Triple Bolt Gazette

As a coffee lover myself, I am curious to learn what made you go from appreciating a damn good cup of coffee to roasting your own beans, to starting a coffee company? Walk us through that journey.

I think it was a natural process. For years working as a touring musician, I thought about owning a cafe. What coffee roaster(s) I would use, and the layout of the shop.

And over time I started asking questions. (opening pandora’s box. lol) Why do these two coffees from the same region and farm taste so different? Or why did I prefer this roast over another? And the answers I was getting was the approach in the roaster. This roaster’s approach was more in alignment with what I like. Ok… so why?

What I found is the green seed is like basic tracks. It’s how I approach them in the roaster that is going to emphasize certain instruments or flavors more than others. And in general, I’m looking for balance in the flavor profile. ( a good mix. ) Enough sugar development in the roaster (color) that the coffee is quite drinkable and still retains enough acidity (brightness) to keep it interesting and not flat.

So over time I started putting a plan together and saving money. It took about 4 years from seed thought (puns always a plus!) to forming an LLC, purchasing a roaster and securing a studio space to work.

Japa Coffee and you are both deeply rooted in yoga community. How do you see coffee being a part of a persons practice?

Making coffee to me is ritual. It invokes and develops a sense of awareness and devotion. (You must be present to make great coffee! ) And in doing so, you are actually implementing AT LEAST three limbs of Yoga:

Bhakti Yoga (love and devotion)

Dharana (one pointed concentration)

Dhyan (prolonged awareness)

It also balances the “numbers” of making great coffee with your senses and intuition.

I know music has allayed played a big part in your life. How is creating music and rhythm similar to roasting coffee? How does creating a new blend or roasting a batch of premium coffee beans tap into your creative side? How are the two disciplines similar? Different?

Funny you should ask, because I do approach coffee like making music. First you need to know what you’re working with. IE: song structure, melody, and hooks. or in coffee lingo: altitude, bean density, processing method and moisture. etc..That helps me understand how it will react in the roaster. Then, What does this seed want to be? A pop song? A ballad? Or a 13-minute prog rock epic!

So after doing some sample roasts and cupping that coffee, I decide if something needs to be emphasized, trimmed or harmonized. Music, songwriting or cooking is much in the same to me. You can have great parts, but it has to work together as a whole. Ingredients don’t make a meal. It’s how those flavors come together in what sequence that makes it delicious. The when you go to brew it, you can adjust your grind setting to give more or less space between the notes. (flavor density) and or to make the cup brighter or more sweet and mellow. (treble, mids, bass.)

So in short (lmao) roasting coffee, coming up with new blends and creating music are really one in the same to me.

You like to say “I don’t drink coffee to do more. I drink coffee to do less.” Can you go a little deeper into what that means to you?

Enjoying coffee is ME time. It’s about working with the elements, spirit and inspiration. It has never been about mindlessly consuming coffee/caffeine just be a better slave. That might sound harsh, but it rings true.

Most people have been brought up to drink low grade coffee to just get MORE done. And usually for someone else at your own expense. (your health and wellbeing.) I drink it to tap into what’s just beneath the surface. Coffee IS creation itself!

Think about this: The seed is Yang, and contains light and information. But is useless or sterile until it comes into contact with the water which is Yin. These two polarities make the up the universe. When you make coffee, you become a co-creator.

Japa is a Sanskrit word that means “muttering” or “repeating in a murmuring tone.” It is a meditation that is a form of meditation the uses mantras to focus. Do you have any certain mantras you use when being or drinking the coffee?

It can vary depending on what I’m intuiting for that day. Or for the people (Souls) who will be consuming it. I always like to do my Sadhana (prescribed yoga practices.) before I start my day. This gets me “right” to work on the coffees. Chanting to Lord Ram, Hanuman, or Krishna is a pretty good bet. Especially listening to the Hanuman Chalisa. And some days it’s chants to the Maa. Or the Divine Mother.

What do you know now about roasting coffee that you wish you knew when starting the company? Did you have a mentor or were you self taught?

I can’t say there is one thing in particular (except if I had to do it over, I would have purchased a larger roaster.) I have taken some roaster training before launching. Most of it is self-taught though. I’m glad there’s so much information to reference online and on YouTube. I must say that I did come across one person who’s approach to roasting totally changed my whole approach. He got me thinking about the environment of the roasting drum. (like changes in weather. Temps and pressure.) more so than just rate of rise (ROR) or roasting curve. Sure, these are important, but more focus on environment in the drum made for a greater impact on overall quality.

How has your creative process changed or altered since starting Japa Coffee?

It’s helped me to see into more possibilities and not get stuck into one way of thinking. I thought it was going to go like this. IT didn’t, now I can be creative in another way that actually works. If that makes sense?

Is there any bean you have not yet roasted or blended with that is on your list of coffee to try?

I would like to work with coffees from Burundi at some point. I have had some from other roasters that I fell in love with. They have some similarities like Ethiopians, but aren’t as “Loud” or floral like an Ethiopian. I’ve had some that taste like a Lime Life Savor! Mmmm…

With a lot of brands there is an overwhelming feeling or understanding that they are just trying to sell you something. That is not the vibe at all with Japa. You say that it is “coffee as a promise” Can you explain what that means to you as a creator, owner, and practicing member of the yoga community?

As I was bringing this gift to life, I sat with the idea of using a Sanskrit name and a yoga inspired offering. I wanted to make sure this wasn’t just another brand cashing in on a yoga trend. I have a dedicated yoga and healing arts practice. I am committed to helping those walking the path Home. Whether it’s through providing some joy and comfort with Japa Coffee or getting into it one on one with clients.

I know how hard and intense it is to dismantle oneself. To really look at your shit and do the inner work. To work through the darkness and cultivate loving kindness. To exercise compassion. I’m in this to be of service. To build Japa Coffee so we can give back to the community we serve. To give greater access to invaluable teachings such as Mantra and Kirtan. This is what gets me up in the morning. It has to be something greater than myself.

Get to know Japa Coffe!

IG: @japacoffee

Web : https://japacoffee.com