Water witch coffee is a unique and innovative method of brewing coffee that has gained popularity in recent years. It involves using water as the main brewing medium instead of the traditional hot water. This method is based on the belief that water has the ability to extract the flavors and aromas of coffee in a more delicate and nuanced way. The water witch coffee technique originated in Japan and has since spread to other parts of the world. It is known for its precise and meticulous approach to brewing coffee, which involves measuring the water temperature, acidity, and mineral content to ensure the perfect extraction. The process of brewing water witch coffee begins with selecting high-quality coffee beans and grinding them to the desired coarseness.
The process of brewing water witch coffee begins with selecting high-quality coffee beans and grinding them to the desired coarseness. The ground coffee is then steeped in cold or room temperature water for an extended period, usually ranging from 12 to 24 hours. This slow extraction process allows for a gentle and gradual release of flavors and eliminates the bitterness often associated with hot brew methods.
Water Witch Coffee Offers Blend Of Art And Culture
By Jenna Moldaver |
HIGHLANDS – “Water Witch is like this vortex,” said Valerie Browning, owner of Water Witch Coffee. “All these creative people just come toward it.”
When waiting for your order at Water Witch Coffee, you won’t be at a loss for entertainment. Your eyes may drift across art-lined walls, fixating on vibrant pieces from artists across the country, or you might take a seat in a spindle-back chair and absorb the eclectic decor that encompasses you in your little corner of this inventive space on Waterwitch Avenue. Either way, there’s a lot to see, hear and experience.
A copy of the Constitution hangs on the restroom door. The objects that adorn the walls run the gamut of time and place: a public health advisory sign from the city of New York parks and recreation department that warns pregnant women not to “eat fish or eels caught in these waters,” a boxed “crazy cat lady” action figure, a sombrero, a sign for Bianchi bicycles. Try to find a thread that runs through this decor, a unifying theme or a cumulative message, and you might just drive yourself crazy.
Instead, appreciate the amalgamation for what it is: a fusion of crafted works of art and simple snapshots of reality. It is, at once, a space that displays creative outputs and reminds us of less-inspiring realities: a painting of a woman with blue hair on one side of the room and a copy of “Civil War Naval Chronology” on a bookshelf on the other. It is wonderfully alternative without trying so hard to be. It is as transcendent as it is grounded.
Browning, who has run the shop for four years, has grown Water Witch into a cultural hub. There are blues jams every third Sunday of the month, traditional Irish music jams every second and, most popularly, open mic night every Wednesdays. The music scene has given birth to groups like the Water Witch Jazz Band, which has used the space both to practice and perform.
“It’s a welcoming atmosphere for people to come into as musicians and the place really fosters the growth of all the arts,” said Browning.
Water Witch has artists lined up well into next year to do art shows in the shop. Every two months a new artist takes over the walls of Water Witch, giving customers an ever-changing backdrop. Some artists have created entire shows just for the purpose of having their work displayed at the shop.
“Every two months the customers have a whole new genre or idea of art,” says Browning.
But not everyone who steps foot in the shop is buzzing with artistic talent. While a welcoming space for creative types, Water Witch is home base for a wide variety of locals.
“We have a lot of regular customers who I see every day who have been coming here for 12 years,” says Browning. “Some are detectives, some have had computer engineering jobs and they show up at 6:30 every morning. If one doesn’t show up they end up calling the other ones.”
Browning says she couldn’t begin to describe all the different people who come into the shop. “Highlands has a sort of quirkiness to it and it’s filling up with all sorts of people,” she said.
One thing they all have in common, though, is they all care deeply about the shop and together they form what Browning calls the “Water Witch family.”
“There’s this one woman who comes in who says, ‘Val, this place saves lives,’ ” Browning said. “Because without it they wouldn’t really have anywhere to go. There’s a Water Witch family. You can walk into the shop and find someone if you need help. Someone will know something about almost any topic.”
When she’s having a bad day, Browning says the cure is simply going in to work, where customers fill the place with color. Customers have named menu items, jammed out on weeknights and grown to know the staff. They are more than patrons; they are participants.
Water Witch Coffee is more than just savory paninis and espresso drinks; it’s a breath of pure authenticity in the Highlands community. It’s both a venue where musicians can perform during Wednesday open mic nights and a workspace for anyone with a laptop and a latte craving. You can use it for its authentic promotion of the arts or for its Wi-Fi and crepe offerings. The space is yours to experience.
And experiencing it is exactly what people have done.
This article was first published in the June 14-June 21, 2018 print edition of The Two River Times.
HIGHLANDS, NJ — Water Witch, the beloved longtime coffee shop in Highlands, is closing. The business said they hope to reopen in a new location sometime soon, but have not yet found a new spot to move into.
After the steeping period, the coffee is carefully strained to separate the liquid from the grounds. The resulting concentrate is then diluted with hot or cold water to achieve the desired strength and flavor profile. The final cup of water witch coffee is often described as smooth, crisp, and rich in complex flavors. Water witch coffee enthusiasts praise its ability to highlight the natural sweetness and acidity of coffee without overpowering the subtle nuances. The extended brewing time and cold water extraction method are believed to extract a wider range of flavor compounds, resulting in a more balanced and flavorful cup of coffee. While the water witch coffee technique requires patience and attention to detail, many coffee enthusiasts find the process to be rewarding and worth the extra effort. It offers a unique and refreshing way to enjoy coffee, with a focus on the delicate flavors and aromas that can be lost in traditional brewing methods. Overall, water witch coffee offers a new perspective on the art of coffee brewing, allowing coffee lovers to explore the depths of flavor and experience a different approach to their favorite beverage. It is a method that continues to evolve and gain recognition in the coffee community, with its delicate and nuanced flavors captivating the taste buds of those who try it..
Reviews for "Unlocking the Magical Properties of Water Witch Coffee Beans"
1. John Doe - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the coffee at Water Witch. The flavor was weak and the coffee was lukewarm. It felt like they didn't put any effort into making a good cup of coffee. Additionally, the service was slow and the staff seemed uninterested in helping customers. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this place for coffee lovers who appreciate a good brew.
2. Jane Smith - 1 star - I had high expectations for Water Witch coffee based on the great reviews, but unfortunately, I was extremely let down. The coffee tasted burnt and bitter, as if it had been sitting on the warmer for hours. The barista seemed inexperienced and unenthusiastic about their craft. The cafe itself was also quite cramped and uncomfortable. I won't be coming back here for my caffeine fix.
3. Robert Johnson - 2 stars - Water Witch coffee was a big letdown for me. The coffee lacked depth and complexity in its flavor, making it taste quite bland. The prices were also higher than what I would expect for such subpar coffee. On top of that, the atmosphere was loud and noisy, making it hard to enjoy my cup of joe in peace. I would suggest looking for a different coffee shop with better quality brews.
4. Sarah Thompson - 1 star - My experience at Water Witch coffee was nothing short of disappointing. The coffee had a strange aftertaste that I couldn't quite put my finger on, but it definitely wasn't pleasant. The service was also incredibly slow and the staff seemed disorganized. The whole place had a chaotic vibe, and I won't be returning here for my coffee fix in the future.