Our Public Journal. Volume 2.

I can’t quite describe the peaceful state I’m in right now. I’m sitting at my newly set-up home office — aka SL.OW HQ. I’ve just brewed maybe the best iced coffee I’ve ever had, using the last of our Momo Peach (RIP — sold out and missed already). It’s three months off roast and still tasting insane. Brewed with my Aeropress (more on that soon). I’ve got incense burning (scored it in Japan last week — next level), Loyle Carner playing, and I’m just vibing.

Honestly... I’d be scared if I was a substack.

Sooo — without further adieu — it is I, Dakin (Sam). Back behind the keyboard after a beautiful trip racing my bike in Japan. Funnily enough, Jonte is over there too — but we didn’t cross paths. Big place. Small team. How good was Jonte’s first appearance on here, though? What an addition. As he said, just don’t check our WhatsApp — chaos. But amongst it, we’re building some really exciting things that we’ll be launching later this year.

Let’s get into it.

Japan — what a place. A country rooted in efficiency, grace, and a deep culture for detail. You hand over your card — it's placed gently on a tray, not grabbed. You buy something and want it wrapped? You bet it won’t be in front of you. Taken out back beautifully prepared and presented to you with pride. It’s just... elegant. Everything is done with care. With intention.It aligns so much with what we’re building with SL.OW. Good things take time. Do it well or don’t bother. Life’s too short to rush through it, barely present. One of the most memorable moments for me was visiting Glitch Coffee in Ginza. My experience of going to Glitch Coffee was one I’ll hold for the rest of my life.

You line up outside. You’re met by a lovely man, he tells you about their coffee and asks what you’d like to drink —- I was there with 3 others so we got 4 lattes and a filter. You are then shown inside where there is 15 coffees lined up (price varies based on process and region etc). You can decide what coffee you want. They recommend what’s best with milk. Man I was in heaaaaaven. They were so knowledgeable and had some process coffee’s I’d never heard of. GREEN TEA PROCESS!! I’ll tell you what DELICIOUS. So then we selected our coffees. Sat down and just soaked it all in. Our coffees were ready. We collected them and just sat there and drank exceptional brews. I did learn 3 brews in 15mins will do things to you I haven’t experienced before. But hey, when in Tokyo?? Mhmmm.

It made me reflect: in NZ, we move fast. Too fast. We crave depth but don’t create space for it. And I think that’s where we come in — enter the Ritual Room™. A little idea I’ve been dreaming up when we get our own space. More on that soon.

Noooow, Japan trip for me was one where I switched out the V60 for Aeropress. I’ve never been able to nail the aeropress. Buttttt, this trip I did and man I’m obsessed. It’s just great at producing more clarity and body (if you are a normal person, this means the flavours feel bigger and brighter in your mouth). It’s not a replacement for V60 but I’m really loving brewing on it. Kept it simple 15g in, 240g inverted. Stir for 10 seconds. Wait till 2mins and press through in 30 seconds. SOOOOOOO GOOD.

So, I’m going to be aeropressing it up for the next wee while. In fact, I’ve just got the clear aeropress. It’s so damn cool.

Here’s my current recipe:
15g in | 240g water | Inverted method
Stir for 10 seconds. Wait till 2 mins. Press through over 30 secs.

I’ve missed this — sharing brews, moments, and a bit of ramble with you all. Hope you’ve been sl.owing down too. And if you want to connect with us in person, here’s your exclusive scoop...

SL.OW x Special Mention — Pop-Up.
Papamoa
June 28th
One day only.

YESSSS. Pop-Up Season 2 is a go. This one’s going to be special. And we’re already planning our biggest ever one later this year. Keen? Subscribe, follow, and shop — so you don’t miss anything.

Much love,
Dakin

the world moves fast. slow down.