HARIO recently caught up with Ryan Wibawa, the Indonesian Brewers Cup Champion for 2016 and 2024, and 3rd place winner at this year's World Brewers Cup in Chicago, where he competed using the HARIO Switch.
Ryan was also kind enough to share the recipe he used, so make sure to try it out at home!
Ryan at the 2024 World Brewers Cup finals in Chicago.
How long have you worked in the coffee industry?
I started working part-time at Starbucks in 2011 when I was in college. As a college student with no prior experience, there weren’t many job opportunities available, but Starbucks was hiring, so I applied. At the time, I didn’t imagine I would end up competing in the industry. My initial mindset and goal were simply to gain experience and learn as much as I could about coffee. As my knowledge deepened, I found myself unable to turn back. This marked the beginning of my journey as a barista.
When did you start getting into pour over brewing?
In 2013, I was part of the opening team for the first Starbucks Reserve in Indonesia, where they served pour over coffee. This was when I started learning about hand brewing. I preferred the taste of pour over compared to espresso and enjoyed how the flavour changed [as the brew went] from hot to cold. These experiences fuelled my desire to learn more. I also enjoyed sharing these taste experiences with customers. Learning hand brewing increased my interest and excitement about coffee, which led me to join a coffee community where everyone shared their thoughts and experiences. Hand brewing introduced me to the deeper aspects of the coffee community.
When was your encounter with HARIO's V60 Dripper and Switch Dripper?
While working at Starbucks, we had master classes and coffee festivals for the internal Starbucks community. At one coffee festival, the V60 was introduced as part of a session on coffee equipment. My store had a V60 that we couldn’t use to serve customers, but we were allowed to use it as a learning tool. The V60 was my first introduction to drippers. As for the Switch, I began exploring this brewing method right after HARIO launched it in Indonesia, in 2023.
What are you currently working on?
After the World Brewers Cup (WBrC), I’m focused on sharing my experiences from the competition and my thoughts about coffee with the coffee community. I plan to tour throughout Indonesia to share this information and allow people to experience my coffee, as well as to teach tips for brewing competitions. If the opportunity arises, I would love to share my knowledge internationally as well.
How was the Specialty Coffee Expo in Chicago (where the WBrC was held this year) for you?
It was a great experience! I met many new friends and several champions backstage. It’s amazing how the coffee community can bring people together. Although I didn’t have much time to explore the expo, I saw a lot of exciting innovations which is really cool.
What were the most memorable things in your career?
This year’s event in Chicago was, of course, unforgettable. Additionally, the journey to return to the WBrC after eight years and achieving 3rd place was a significant milestone. I was also able to share my country’s spirit, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Ed.: Indonesia's national motto, meaning 'unity in diversity'), through my presentation connected with coffee. It was a special moment.
Do you have a message to HARIO?
Let’s work together! HARIO is a well-known brand and a pioneer in hand brewing. Everyone believes in HARIO. The V60 is still the most famous dripper, not only among baristas but also among beginner home baristas. I learned about coffee and hand brewing from HARIO; my journey started with the brand and has always been connected with it. I would be thrilled to collaborate, as they have given me unique opportunities to experience coffee and have significantly impacted the coffee industry. They have brought the enjoyment of coffee to many people. Some people ask me, “why don’t you innovate and create your own dripper?” As a brewer, I believe in innovating with existing drippers. This is why I choose the Switch and HARIO.
Ryan's Double Immersion Method
Dripper: Immersion Dripper Switch
Dose:
15g coffee (Medium ground coffee)
220mL water
Instructions:
- With the Switch closed, pour 100g of water at 86°C and let it bloom for 40 seconds, then open the Switch. It should take about 5 seconds to pour through.
- Close the Switch again, reset your timer, and pour another 120mL of water at 92°C.
- At 1:05, open the Switch again, and let the coffee drip through completely.
- Give the brewed coffee a gentle swirl to mix the flavours before serving.
