Eri Horie | Canadian Comandante Champion

What is your job, and where do you live and work?

I work as a part-time barista at a coffee shop called Lumine, and my partner and I also run our own online coffee bean shop called Hiyori Coffee. (We are opening a physical location next March!)

What does coffee mean to you, and what do you love about it?

Coffee is simply a fascinating subject for me. With the same beans, there are so many ways to present a cup depending on how you brew it.

What is your experience with Comandante grinders, and what do you like about them?

I’ve been using Comandante since I started competing for The AeroPress Championship. I use it when I do cuppings as well. I like the way fragrance and acidity come out.

Why did you apply for the Comandante Championship?

My partner happened to have an extra ticket, so I thought I might as well participate!

How was the competition for you?

It was so much fun and a good opportunity to meet people in the coffee industry.

What is your advice for future competitors?

Enjoy the process and believe in yourself. Competitions can be intense, but they’re also a great opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with others in the industry.

What are your future goals?

One of my future goals is to contribute to the growth of the specialty coffee scene in Vancouver. I want to create opportunities for more people to discover and enjoy high-quality coffee, and help build a stronger, more vibrant coffee community here.