Raul Rodas

Who they are

Raul Rodas is a Guatemalan coffee professional and roaster, best known as the 2012 World Barista Champion. He is the founder of Paradigma Coffee Roasters in Guatemala City, where he focuses on bridging the gap between high-quality production and final consumption in a coffee-producing nation.

Philosophy

• Origin-Centric Quality: Believes that being based in a producing country provides a unique perspective on the supply chain and quality control.
• Modern Tradition: Focuses on modernizing the local coffee culture in Guatemala by introducing specialty techniques and roasting profiles.
• Consistency over Complexity: Advocates for mastering the fundamentals of extraction to highlight the natural characteristics of the bean.
• Direct Relationships: Prioritizes working closely with local producers to source micro-lots that represent the best of Guatemalan terroir.

Notable quotes

"The goal was always to bring the trophy back to a producing country, to show that we are not just growers, but also masters of the craft."

Signature gear & coffee

• Nuova Simonelli Aurelia II T3: The machine he used during his 2012 WBC victory.
• Mahlkönig K30 Vario: His primary grinder for competition and consistent espresso service.
• Paradigma House Blends: Known for curated seasonal selections from different regions of Guatemala.

Known for

• 2012 World Barista Champion: One of the early winners from a coffee-producing country.
• Founder of Paradigma Coffee Roasters: A leading specialty roastery and cafe based in Guatemala City.
• Multi-time Guatemalan National Barista Champion: Dominating the local circuit before achieving international success.
• Industry Consultant: Providing expertise to roasters and baristas globally on processing and competition preparation.