Grind, Bloom & Celebrate! More details here.

Acaia Interview with Zjevaun Janga of Ripsnorter Coffee

This season, we’re excited to feature Ripsnorter coffees in our EU festive offers. With every order of the Pearl S, receive a 100 g bag of Ripsnorter's Competition-level coffee. Plus, for orders over €100, receive a 250 g bag of Ripsnorter coffee. Free shipping also applies. More details on our Grind, Bloom & Celebrate blog.

Ripsnorter Coffee x Acaia Holiday Bundle- With every order of the Pearl S, receive a 100 g bag of Ripsnorter's Competition-level coffee. Plus, for orders over €100, receive a 250 g bag of Ripsnorter coffee.

Founded by three-time Dutch Barista Champion and World Barista Championship finalist Zjevaun Janga, roastery Ripsnorter takes its name from an Australian expression. According to their website, it means something truly epic or mind-blowing. The concept was born during Zjevaun’s time working in Melbourne, where he was immersed in one of the world's most influential coffee cultures. From running Harvest Cafe & Bakery to late nights spent exploring beans and brewing, the path naturally evolved into roasting and building a brand that pushes boundaries.Below, Zjevaun shares insights on competition, roasting, creativity, and the future of Ripsnorter.

Can you tell us about your journey through the Dutch Barista Championship and how it shaped your approach to coffee?

My barista competition journey started back in 2012 when I became Dutch Barista Champion for the first time. Everything felt new then, and looking back, I honestly had no idea what I was doing. The game has changed a lot since those early days, and competition has reached a completely different level.

Along the way, I competed a few more times and eventually won my third championship last year. Competing still drives me, and I try to bring that same mindset into my daily work. It can be intense and not always the easiest way to operate, but at least we are always trying. Zjevaun Janga of Ripsnorter Coffee competing in the Dutch Barista CompetitionThe Ripsnorter name has an interesting origin from your time in Australia. How did your experiences there influence your approach to coffee and your vision for Ripsnorter?

For me, the name Ripsnorter is a big and intense part of my coffee journey. I am lucky to say that I have worked in the best coffee city on this planet, hands down. Seeing the way they think and build that culture was an amazing experience. And of course, learning this rad name while traveling through the middle of the country was so cool that I knew I had to name the roastery Ripsnorter.

What lessons from competing at a high level do you apply every day at Ripsnorter Coffee?

I would say the fact that we can always go for more.

How do you approach roasting, and what do you focus on to bring out the best in each coffee?

We try to create coffees that are both smooth and complex, always pushing to develop as much flavor as possible.The entrance of Ripsnorter Coffee Roaster's shop located in Rotterdam, NetherlandsWhen preparing competition-level coffee, like the Hacienda La Esmeralda Guabo 5 ANC Geisha Natural, what elements do you focus on to highlight its unique flavors?

The Guabo is a microlot Geisha, hand-picked, naturally processed, and dried on raised beds to preserve delicate aromatics. It reflects Hacienda La Esmeralda’s ongoing excellence and competition achievements. Including: 2025 Best of Panama, Producer of the Year, and World-record scores. 

I'd focus on bringing out its fruity notes and the balance between complex citrus and florals. There are many ways to get there, but an even extraction is the key.

Each of the Ripsnorter bags comes with a Brewguide recipe. How do you design these recipes to help home baristas bring out the best of flavours?

By starting with our base recipe and following our taste buds from there.

Running both a cafe and a roastery requires careful management. What strategies do you rely on to maintain consistency, quality, and creativity across all your offerings?

I will tell you when I find out! It is honestly a task and a half, but in my opinion, it can only be done with a great team.

How do Acaia products enhance your coffee preparation?

Acaia products help us a lot with their durability, consistency, and efficiency.Zjevaun and his Ripsnorter Team member making coffee at the Ripsnorter ShopDo you plan to compete again in barista competitions, and what does the future hold for Ripsnorter Coffee?

Yes, I hope the future of Ripsnorter holds many great coffees and memorable experiences.

A huge thank you to Zjevaun for sharing his journey and passion with us. Ripsnorter’s dedication to expressive flavors and boundary-pushing roasting shines in every cup. We’re delighted to feature their coffees in this year’s holiday offers.

You can try Ripsnorter’s standout coffees through our Grind, Bloom & Celebrate offers. Available now until December 31. Explore more here.