Around this time last year, I found a new love. I was beginning to discover specialty coffee and became fascinated with its careful process, variety of new sensory experiences and the wonderful people I’ve connected with because of coffee. Before you begin asking me questions about specialty coffee, I am no expert really. I am far far far away from being one. Fortunately I’ve met really friendly ones and have been randomly asking them about coffee. The experts I’ve met from where I live in the city are Hazel Orbiana of Daily Dose Coffee and Blandy Terrobias of Fecha Cafe. If you ask politely about specialty coffee, you will learn so much from these experts. There are places where you can actually enroll and study coffee but these two really educate if you’re heart is into learning.
So far I’ve learned that
- There are endless variety of flavours of coffee (was really shookt about the idea of having a coffee with floral taste)
- There is so much potential in the Philippine coffee industry but not a lot are aware of what they’re missing
- There are different methods of making coffee and these methods capture unique characteristics
So many times this year, I’ve been accused of being a hipster because of my coffee preferences. (Not that I have anything against hipsters, really…) I just wasn’t happy about my 3 in 1 coffee or the ones I just buy for planner stickers.
My first encounter with specialty coffee was when my pseudo cousin, Pepoy invited us to a cupping session in a coffee shop called The Den. It was hosted by Kalsada Coffee. During this cupping session I realised and started to appreciate how coffee farmers probably have the biggest role in producing an excellent cup. I love how Kalsada has been partnering with Filipino coffee farmers in bringing us quality coffee. This I think is how I started to become more curious about it. I love how they’re introducing our country to the world by bringing them beans from our farmers.
The first local coffee event I have ever witnessed was The Philippine Aeropress Championship held at Edsa Beverage Group and hosted by Yardstick Coffee. The place was unimaginably packed with coffee enthusiasts. I initially though imagined the event to be really quiet with classical music playing in the background but it was some hell of a show! It was so action packed that I just naturally wanted to learn how to use the Aeropress. This is also when I realised how many friends I’ve gained through coffee. Truth is, I wouldn’t have met all those people if not for my extremely extrovert brother who really takes time to get to know the baristas and how they started making coffee.
The first method I witnessed in action was slow brewing at Narrative Coffee. This made me appreciate how much effort goes into bringing out the flavours from the beans. Everything was done by hand! The most entertaining part for me is when the baristas slowly pour the water in circular mothion while constantly checking the time. There’s nothing easy about doing all of that at the same time and yet they still manage to explain the process while they’re at it.
Having shared all of these, I can say the best way to learn about coffee is to quit thinking that you’re an expert no matter where you’re at in your coffee discovery. I’ve been drinking coffee everyday since I was a kid and this year I realised how little I actually know about it. Let’s keep learning!
Coffee date soon?
Ayat,
Wander Woman
Here are links to the shops/roasters/experts I’ve mentioned on this post to get you started on your coffee wanderings:
https://www.facebook.com/dailydosecafe.ph/
https://www.facebook.com/fechadecafe/
https://www.facebook.com/narrativeph/
https://www.facebook.com/yardstickcoffee/
Teacher Nadine 