More than a coffee culture, this is Project Brew

featured photo: credits to Project Brew Butuan city.

This small humble corner in Butuan has since been a familiar comfort for me. Like visiting a relative or a family member- a friend. Only fitting, this joint is unassuming. But has a lot to offer. Let me walk you through this featured post and give you an idea on how I stumbled across one of Butuan’s coffee gem.

One rainy afternoon after a quick rest from a family travel itinerary, the heavens poured out a big monsoon like wash out, normal to Butuanon’s. I invited this pleasant disposition and waited for the rain to trikle down. Like any other coffee lover this weather was quite the right fit. Afternoon gloom, the heavens laid out a canopy of diffused light and some close proximity rain clouds hovering around wandering like that of a loose pup.

I walked a small distance from the airbnb and stumbled across Project Brew Coffee. I was greeted by the friendly staff. Tope was working the counter that day. I vividly asked him about local beans that was available. A few more small talks while he prepared me a pour over of a local light roast bean and it was history from then on as he’s poured out his knowledge like he’s prepared me that beautiful cup. I’ve since come to stop by when I can and the only shop that’s consistently given me one of the best tasting flash brew, cortado or a shot of espresso.

Meet Tope, one of the most knowledgeable barista in town serving me precise and fruity pour over walnuty Kerinch Honey velvet coffee and ending the session with a local grown 70% robusta cortado from CDO with a local Mato pasteurized milk from Bon-Bon. This was a pleasure rainy afternoon meeting new friends along the way. Thank you Tope

After a few returns to Butuan City with my family, I’ve managed to visit the coffee shop and enjoy a treat of an unhurried, fresh pour-over cup. And that is just it. I’ve come to the realization that a lot of things prepared unhurriedly, like the process of a pour-over cup, have an inviting sense of calm and recollection. Like a small talk with a friend preparing a dish of some sort. A familiar aroma to the senses. From the selection of freshly roasted beans to precise grinding, the rhythmic swirl of 90°C water to bloom the beans. Every minute has that effect on the flavor and also the conversation. Every smile and unhurried talk. The connection that I’ve always longed for. My smartphone face down on vibration. Joycee listening keenly just to my side.

Meeting the owner

Sir Julius preparing me flash brew

I’ve met Sir Julius on one occasion. I knew I had to meet the owner, and I picked him out of the crowd on that one slow evening. I knew then that it was him. Very humble and doing his thing like everyone at that counter. I noticed the roaster that stood out like a candy machine. Quite a pride to one of Butuan’s local coffee roaster. A testament of success and quality.

I introduced myself, and so did he. I asked, as I usually do, for a local bean and the story behind every bean. He grabbed me a special bag; I sniffed into the bag, and my senses lit up with the scent of rolling green hills and high altitude, the sun just brandishing every coffee cherry to its proper red fruity color. That smell made me look into a farmer’s eye and appreciate the intricate dance of every process that brought this special bean to me in that seat, from the very hills of Mount Apo.

Sir Julius prepared me a pour-over cup while engaging in small talk as though he were a friend I’d known and hadn’t seen for years. Then I asked him a question: You are one of the few successful cafe owners in the entire country, would you ever start a chain across the Philippines? His answer was, “When I started this business rolling my coffee setup on many street corners, I wanted the locals to experience the taste of good local coffee. They would ask for sugar. My mission is when the locals stop reaching for sugar, then I know I can start a chain of my own.” I was completely blown away and understood him. Simple yet profound. I had my camera then eager to capture the moment, but I couldn’t let that interrupt the conversation, the cadence of the wisdom- the passion sir Julius instilled in me.

Who is sir Julius

image credits to Project Brew Butuan

Sir Julius is a certified Q Robusta grader and cupper who focuses on quality roasting and brewing, ensuring that every batch of coffee meets the highest standards of flavor and aroma. With years of experience in the industry, he has developed an acute sense for the unique characteristics of Robusta beans, enabling him to select only the finest local beans for his artisanal roasts. His passion for coffee extends beyond mere preparation; he engages in detailed sensory analysis to understand the nuances in taste, all while educating others about the intricacies of the coffee-making process. Sir Julius believes that quality coffee is not just about the beans, but also about the craftsmanship behind each cup, striving to share that belief with coffee lovers everywhere.

“When I started this business rolling my coffee setup on many street corners, I wanted the locals to experience the taste of good local coffee. They would ask for sugar. My mission is when the locals stop reaching for sugar, then I know I can start a chain of my own.”

Project Brew Butuan

The friendly and knowledgeable staff at Project Brew

Situated right beside Amara hotel along J. Rosales Avenue, this charming coffee shop has quickly become a local favorite. The coffee shop features a sleek, modern, and aesthetic space that is popular for casual hangouts, providing an inviting atmosphere where patrons can unwind. With its carefully curated decor and comfortable seating arrangements, it encourages guests to linger, whether they’re catching up with friends or enjoying a quiet moment alone. Additionally, it offers both indoor and outdoor seating options, allowing visitors to bask in the sunshine or enjoy the fresh air while sipping on their favorite beverages. The menu boasts a variety of coffee blends, artisanal pastries, and light bites, making it the perfect spot for any time of day.

Foreword

I’ve since brought a Stanley classic lunch box modified to fit my pour-over set up and Minipresso on several family visits to the beach, where the sun kisses the sand and the waves gently crash in the background. It has become a delightful ritual to enjoy fresh roasted beans from my very favorite Project Brew, as I carefully prepare each cup to savor the rich flavors and aromas that awaken the senses. Each brewing session turns into a bonding experience, as my family gathers around, sharing stories and laughter while we indulge in the perfect cup of coffee, transforming simple moments into cherished memories.

If you are in Butuan City and want to experience a wonderfully well-balanced cup of coffee, you should check out Project Brew. This charming coffee shop offers much more than just a beverage; it’s a hub for creativity and community. Have a seat and enjoy the process, the conversation, and the friendship that flourishes in its warm ambiance. The coffee is just as delightful to enjoy as the passionate people who work there, who are eager to share their knowledge and enthusiasm for each brew. As you take in the rich aroma of freshly ground beans, you might find yourself engrossed in lively discussions with fellow patrons or the friendly baristas. I want to leave you with a phrase that has resonated with me:

Good things take time to develop. Like a good pour over, some things become special because you gave them time.- Project Brew Butuan City