In our October + November 2026 concern, we characteristic Carlos de la Torre from Mexico Metropolis on the duvet. Additionally inside: the Altering Geography of Espresso Worth, The Little Issues, ‘One on One’ with Trude Skjold Løken, and far, far more!
BY SARAH ALLEN
BARISTA MAGAZINE
Welcome to the October + November 2026 concern of Barista Journal! We’re thrilled to deliver you a canopy characteristic on a fixture of the Mexico Metropolis espresso scene, Carlos de la Torre. He’s often called a café proprietor and a competitor, however extra importantly, as a creator of connections, weaving collectively the tales of the farmers and their espresso fields and the folks of the bustling metropolis.
Additionally on this concern, we take a look at how the proliferation of espresso species, some into new areas and a few reclaiming previous ones, like liberica and excelsa, creates the chance to reassess how worth is created within the espresso trade.
It’s the main points and specifics which separate one espresso species from one other however it’s additionally how one café distinguishes itself from one other. And with no broadly out there, official certification choice for service technicians, how do you select a great one? We dive into all of that and extra within the October + November 2026 concern!
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Cowl Characteristic: Carlos de la Torre and the Coronary heart of Mexican Espresso
Carlos de la Torre begins his mornings early, spending time along with his household earlier than heading to his espresso store, Café Avellaneda, within the Coyoacán neighborhood of Mexico Metropolis. Carlos has all the time been forward of the curve, founding his store in 2009 and turning into a pioneer of Mexico Metropolis’s now vibrant specialty café tradition. He’s additionally essentially the most adorned espresso champion in his nation, with titles in Barista, Brewers Cup, Cup Tasters, and Espresso Masters to point out for it. Having seen, skilled, and completed a lot in his profession, Carlos now focuses his consideration of serving to others put together for and luxuriate in success as espresso professionals as he has.
Liberica, Excelsa, and the Altering Geography of Espresso Worth
The current revitalization of other species to arabica and robusta like liberica and excelsa is bringing new espresso producing areas into the specialty espresso world. Does it additionally supply a possibility to change the best way worth is created and distributed within the espresso trade? Writer Isabelle Mani extensively researched the questions and potential across the species, speaking with specialists on the bottom in producing international locations in addition to in academia to seek out solutions.
The Little Issues
A department got here first, then the birds. The birds got here one after the other till just a little flock coated the department and moved on the counter. Every one introduced by a buyer. It’s an identical story at cafés in every single place when prospects and employees actually really feel possession of their outlets. And it seems what issues essentially the most is usually the little issues. We spoke to numerous café homeowners about how the small particulars that make their outlets distinctive are extra vital than ever when it comes to boosting buyer loyalty, standing out from the group, and contributing to a contented, productive café vibe.
Tech Speak: Selecting a Tech
With no broadly out there official certification for espresso service techs, how do you select one on your café? Michael Rey, who works as a espresso gear technician for Boxcar Espresso Roasters in Denver, Colo., writes this concern’s installment of “Tech Speak” about find out how to discover an skilled technician, in addition to what all café homeowners ought to find out about fast fixes for his or her invaluable store gear. Michael is aware of what he’s speaking about: When he was simply getting his toes moist in gear service tech, Michael couldn’t discover any sources to assist him alongside the best way. That is why he wrote the guide, A Technician’s Information to Espresso System Fundamentals, which is offered for buy right here.
And A lot Extra Inside
Additionally within the October + November 2026 concern: a Camp Espresso Store picture essay, and Trish Rothgeb speaks out, espresso in vehicles, espresso within the Nordic international locations, the most recent gear in Stuff, and far more.
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