Apax Lab joins The Home Barista Show as sponsor

The Home Barista Show is proud to welcome Apax Lab as an official sponsor, joining Brewing Gadgets, Comandante, Acaia, and the UFO Dripper. Known for their precision engineered mineral concentrates that optimise coffee brewing water, Apax Lab has earned the trust of three World Champions and more than 150 National Champions. Their products are designed for the rigours of competition but are simple enough for daily use at home.

Why water quality matters as much as coffee beans

Water is the most overlooked ingredient in coffee. It makes up over 98% of every cup, yet poor water quality can flatten flavour, dull acidity, and mask aroma. Even the best coffee beans and equipment cannot reach their full potential if the brewing water is not balanced.

Apax Lab’s approach is to treat water the way chefs treat seasoning. Just as salt, acid, and spice transform food, minerals can transform coffee. Their blends give you the ability to fine tune water chemistry with precision, helping you achieve clarity, sweetness, and balance without complex equipment or expensive bottled water.

The three blends: Tonik, Jamm, and Lylac

Apax Lab’s line includes three distinct mineral profiles:

• Tonik [1] uses sodium and magnesium to brighten coffee’s acidity and enhance vibrancy, making it ideal for lighter roasts or coffees with delicate fruit notes.
• Jamm [2] combines calcium, potassium, and sodium to boost sweetness and add a creamy mouthfeel, making it a favourite for medium and darker roasts.
• Lylac [3] is a calcium free profile that uses sulfates and potassium to highlight floral aromas and add silky texture. This blend is unique in the market and is particularly well suited to coffees with aromatic complexity.

Each is sold in 100ml bottles for individual purchase or as a complete set. Only a few drops are needed per brew, making them both cost effective and easy to store.

Designed by a coffee champion

Apax Lab was co founded by Simon Gautherin, Certified Q Grader and 2022 Australian AeroPress Champion. Gautherin spent seven years researching the sensory impact of minerals in brewing water, developing thousands of recipes before finalising the Tonik, Jamm, and Lylac blends. His background includes extensive experience in coffee competitions and quality control for Zest Specialty Coffee Roasters.

His philosophy is straightforward: “We view minerals in water the same way chefs view seasoning in food. Unless you are a specialist with the time and tools to build your own water recipes, it is more flavourful and consistent to use a professionally balanced blend.”

How Apax Lab works

Using Apax Lab is simple:

• Before brewing: Add drops to your brewing water to achieve even mineral distribution and optimal extraction.
• After brewing: Add directly into your cup to fine tune flavour, just as you might add a pinch of salt before serving a dish.

This flexibility makes Apax Lab valuable for home brewers, café owners, competition baristas, and coffee roasters. It removes the guesswork from water adjustment, making it easy to repeat your best brews.

Why it stands out from other water solutions

Most water optimisation approaches fall into one of three categories: bottled water, filtration systems, or DIY mineral recipes. Bottled water is expensive and inconsistent from batch to batch. Filtration systems require high upfront cost and ongoing maintenance. DIY recipes can be precise but require technical knowledge, accurate scales, and laboratory grade ingredients.

Apax Lab offers a fourth option: competition grade water chemistry in a ready to use format, with no special tools required. This makes it accessible to beginners while still being trusted by top competitors.

Real world endorsements

• Young, World Cup Tasters Champion 2023 – “Like equalising your brew to hit the right bass, mids and trebles.”
• Julijan, Brew Methods founder – “Opens up a whole other world of possibilities.”
• Anders, Home Brewer – “A spice rack for a barista.”
• Lorena, Green Buyer – “Super easy to adjust and replicate.”

These testimonials highlight both professional and enthusiast applications, strengthening the product’s appeal to all levels of brewer.

Where to try Apax Lab

Attendees of The Home Barista Show will be able to experience Apax Lab first hand. Expert demonstrations will show how each blend changes the sensory profile of the same coffee, proving the role water plays in unlocking flavour potential. The blends will be available for purchase at the event, allowing attendees to replicate the results at home.

If you don’t want to wait until then, pick yours up at Brewing Gadgets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Apax Lab in espresso machines?

Drops should not be added directly to water inside an espresso machine boiler, as chlorides in some blends can damage stainless steel components. Instead, add Apax Lab post extraction directly into the espresso or milk beverage.

Do I need special water to start?

For best results, start with filtered or distilled water, then add Apax Lab according to the recommended dosage.

How long does one bottle last?

Depending on usage, a 100 millilitre bottle typically lasts several months for home brewers.

Is it only for competitions?

No. While many champions use Apax Lab in competition, it is equally valuable for home brewers, cafés, and roasters looking for consistency and flavour clarity.