Project Description

Russia
Denis Sigulin
Coffee Owl Roastsers

Please tell us a little bit about yourself:

I’m 27 years old, I joined the world of coffee in 2011, when started work for KLD Coffee Importers—the biggest supplier of green coffee in Russia. 3.5 years later I left the green company and decided that roasted coffee is what I’m more interested in. Since then I’ve developed my sensory and barista skills. Roasting was on the dark side for me, and too complicated, until last year when I became head of quality control in Coffee Owl Roasters. It was necessary to understand at least the basics in order to control the final product. So I passed basic and intermediate SCAE Roasting course, and that was the beginning.

How did you get started in coffee?

Like most of us who got started, I worked in restaurant, where I met CEO of KLD Coffee Importers – Andrey Elson. At the time I didn’t know who we was, just another guest. We talked about coffee and coffee machines, and after 2 hours of conversation he invited me to have a look at what’s going on in their lab.

Please list the coffee competitions you have participated in, what year they took place, and your results:

Almost all Cup Teating Championships since 2012 excluding 2014, when we organized it.  But I usually placed somewhere in between 4th and 8th in the final.  Coffee Roasting Championship 2017, 1st place.

What roaster do you currently roast on?

Variety of Probat: 5, 12, and 25kg.

How did you learn how to roast coffee?

I analysed the experience that founder of Coffee Owl Roasters, Oleg Kondaurov provided me. I also passed the SCAE roasting course, read Scott Rao and other opinions and approaches, and talked with some good roasters. From there, I started to practice.

What are your interests outside of coffee?

My main interest is my my family—I became a father in June of this year.  I also do sport.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 

As I understand from my experience, 5 years is too huge a period of time for planning. But I love what I do, I’d like to continue my growth in coffee sourcing for our company. It’s one of the most interesting parts of my work.

Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognise, or who helped you to prepare for the WCRC?

Yes, for sure! I’d like to thank Oleg Kondaurov, who showed me what roasting actually is, who helped me stay open-minded and inspired.  Also I’d like to thank my wife. She believes in me, and supports me when no-one else would. I like to thank everyone else who has helped me along the way.

What are you excited to do while you are in Guangzhou?

To participate in this wonderful championship.

Facebook: denis.sigulin

Instagram: sigulek