Who knew the placing of the coffee in the portafilter was so important?

That distributing it evenly ensures no pathways of least resistance, no holes, can form to disrupt the making of the best espresso?

Tamara Vigil, the woman with the coffee-drinking coquette tattooed on her arm, she knew.

The barista consultant from North Platte, now living in Lincoln and working at storytellers coffeehouse in the Grand Manse at 10th and P streets, will use that knowledge next weekend at the Midwest Regional Barista Competition in St. Louis.

If she's good enough, she'll go to the national championship in April in Anaheim, Calif.

Vigil, pronounced VEE-hill, will have 15 minutes to make and serve 12 drinks - four each of identical espressos, cappuccinos and signature beverages of her choice.

She'll use Cultiva coffee, from Lincoln's own roasting company. On Wednesday, she narrowed her choice to a blend of coffees from Sumatra and Chiapas, for their balance, sweetness, body and, oh yes, a Balsamic vinegar quality.

She will serve her specialty espresso, with selected spices from India and an agave sweetener, in small martini glasses.

She's been practicing afternoons at Cultiva at 15th and South streets.

On Thursday, owner Jon Ferguson gave his assessment of her specialty drink.

Sweet, with sort of a butternut squash, pumpkin pie flavor.

Full body espresso.

Good mouth feel.

Perfect for the season.

Vigil will be judged on taste, technique, presentation, knowledge, consistency and cleanliness.

She has participated in four competitions as a judge. Now, she'll try her hand as a contestant.

Barista demonstration

Vigil's parents own Da-Buzz Coffee House in North Platte.

The 26-year-old has studied music at three Nebraska colleges. But somewhere along the way she became passionate about coffee, too.

Now she trains baristas for Cultiva and consults with other coffee sellers. She works about 30 hours a week at storytellers and spends a couple of hours a day practicing for regionals.

On Thursday afternoon, midway through practice, she looks down at the cappuccino swirl she's just created, makes a face, shakes her head and dumps it in the sink.

"The first one I do is usually awesome," she says. "The rest of the day, not as good."

The competition will begin Oct. 30 and continue on Halloween, with finals on Nov. 1.

"I definitely will get nervous because I take it seriously and I think it's important," Vigil said.

With that said, it's the experience she seeks, not necessarily the win.

"Now's the time to be on the other side of the table and say what I want to say about coffee."

Reach JoAnne Young at 473-7228 or jyoung@journalstar.com.