Big Competition Weekend!

We’re really excited about all the action scheduled to take place this coming weekend, beginning Thursday, Feb. 23. It’s barista competition buzz at its finest!

First up: The 2012 Salvadoran Barista Championship, being held in San Salvador. This competition is especially noteworthy because El Salvador is the country from which reigning World Barista Champion, Alejandro Mendez, hails. You can be sure Alejandro played a big part in the training of the three baristas from his company, Viva Espresso, who will be competing. Viva Espresso has won the Salvadoran Barista Championship every single year: will they do it again in 2012?

Next: The Northeast Regional Barista Competition, taking place February 25 and 26. The competition, hosted generously by Dallis Bros., will include some not-to-miss competitors, such as reigning NE champ, Philip Search; and Katie “Comeback” Carguilo, who has rocked every competition she’s ever entered, and has been planning this return to the RBC for more than a year. Also: look for several barista competitors to be using Handsome Coffee. And a ton of other exceptional roasters will be represented, as well!

I’m still trying to find out if the Salvadoran Championship will be broadcast online — will be back with an answer on that one. But plan to watch the NERBC online at the US Barista Championship’s official site!