Juanjo's Story
Juan José (Juanjo) Aristizábal brings a level of discipline to the roasting drum that very few possess. Before he ever analyzed a roast curve, he was navigating the seas as a commissioned Naval Officer and later guiding leaders as a Certified Executive Coach.
Today, as a Coffee Consultant, Educator, and Roasting Champion of Colombia, he applies that same military precision and leadership to the science and art of specialty coffee.
A Pillars-Based Philosophy
Since dedicating his career fully to coffee in 2021, Juanjo has built a roasting philosophy founded on three pillars: rigorous science, clear pedagogy, and objective sensory analysis. For him, roasting is not about stamping a roaster’s ego onto the bean; it is a meticulous operation designed to unveil and honor the true identity of the origin and the hard work of the producer in every single batch.
His analytical, highly intentional approach has made him an undeniable force on the competitive circuit. Representing his brand, Coffea Project, Juanjo was crowned the 2025 Colombian National Roasting Champion.
Sensory Mastery Across Methods
His sensory mastery extends beyond the roaster. He also took first place at the Toddy Cold Brew Coffee Championship during the Producer & Roaster Forum (PRF) in Colombia, praised for his highly creative sensory approach. His peers and the industry have taken notice, recently naming him "Roaster of the Year" at the Coffee Media Awards—a testament to his excellence in the craft and his massive contribution to the Colombian coffee industry.
When he isn't competing or serving as an expert sensory judge at international events like PRF Colombia and PRF Honduras, Juanjo is a dedicated educator. He is a frequent guest speaker and thought leader, utilizing his background in executive coaching to break down complex roasting concepts into accessible, actionable lessons. His mission is to elevate the technical standards of roasting and brewing across the board.
Aligning Technology and Pedagogy
For Juanjo, working with the Bullet is the perfect alignment of technology and pedagogy.
"This is a green light to start a new milestone in my path," he shared, "and how great to do it with the support of Aillio!"
With tools like the Bullet, he continues his mission to share knowledge, push boundaries, and prove that the best coffees are built on a foundation of precision and shared community.