Masters of Their Craft - The Art of the Barista

Mastering the processes of coffee and espresso in particular, is actually considered a genuine art form. And those artisans who've perfected their skills to expert level hold the distinguished title of 'barista' for they are certainly masters of their craft.

Barista Trivia
The word barista is in fact, an American English term derived from the Italian word for bartender (baristi, male; bariste, female), in as much as coffee servers typically brew and serve from behind a café counter, or 'bar'. But don't get the wrong impression from that definition. Baristas are truly so much more than glorified coffee servers. These men and women have perfected the art of brewing and are highly knowledgeable in everything having to do with their profession including roasting, grinding, tamping, brewing, pouring and more. They are also designers in their own right, as they create innovative variations based from more traditional recipes and also illustrate amazing images in the foam-topped cups by utilizing special techniques obtained from hours of practice.

The Cream of the Coffee Crop
Another interesting factoid about baristas is that there are competitions held all over the globe wherein these aficionados showcase their skills for all to see, taste and smell. Can you imagine the wonderfully aroma-filled air you would experience walking into one of these judging arenas? And every year, one auspicious artisan is chosen as the 'best of the best' at an internationally renowned contest known as the World Barista Championship or WBC, for short. Originating in Norway, the WBC is quite a spectacular event and one that provides a great place of coveted honor - not just for the champion, but to all those who partake in the event as well.

To Be a Barista
Achieving barista status takes time - and a respectable sum of it, there is no doubt. A barista possesses a passion for the coffee products he uses and produces, and views it as much more than a 'job'. It is a true profession and one that is admirable as well. If you aspire to become a barista, either at-home or world-renowned, strive to achieve as much insight, knowledge and skill of all things coffee as it will greatly assist your artisan endeavor.