THE MONTHLY DRIP / EDITION 18 / SEPTEMBER 2025

This month we’re heading to North Melbourne to feature Ichihaze Coffee as our Roaster of the Month. Founded by Takumi Masaki, Ichihaze was born out of a love for Melbourne’s cafe culture and a desire to share coffee that is simple, clean, and genuinely delicious. Takumi started out roasting at a shared space before taking the leap into his own roastery, and today Ichihaze has become known for its focus on balance, clarity, and coffees you can enjoy every single day.

Ichihaze stands apart for its dedication to the classics. Takumi only roasts washed and natural coffees, steering clear of the funky, experimental processes that dominate so much of the industry.

His philosophy is clear - coffee should be sweet, clean, and easy to drink. From a creamy Brazil to a crisp Ethiopian, Ichihaze coffees are designed to show off the best of their origins without unnecessary fuss.

This month you’ll taste Takumi’s vision firsthand. Whether you’re brewing at home with your Daily Drip subscription or sipping at Goose in St Kilda and Collingwood, Ichihaze is here to remind us that sometimes keeping it simple is what makes coffee truly shine.

Takumi’s story is one of those only-in-Melbourne journeys. Back in Japan, he was the kind of guy who drank instant coffee and never thought twice about it. But moving to Melbourne flipped the script. He discovered cafe culture, fell in love with coffee, and decided to throw himself into it. Over the last decade, he has worked as a barista in both big and small specialty cafes, learning the craft from every angle before starting Ichihaze. Now, he roasts in North Melbourne with the same curiosity and passion that first hooked him, creating coffees that are clean, sweet, and easy to drink every day.