Anders: Like many Aussies, I once thought a smooth flat white was the pinnacle of coffee—until I tried a pour-over at Dawn Patrol, a rural Adelaide roastery operating out of a backyard shed where an alpaca wandered between tables. The coffee delivered on its seemingly impossible promise of fruity and floral in the form of peach and orange blossom notes. Since then, I’ve been chasing that high, with varying success and far fewer alpacas.

Em: My first real relationship with coffee started after experiencing the fervor of Italian coffee culture whilst studying in Rome. This led me to purchasing a Macchinetta, then a Chemex years later, opening the door to specialty coffee.

Beyond their love for coffee, Anders and Em are creators at heart. Brewtones began as a passion project during the COVID-19 pandemic and quickly evolved into a platform where they could express their creativity through coffee storytelling. From capturing still-lifes to curating beautiful home brewing moments, their content has inspired many.

Anders: I used to be a hobbyist travel and landscape photographer, enjoying capturing fleeting, natural moments on my adventures. Then COVID hit, and I surprisingly found myself enjoying the opposite: indoor still-lifes with artificial light. Brewtones was born!

Em: Travelling, for us, has become as much about seeing the world as it is about finding great coffee and experiencing different coffee cultures.

Anders and Em’s journey goes beyond brewing coffee. As a creative duo, they are constantly working on new projects that combine their love for coffee and design.

Anders: I’ve worked in education tech for over 10 years developing healthcare simulations, but I’ve recently taken time away from software to pursue a long-festering desire to write a feature film.

Em: After a decade in Retail Design in the Philippines, and recently completing a Masters in Design in Australia, I’m currently seeking inspiration for my next project. Anders’ film, perhaps?

Anders and Em’s winning entry for the Serving Creativity Throwdown stood out for its elegant storytelling and creative use of the Avensi Wave glass.

Anders: Swirling amber-hued coffee in the Avensi Wave glass gives off a timeless sophistication, like sipping scotch by a fire. It aligns with our belief that coffee is a luxury drink, akin to wine or whisky, and that "moment to savor" became central to our story. We also wanted to explore how the glass enhances coffee’s bright flavors through its shape and aeration, inspiring the light bulb concept. However, transitioning from light bulb to drinking glass in the video was far more challenging than anticipated. We almost gave up! I’m glad we didn’t.

As seasoned coffee content creators, Anders and Em have learned a lot about what makes a compelling coffee story.

Anders: To stand out, go beyond aesthetics. In such a diverse and vibrant industry, coffee content can sometimes feel clinical—technically excellent and undeniably beautiful, yet soulless. Tell a story. Capture an experience. Evoke a feeling.

Anders and Em’s coffee adventure is far from over. With their creative spirits and passion for storytelling, there’s no doubt they’ll continue to inspire the coffee community.

This feature reminds us that coffee is more than a drink—it’s an experience, a journey, and a way to connect with others. So here’s to the adventurers, the creators, and the dreamers. May your next cup be your best one yet!