Mark Valenzuela

Aliwarus Brew

Brewing Recipe

Beans:

Panama Santa Clara, Hartmann Estate

Rare & unique Gesha, wet fermentation

Flavour notes: complex acidity, peach, apricot and jasmine

Brewing time: approx. 3.5 mins.

Ratio of coffee and water – 1:15

Water at 94C

Equipment:

–  Ceramic V60

–  Filter paper

–  Grinder

–  Digital scales with timer

–  Gooseneck kettle

–  Ceramic aliwarus cup

Method:  

1.  Place the ceramic cup, V60 dripper and filter on the scales. Pre-wet the filter (this is to remove the papery flavour of the filter), discard the water

2. Put 20g of ground coffee into the filter (I set the grinder to medium coarse, to get a texture similar to table salt) and tare the weight

3.  Brewing:

My recipe is based upon the 4:6 method by Tetsu Kasuya. This method involves 5 pours, with the water in the first two pours amounting to 40% and in the last 3 amounting to 60%. The first two pours are important for adjusting sweetness and acidity, while the last three determine the strength.

First Pour – blooming: pour 40g of water and stir. The duration of the first pour should be about 30 seconds, but this depends on the freshness of the beans. I do 30 seconds if it is 3-4 days after roasting. Any earlier and I bloom it longer). 

· Second pour: 80g of water over 45 seconds or so

· Third to sixth pour: 60g of water over 45 seconds or so for each pour

Aliwarus is a Cebuano word that roughly translates as mischief-maker or rascal. Generally said with affection when used to describe a child, the term becomes an insult when directed towards an adult. In this context, aliwarus describes an annoyance or a menace. The term can also be interpreted as an interruption or a disturbance. 

Throughout this year, I have made and deployed an army of ceramic ‘rubber duckies’. They have been installed in my exhibitions and throughout the city in which I live, appearing in all the spaces I inhabit or pass through. This army of ducks was initially formed to explore increasing militarisation in the Philippines. As time has passed, however, the duckies have taken on the role of various menacing forces. They are invaders and mischief-makers, dispersing throughout the streets and infiltrating every nook and cranny. 

The duckies also reference the Orwellian concept of duckspeak, a form of language so inherently contradictory it is rendered meaningless. The word aliwarus could be interpreted as a kind of duckspeak, in that it can be used as both a term of affection and an insult; it can describe both an adorable rascal and a more serious menace. However, in both uses and interpretations, an aliwarus represents an interruption.

The Aliwarus Brew ties these ideas to my daily coffee practice, which I see as very much connected to my art practice. Incorporating the ducky in my daily brew is a way to reflect on how the constant interruptions, disturbances and upheavals of this year impact us on a daily and almost constant basis. I guess at this point it is about finding a way to live with these interruptions.