Jill Hoff
Canada National Barista Championship 2026 · Calgary, Canada · Canada
View CCC competition history →Recording
Space play/pause · ← / → skip 30s
Jill Hoff's performance explores the concept of DNA as a metaphor for coffee's hidden complexity, presenting two genetically distinct coffees: a newly discovered Chakira variety from Panama and a re-emerging Liberica species from Indonesia. Through discovery, narrative, and adventure, she showcased the espresso as a blend, the milk course featuring 100% Liberica, and a signature drink that recreated the blend by adding Liberica-inspired botanicals back into Chakira espresso.
Theme
The DNA of coffee - exploring discovery, narrative, and adventure through two genetically distinct coffees
Highlights
- · Used a brand new variety called Chakira discovered by the Koyner family at Las Brujas Estate in Panama, which shares DNA with a unique Ethiopian landrace
- · Featured Liberica as a re-emerging species, highlighting its disease resistance and climate change resilience
- · Introduced The Better Vessel - a tool designed to separate crema from espresso to reduce bitterness and enhance clarity
- · Paired Liberica with lactose-free milk to bring out confectionary notes like praline and Nutella
- · Signature drink reconstructed the espresso blend by adding ingredients mimicking Liberica's botanical, aromatic, and sweet DNA back into Chakira espresso
Performance Breakdown
Espresso Course
Chakira
Liberica
- Roast
- Monogram
- Preparation
- Served with 'The Better Vessel' to separate crema from espresso and reduce bitterness
Flavor Descriptors
Tactile / Mouthfeel
Milk Beverage Course
Liberica
- Milk
- Lactose-free, freeze-distilled milk
- Milk Prep
- Lactose-free milk to bring out confectionary notes
Flavor Descriptors
Signature Beverage Course
Reconstructed blend (the DNA drink)
Chakira
- Served
- Chilled, effervescent
- Concept
- Recreate the espresso blend by adding ingredients mimicking Liberica's botanical, aromatic and sweet DNA back into Chakira espresso
Ingredients & Layers
Vanilla star anise simple syrup
1 vanilla bean pod, 8 star anise pods, 250g sugar, 250ml water — boiled, chilled, strained
Orange oleosaccharum
Equal parts orange peel and white sugar macerated 24 hours
Sparkling water
Chilled
Flavor Descriptors
Swirl before the first sip; enjoy after time is called
Full Transcript
A word marked like this? (transcription uncertain) is one we’re not fully sure was heard correctly in the recording — play the audio to check it yourself.
Introduction
And Time! We are each born with a unique set of genes that make up our DNA. This sequence of building blocks creates the blueprint of who we are, and some parts we can see right away, like the parts that we see when we look in the mirror. But other parts remain hidden, waiting for time, experience, and passion to awaken them. Coffee also has its own DNA, with some of its parts being visible, like the shape of the leaves and the color of the trees.
Transcripts are generated using dual-source audio processing and verified through our internal coffee terminology system. Performance data, brew parameters, and competitor details are cross-referenced against publicly available competition records. While we do our best to ensure accuracy, this is a community-driven archive and errors may exist. If something looks off, we’d genuinely appreciate the correction.
Performance data and transcripts are sourced from publicly available competition broadcasts and may contain inaccuracies. Spot an error? Reach out via Instagram or email.