The Indonesian Brewers Cup is a competition known for precision, storytelling, and innovation, and this year, Ryan Wibawa brought all three to the stage!
With a deep focus on connection, clarity, and intentional water design, Ryan delivered a routine that reflected both technical mastery and emotional depth.
We asked Ryan a few questions to learn more about his approach, his philosophy, and how APAX LAB played a role in shaping his winning cup.
Tell us more about the Brewers Cup—what makes this competition special to you?
The Brewers Cup has always been special to me because it celebrates not just skill, but also connection.
It’s a competition where every detail matters: from how you understand the coffee to how you share its story with others.
Water quality is crucial in brewing—how did it impact your approach to the competition?
Water quality played a huge role in my approach this year.
I used distilled water, adjusted to 60 ppm with APAX Minerals, then treated it with the Waved System, which reorganises water molecules using ultra-low frequency magnetic waves.
This process helped the minerals distribute more evenly, creating smoother extraction and a cleaner, more transparent cup.
For me, it’s not just about precision, it’s about how water as the foundation of brewing, can elevate clarity and express the true character of each coffee.
How did you first hear about APAX LAB, and what made you choose it for competition?
I first heard about APAX LAB from fellow brewers experimenting with customised water for competition.
After trying it myself, I understood why.
APAX gave me the flexibility to fine-tune water exactly how I wanted — bringing clarity, structure, and sweetness to my competition coffees.
In what ways did the mineral concentrates help you achieve the best expression of your coffee?
I see water as the foundation of brewing.
The mineral concentrates let me adjust my water composition to highlight what I value most: clarity, balance, and sweetness.
It’s a subtle difference, but one that transforms the entire experience.
Which APAX LAB profile is your favourite: Tonik, Jamm, or Lylac? Why?
I love LYLAC.
It brings harmony to the cup: enough strength to support deep, structured extraction while keeping the aftertaste clean and transparent. It showcases clarity without losing sweetness.
What coffee did you choose for your competition routine, and why?
For my routine, I used a three-coffee blend built around:
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Finca Nuguo Geisha Natural
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Hacienda La Esmeralda Bosque Geisha Anaerobic Natural
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Sukawangi Excelsa Mossto Anaerobic Natural
Each coffee played a different role: Nuguo gave depth and structure, Esmeralda brought elegance and florals, and Excelsa added sweetness and clarity.
Together, they created harmony, which was the heart of my concept: how small elements, balanced carefully, can become something far greater.
What was your winning water recipe with APAX LAB, and how did it influence the final cup?
I used water at 60 ppm, built with:
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10g Konflux
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3g Lylac
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2g Tonik
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1g Jamm
Then I treated the water with the Waved System for five minutes.
This recipe gave me balanced clarity and structure — expressive yet clean — enhancing sweetness, floral aromatics, and the smooth finish of my blend.
It helped every layer of the coffee come through.
For those new to crafting their own water for coffee, what advice would you give?
Start simple. You don’t need complex recipes, but first understand how water affects taste.
Brew the same coffee with different waters and pay attention to how clarity, sweetness, and structure shift. Once you can recognise those differences, you’ll know how to adjust.
Building your own water isn’t just science: it’s learning balance and intuition. Keep it consistent, and stay curious.
Final Thoughts
Ryan’s approach to brewing is a reminder that great coffee lives at the intersection of precision and intuition.
His commitment to understanding water, flavour structure, and harmony shows why he earned the title of Indonesian Brewers Cup Champion 2025.
We’re honoured that APAX LAB played a part in his journey, and we can’t wait to see him represent Indonesia on the world stage!
