Jonathan Ramírez
Ecuador
Verena Kaffee Labor
Please tell us a little about yourself:
I’ve been passionate about coffee for the past seven years, and since my first national competition. I love living in a country that produces quality coffee and works closely with the farmers. I began as a barista, and currently work as a coffee roaster and cup taster in Verena Kaffee Laboratory. We have an amazing team with us in the Lab, and one of our goals is to produce a positive change on the coffee culture in Ecuador. We organize coffee events, offer roasting services, SCA certification, the national Aeropress competition, and are also a coffee laboratory and academy.
What are you excited to do in Boston?:
I would like visit the aquarium and museums, and try the craft beer of course.
Please list the coffee competitions you have participated in, what year they took place, and your results:
Ecuador Barista Championship 2013 (Semi-finals)
Ecuador Barista Championship 2014 (Semi-finals)
Ecuador Barista Championship 2015 (Semi-finals)
Ecuador Barista Championship 2016 (Semi-finals)
Ecuador Barista Championship 2017 (Judge)
Ecuador Barista Championship 2018 – Champion
How do you see the coffee industry changing in the future?:
I can see a positive and real change in specialty coffee production in Ecuador, improving knowledge, techniques and investigation. I can also see an inclusive industry developing, from the producers to the consumers, and an increase in the development of new varieties of coffee.
Where do you see yourself in five years?:
I see myself in the future as an AST (Authorized SCA Trainer), international green coffee buyer, coffee roaster, of course an international judge for WCE.
What are your interests outside of coffee?:
I’m very interested in the world of craft beer and mixology, and I’m also very interested in our national gastronomy.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize, or who helped you to prepare for the WBC?:
I would like to give the proper recognition to the farmers that produced these amazing coffees; Henry Gaibor and Verena Blaser, from Maputo farm, and Olinka Vélez from Chorora farm. Thank you to my great team: Andrea Matarangolo, Camila Khalifé, Mario Idrovo, Karla García and Alejandro Rodríguez. I would also like to thank my family and friends; Pepe Jijón, Juan Piñuela, Julissa Peña, Philipp Broz, and Karlha Echeverría. Thank you to Santiago Cueva for helping me create my signature drink, and also to my muse, Veronica.
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