I hate that I like Blue Bottle Coffee. Do I live under a rock or did this unassuming coffee house attain international hype status out of seemingly nowhere? Where did this pretentiously minimalistic label even originate from anyway? (California, of course.)
I carried my skepticism with me when visiting the brand, materialising its first Southeast Asian outpost in the form of a concept store in August. I learned that beans are sourced from Yemen (alleged birthplace of coffee) and Indonesia (one of the largest coffee producers worldwide). In limited supply and thus, small batches.
Senior Director of Global Coffee Experience and person with the most apt surname Benjamin Brewer rightly pointed out that this is historically the first time there exists such great quality of coffee available globally.
It was Blue Bottle Coffee's aim to remove barriers and simplify the means to enjoying a good cup of joe. As he surmised, "instant is just another method". The resulting fine coffee powder actually shimmers. Nicknamed 'gold dust', it's a natural byproduct from a combination of ideal subzero temperature and concentration during manufacturing.
The retail front is decked out with streamlined cold brew drippers in place of clunky espresso machines, checking off that small carbon footprint checkbox. Ultimately, I'm told, it's all about the experience. Well clearly, looking at the prices.
Yet I'm ashamed to admit that when I went home and steeped a single serve with equal amounts of cynicism, it turned out a markedly aromatic brew. The process obviously effortless, and the taste pretty damn rich. Now I count myself among the people who sadly, get it.
So if you, like me, seek to understand why, Blue Bottle Coffee is hosting activities led by the maestros themselves. Mr. Brewers would be joined by Michael Phillips, a barista champion and Global Director of Coffee Culture; and esteemed Café Trainer Justin So.
Across this week, prepare to be bestowed wisdom on the art and alchemy behind each transcendent cup. Choose between a hassle-free 30-minute Coffee Seminar or a more hands-on 75-minute Pour Over Workshop, where experts will introduce signature fundamentals in tastings or let you experiment your pours with specialised brewing tools.
The Coffee Seminar (SGD42) is inclusive of a SGD40 voucher that can be redeemed on the day of the seminar. The Pour Over Workshop (SGD100) is inclusive of a complimentary pour over kit and a 200g bag of coffee beans selected by Blue Bottle Coffee professionals.
In the spirit of the season, there's surely an exclusive festive lineup rolling out. Blue Bottle classic whole bean Bella Donovan offers a fruity, luxurious taste profile, Hayes Valley Espresso demonstrates the label's best expertise, and this year’s Winter Blend delivers the flavours of jam, molasses, and dark chocolate.
Accompanying gifts like the limited-edition Holiday Claska Mug—crafted in Japan with soothing caramel and a dash of Blue Bottle’s iconic blue—complete the Pour Over Kit. This thoughtfully engineered set includes a Kinto carafe and bamboo filters. Perfect for ensuring consistent quality and informing everyone that you too, are a newly minted reluctant fan.
Dates: 11 to 19 November
Location: LUMINE Singapore, Raffles City
Get tickets to the Blue Bottle Coffee Coffee Seminar and Pour Over Workshop.
