Pokka Demitasse

Well this was a nice can of coffee all in all not quite a classic demitasse though. Pokka has formulated a smooth, low acid caned coffee with a pronounced unbitter flavour. All in all I would recommend this hot canned coffee for consumption on a cold winter afternoon if you find yourself waiting for someone in Shibuya. Tommorow I'll be test driving UCC's Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee in a can. Can't wait to report.


- A roving communique from my iPhone

Location:３丁目,Shibuya Ward,Japan

Japanese Coffee Culture

Just some thoughts on Japan in general and the coffee culture here in particular. If Japan can be summed up in one behavioral phrase it may well be "attention to detail." The culture is highly stylized and formal - that may be an understatement. As such there seems to be little room for half-hearted execution in any endeavor.

Coffee is ubiquitous here and the quality is astoundingly high. Yes of course there are Starbucks coffeeshops here and there. Mind you I swear that this year I've spotted more than last year. However they are far outnumbered by indigimous coffee chains which in turn are outnumbered by indie shops.

I'll sign off with a brief annecdote from Verde Coffee. The owner wa approached by dozens of clients to sell his cotton coffee filters. Apparently after years of coaxing he broke down and started selling these nifty filters complete with personal instruction on how to use them. When he learned that some customered were not croutinely leaning the filters - he stopped selling the filters abruptly. That is the best illustration of Japanse coffee culture I can offer. That tenacity and attention to detail is why you'll have a hard time getting a bad cup of coffe in Japan.


- A roving communique from my iPhone

Location:Tokyo, Japan

UCC Black

Another canned coffee entry. Today it is UCC Black. On an aside drinking these coffees is a nice break from all of the high end single origin coffees we cup for Dauphin Kaffee and the various Jamaica Blue Mountain coffees.

UCC Black is remarkably light and refreshing. This is a perfect afternoon coffee hot or cold.










- A roving communique from my iPhone

Location:３丁目,Shibuya Ward,Japan

Suntory Boss Golden can

A great way to enjoy coffee on the go. Japanese beverage giant Suntory (producers of everything from tea to whiskey) have a great market presence for coffee. As an interesting side note American actor Tommy Lee Jones is the spokesperson for Suntory's line of Boss coffees. This particular canned coffee is best served cold.











- A roving communique from my iPhone

Location:３丁目,Shibuya Ward,Japan

An alternative to instant - Mon Cafe

I'm 100% spoiled because of my proffession. Even on the rare occasion of running out of coffee , fresh Dauphin Kaffee coffees are never more than 24 hours away. Mind you when I travel I love sampling coffee in all of it's dizzying varieties. Case in point 'Mon Cafe' a clever drip brewing system complete with a unique coffee blend available at any Tokyo convenience store. You simply heat fresh water in the kettle, unfold the brewer over your cup of choice, pour then enjoy coffee that is head and shoulders above instant coffee... in an instant.








- A roving communique from my iPhone

Location:３丁目,Shibuya Ward,Japan

Tokyo 2010 Coffee

Today I visited a remarkable old school Tokyo coffee shop called Coffee Verde. What makes it old school? Well first off, Verde coffee is not a chain. Second there's no espresso. Third the brewing equipment consisits of a cotton filter, water kettle and a single vario grinder. Finally they roast their coffees on site throughout the day. Yes you read correctly throught the day. By the time I was enjoying my cup of Tanzania they had already roasted ten batches.








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Location:３丁目,Shibuya Ward,Japan