Editor’s note: As we approach the beginning of the 2014 World Barista Championship, which takes place in Rimini, Italy, June 9 “12, at the SCAE’s World of Coffee event, we would like to introduce you to the National Barista Champions who all worked incredibly hard to earn a position in this preeminent coffee contest. Profiles of all 54 competitors will appear on Barista Magazine’s blog between Monday, June 2, and Monday, June 9, and can all be accessed under the category header “WBC 2014 Rimini.”
BARISTA CHAMPION OF SWITZERLAND
Nina Rimpl
Henauer Kaffee
Coach: Philipp Henauer, Armin Luginbühl
About you: Coffee passionate since childhood, perfectionist, creative, open for new things, funny, sarcastic, dynamic, full of energy, traveler, spontaneous, easy to be with, sharing deep thoughts with people, critical, likes listening to music on repeat, dog owner.
How many years have you worked with coffee or in the coffee industry?
4
Before coffee, did you work in a different job or industry, or what did you study in school?
– Studies of art history at the University of Zurich (finished 2014)
– Studies of psychology at ZHAW of Zurich (Start: Feb 2014)
How did you get started in coffee?
During my studies of art history I started to work as a barista at the Hotel Rivington and sons in Zurich.
What was your first amazing experience with coffee?
When I was a child, my uncle took me to his favorite coffee places with one of his old-timer cars. These were a life changing experiences for me. During my studies I started to work as a barista to make my dream come true.
Who has been your greatest influence in coffee? Why?
My uncle.
What would you like to see change about the coffee industry/community?
More quality, more awareness, and more sustainability.
Name a coffee luminary (famous person) you would like to meet, and why:
The fantastic 6 of 2013.
Name a barista you admire, and why:
Philipp Meier
Do you have a favorite customer? If so, tell us about him or her.
My boyfriend. He was a regular customer who become a coffee passionate and begin to extract his own espresso with the GS3 I won from this year’s national championship.
Besides your own cafe, what cafe do you think everyone should visit?
– Cafe Grande Zurich
– Hotel Rivington and sons Zurich
Which coffee producing country you would like to visit, and why?
Ethiopia, that’s where it all started and is also the origin of the coffee I am representing at the WBC
What are your interests outside of coffee?
My dog, running, my friends, cooking, my studies, traveling, art, psychology.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Still as coffee passionate as I am now but moving ahead.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or who helped you prepare for the WBC?
My whole team and the people who still believe in me.
