Southeast of Osaka lies a hidden gem for coffee lovers, an unassuming little cafe known as The Münch. Despite its low-key presence online, this modest shop has quietly built an international reputation for serving what might be Japan’s most exclusive cup of coffee. Priced at a staggering 100,000 yen (around ₹54,648), the Münch’s aged coffee is not only a luxury drink but an experience.
The Origin Of This Rare Brew In The Münch, Osaka
This extraordinary coffee owes its existence to Kanji Tanaka, the sole proprietor and craftsman behind The Münch. Tanaka stumbled upon his signature brew entirely by accident. According to Matcha Made Coffee, years ago, he forgot an iced coffee in his fridge, only to rediscover it six months later. Instead of discarding it, he took a sip—and realised the prolonged ageing had transformed it into something remarkable.
Today, he uses 22-year-old green coffee beans, meticulously aged in special conditions to bring out their rich, complex flavours. Over the decades, the beans have evolved into something wholly unique: they develop a thick, syrupy sweetness with rich, wine-like notes and a dark, chocolatey depth.
The brewing process for this rare coffee is as meticulous as the ageing itself. Once the 22-year-old beans are roasted, Tanaka grinds them finely and brews them with a traditional Nel Drip method. The Nel Drip, with its cloth filter, allows for an incredibly slow and controlled extraction. In fact, it takes 30 minutes for the first drip to emerge.
After the Nel Drip process, the coffee is aged further in small barrels, a technique borrowed from whiskey-making. The coffee absorbs subtle, complex notes from the barrel, enhancing its body and rounding out its flavour profile.
The Result Is A Cup Like No Other
The final product is an inky, jet-black coffee poured into a regal Meissen porcelain cup, a relic that looks as though it was crafted for royalty. Sipping Tanaka’s coffee is a transcendent experience, with the syrupy liquid offering flavours as deep and complex as a fine wine. You’ll taste notes of dark chocolate, hints of fruity wine, and an unexpected, rich sweetness that lingers long after the last drop.
The Münch has become a pilgrimage site for coffee aficionados worldwide. Though few may be willing to splurge over ₹50,000 on a cup of coffee, those who do will find it unforgettable—a drink steeped in time, tradition, and the love of a craftsman who dedicated his life to creating something truly one-of-a-kind.
For coffee lovers, the Münch coffee experience is one to add to the bucket list.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva
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