I’ve got some exciting news brewing for you, and it’s about none other than Blue Bottle Coffee! This specialty coffee roaster is finally in town, and its gift shop marked its debut at the LUMINE Singapore global flagship store in Raffles City Shopping Center. If you’re a coffee enthusiast, this treasure trove is what dreams are made of.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. What’s so special about Blue Bottle Coffee? Simply put, they’re doing it like no other! You can find out how through their limited-time exhibition that highlights key moments in their journey. From the company’s California Bay Area roots to branching out to Japan, to their first international market, to the development of Craft Instant Coffee, you’ll gain many insights into how their Californian and Japanese influences have shaped them.
They’re also showcasing their traditional and theatrical coffee brewing apparatus, so you can learn more about the coffee-making process. Keep reading for a taste of what to expect!
The Exhibition: Celebrating 20+ Years of Craftsmanship
Step into a time capsule and geek out over various methods of coffee brewing – you don’t see this every day! An item that I find particularly fascinating is the Oji Water Dripper, a slow-drip system from Tokyo that’s often compared to an alcoholic spirit because of its complex and layered flavours. The patience it takes to brew this must be wild… And the result? A heavy, intense brew that’s packed with character. Pair this with a puff pastry item, and your afternoon tea is set. If you’re a fan of bold, robust coffee, this one will pique your interest!
And then there’s the Syphon and Nel Drip, both crafted by HARIO. The Syphon uses precision and heat manipulation, requiring finesse to deliver a rounded cup with a complex flavour profile. Meanwhile, the Nel Drip is tied closely to Japanese kissaten (“tea-drinking shop” or traditional coffeehouse) culture. It offers an experience out of this world through its slow-drip method and high coffee-to-water ratio. I’m imagining these methods in action and it’s almost like a performance in my head – coffee-making sure requires a skillful hand!
Must-Try Products at the Gift Shop
Of course, no visit to Blue Bottle Coffee is complete without taking home some of their signature products. They’ve curated a stellar collection, so you’ll want to grab a few things to fuel your caffeine obsession! I gravitate towards Blue Bottle’s Craft Matcha (S$51). It’s sourced from UJI, Japan, and is ceremonial-grade, so it’s got to be top-tier in comparison to what I typically consume in Singapore. I’m already dreaming of the umami-rich flavour on my tongue! Is this a sign for a new daily matcha ritual?
And if you’re always on the go but need your espresso fix, the Craft Instant Espresso (S$24) is a game changer. Just add hot water, and voila – one smooth, barista-level espresso to go! If you’re into more indulgent flavours, the New Orleans-Style Craft Instant Coffee Blend (S$24) is calling your name. New Orleans-style coffee’s got this creamy quality, with a kick of earthiness from the chicory with every sip – if that’s what you’re into.
And that’s not all! Get your hands on the exclusive Singapore Tote Bag (S$39) – minimalist and practical – perfect for carrying all your Blue Bottle goodies when you walk out the door!
What’s Next
That’s right, it doesn’t stop here! Blue Bottle will be rolling out more merchandise in the coming months, just in time for the holiday season. Think of all the coffee-themed gifts you could pick up for the fellow caffeine lovers in your life! With all the drinkware, accessories and other products available, who wouldn’t want to recreate the café experience at home?
To aid you in that journey, Blue Bottle also has plans to host workshops and educational coffee sessions within its space before the year ends, so you’ll get to learn from the experts themselves. Who knows, maybe you’ll perfect your pour-over?
So don’t wait any longer! Whether it’s history, artistry, or the promise of an irresistible coffee, Blue Bottle’s got it all.
📍Location: Lumine Singapore, #01-01, Raffles City, 252 North Bridge Road, Singapore 059817
⏰Opening Hours: 10am to 10pm
For more information, follow Blue Bottle Coffee Singapore on Instagram, and visit the Blue Bottle Coffee website to learn more about the brand!
Visuals Courtesy of Blue Bottle Coffee Singapore.
