Rafal Walczak, Sweden
Independent/Beanaut Coffee Roasters
Please tell us a little about yourself:
I run a small micro coffee roastery as a passion project. I have been into specialty coffee since 2011 but didn't start competing in different coffee competitions until just a few years ago, when I wanted to explore specialty coffee even deeper and learn even more, challenge myself and grow. Both roasting and competing is part of that journey. I have competed in the Swedish Brewers Cup, and won both the Swedish AeroPress Championship and the Swedish Cup Tasters Championship. Fun fact: I didn't drink coffee at all until I tried specialty coffee – and that was when I was 30 years old.
What are you excited to do while you are in Geneva?
I am excited to explore the city, the art and culture, and the surroundings of Geneva.
What are your interests outside of coffee?
Music production, climbing, skateboarding, art in different forms.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank?
I would like to thank my family, my girlfriend and my kids, for all the support and for putting up with all of my projects and ideas. I also want to thank my friend and fellow AeroPress champ Anders Hedström, Markus and Matteus at Kaffemästaren/Pennybridge Roasters, Mel Zhuo/Ala Rosteri, SCA Sweden, and the Swedish specialty coffee community!
