The World AeroPress Championships: Sandra Bouckenooghe

Sandra Bouckenooghe, the French AeroPress Champion will soon be competing at the World Championship. Sandra has been working in specialty coffee for seven years and co-runs a coffee cart called La Claque (meaning ‘the slap’ in English). She’s out to give as many coffee slaps as she can. Follow her journey on instagram: @aka._sandralita.

Why did you choose to enter the AeroPress Championship?

It's all about experimenting! That's why I like this competition. You focus on giving the best with a coffee you don't know. No talk, no explanation...it's just about the taste.

What’s your favourite way to make coffee (other than AeroPress of course!)?

I love cupping, I actually competed once with a method called Cupping Brewer, it's great... but it’s not really suited for serving in a coffee shop.

What led you to using the AeroPress?

First of all, curiosity, then having a tiny kitchen! It's actually the method I use for travelling; you get a great cup of coffee in less than 2 minutes.

Which grinder will you use for the competition and why?

I'm not 100% sure but I might take my Comandante. I'm used to it and I find it more comfortable.

How did you get in to the coffee industry?

By chance, by what I call a "slap". I was traveling in New Zealand in 2006 and I discovered coffee and coffee shops. I had my first experience there, but I really started in Paris a few years later, when It became obvious that I wanted to get involved in the coffee scene.

What are you most excited about in coffee?

Sharing! Sharing a cup of coffee with a friend; being a barista that shares recipes and tips; a coffee farmer sharing his/her challenges, difficulties and successes.