Water witch coffee is a brewing method that involves using a water witch to determine the exact amount of water needed for the perfect cup of coffee. A water witch is a person who has the ability to locate underground water sources using dowsing tools, such as a divining rod. In the context of making coffee, the water witch uses their dowsing skills to find the optimal water-to-coffee ratio. This method is believed to enhance the flavor and aroma of the coffee, resulting in a more satisfying and enjoyable brew. The process begins by selecting and measuring the desired amount of coffee grounds. The water witch then holds the divining rod above the container of coffee grounds and searches for the ideal water level.
“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.”
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. I worked out on Sandy Hook with an awesome group of fourth graders on a beautiful morning, and then ended the day grabbing lunch at this nifty little spot.
The water witch then holds the divining rod above the container of coffee grounds and searches for the ideal water level. As the rod moves, the water witch interprets the rod's movement to indicate the perfect amount of water to use. Once the water level is determined, the water witch pours the specified amount of water into the coffee grounds.
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.
It is important to ensure that the water is poured slowly and evenly, allowing it to extract the flavors and oils from the coffee grounds. After the water has been added, the coffee is allowed to steep for an appropriate amount of time. This can vary depending on personal preference and the type of coffee being used. Once the steeping time is complete, the brew is ready to be enjoyed. Water witch coffee is seen as a unique and alternative method of brewing coffee. It adds an element of mysticism and intrigue to the process, making it an interesting experience for coffee enthusiasts. While the scientific basis of dowsing is still debated, many people swear by the accuracy and effectiveness of water witch coffee. In conclusion, water witch coffee is an unconventional brewing method that incorporates the skills of a water witch to determine the ideal water-to-coffee ratio. It is a unique and intriguing approach to making coffee, adding an element of mysticism to the process. While the effectiveness of water witch coffee may vary from person to person, it remains an interesting and alternative method for coffee lovers to experiment with..
Reviews for "The Art of Roasting: How to Customize Your Water Witch Coffee"
1. Sarah - 2 out of 5 stars - I was so disappointed with the Watrr witch coffee. The taste was extremely bitter and almost undrinkable. It left a strange aftertaste in my mouth and I couldn't get rid of it for hours. I had high expectations for this coffee given all the hype, but it just didn't live up to it. Definitely not worth the price.
2. Michael - 1 out of 5 stars - I cannot understand the hype around Watrr witch coffee. The flavor was weak and tasteless. It lacked depth and richness, which is essential in a good cup of coffee. I even tried adjusting the brewing method to see if that would improve the taste, but it didn't help. I was left feeling extremely disappointed and would not recommend it to any coffee lover.
3. Emily - 2 out of 5 stars - I had heard great things about Watrr witch coffee, but it didn't live up to my expectations. The coffee had a strange, almost artificial flavor that I couldn't get past. It tasted nothing like the descriptions I had read online. Additionally, the coffee was expensive for the quality it delivered. I wouldn't purchase it again.
4. David - 2 out of 5 stars - Watrr witch coffee didn't impress me at all. It had a very weak taste and lacked the boldness I expect from a premium coffee brand. The aroma was also quite underwhelming. Overall, I found it to be a mediocre coffee experience and wouldn't recommend it to those looking for a strong and flavorful cup.