cups of coffee.
BMag: Besides your own cafe, what cafe do you think everyone should visit?
Cristian: I recommend visiting EspressoBar and SanaTentation in Santiago, Chile.
BMag: Which coffee producing country you would like to visit, and why?
Cristian: Honduras, because it is the coffee I am in love with.
BMag: What are your interests outside of coffee?
Cristian: Actually I spend around 15 hours a day in coffee so the rest is with my wife.
BMag: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Cristian: I would like to have my own coffee consulting business.
BMag: Is there anyone you would like to thank or who helped you prepare for the WBC?
Cristian: I would like to say thanks a lot to Dach Coffee in Chile who are the people behind my winning.
