Coffee is one of the few things I’m addicted to. I can’t navigate through a day without my morning cup-of-Joe. And even then, afternoons require a little pick-me-up. But too much coffee can be a bad thing. So when I saw the Bripe coffee pipe, I knew I had to have it. I’ve been sucking on my Bripe since picking one up at the 2017 Summer Outdoor Retailer, and this coffee junkie (yours truly) has a few thoughts.
The Bripe features:
- Copper Pipe
- Quad jet torch
- Reusable variable filter
- Thermometer
- Cooling base plate
- Carrying case
- Coffee tube
BRIPE COFFEE PIPE REVIEW
The Bripe coffee pipe is exactly what the name suggests. It is a copper pipe with a removable metal filter. You put quality coffee grounds inside, add water, then stir with the thermometer. Heat the pipe with a quad jet blue flame torch. Once the coffee achieves 185-degrees, you let it cool to 140 degrees, hold the pipe by the cork nozzle, blow bubbles, then drink from the pipe stem. Now you’re totally briping, bro!
The first time I went through the brewing process, I found it to be a bit awkward. But after practice, I got much faster and could brew up some coffee in about 5 minutes. After a day of mountain biking or hiking in the Wasatch, it was nice to stop and go through the ritual of making coffee. The act of briping forced me to slow down, take in my surroundings, and enjoy a hot drink. The Bripe also turned me into a Middle Earth wizard, hunched on a rock in the mountains, pondering ancient times. Besides all that, the caffeine pick-me-up is a clear bonus.
Okay, so it looks a little silly. I mean, passersby probably think I’m smoking crack. When you use a Bripe, you’re essentially free-basing coffee. The Bripe is the ultimate lumber-sexual, urban-hipster, space-cowboy-coffee accessory. And I love it because it is ridiculous. But you know what? It works.
HOW DOES THE COFFEE TASTE?
Taste depends on the quality coffee you use, but with grounds from a local roaster, I could make excellent coffee. The flavor and mouth-feel is very similar to French press, only the coffee is even stronger. I like my coffee black so this was excellent for me. Even though the Bripe makes only 2 ounces of coffee, it is just enough to give me a much-needed boost to go over that next ridge, or bang out a few more miles while musing in the woods.
HISTORY OF THE BRIPE
The Bripe coffee pipe was invented by two friends, Tim Panek and Craig Hall. While living in the Costa Rica jungle, Panek wanted to be able to drink coffee while trekking outdoors. But all coffee-making devices were too heavy or bulky. So he came up with the Bripe. After making a prototype, Hall got on board, and they secured a patent. From there, they raised $18,000 from an IndieGoGo campaign and the Bripe was born. Now anyone can drink fresh-brewed coffee anywhere, anytime.
BRIPE COFFEE PIPE GRIPES
As fun as it is to prepare and drink coffee from the Bripe, there are a few faults. First, it only brews two ounces of coffee! The Bripe makes a delicious brew, so every time I’m finish my pipe-full, I always disappointed because I want more.
Second, you must use a quad jet torch to get the copper hot enough to brew the coffee. While the kit comes with a torch, you have to go out and buy the lighter fluid and fill the torch yourself. Plus, the torch burns gas quickly, so I’ve had to refill several times.
Third, When you’re done drinking, you need to dispose of the grounds somehow, or even clean the Bripe out in the field if you’re planning on making more. If you’re next to a stream, then rinsing the pipe is a snap. But in a place like the desert, there’s no way around it – you gotta use your precious drinking water to reset the thing for the next brew.
FINAL WORD
It’s weird, it’s unique, and it will make drinking coffee feel like you’re doing drugs. But the Bripe will also give you a much needed coffee jolt within minutes – essential timing while suffering from caffeine withdrawals.
The Good: Fun to use. Transforms the average person into an outdoorsy Steam Punk. Makes delicious coffee in a light weight and compact package.
The Bad: It’s expensive at a cost of $85. Only makes 2 ounces of coffee. Difficult to clean without a nearby water source. Should include instructions on how to talk to authorities about what your coffee parapfernalia is actually used for or else you may risk detainment and Bripe seizure.
The Verdict: The Bripe is for coffee junkies who need that quick fix any time, any where. It may draw attention, (both good and bad). But it will also allow you to treat yourself to a piping hot bit-o’-java while looking like a Mark Twain wannabe. I can’t think of a better reason to spend 80 bones.