A historical journey of centuries that transformed a simple berry into a symbol of refinement.
Legend has it that it all began in Ethiopia around the 9th century, when a shepherd named Kaldi noticed that his goats seemed to dance with energy after eating some red berries. Intrigued, Kaldi took these berries to the nearest monastery. There, the monks discovered that by brewing an infusion, they could stay awake during their long nighttime prayers. Although Kaldi’s story remains a legend, it marked the beginning of a fascinating relationship between humanity and coffee.
Coffee began a journey around the world, crossing the Red Sea to reach the Arabian Peninsula in the 15th century. Yemen, and particularly the city of Mocha, became the epicentre of this drink thanks to the Sufis, who used it to stay alert during their meditations. Here, cultivation and roasting methods were also perfected.
In the 17th century, coffee reached Europe, landing first in Venice, where Ottoman merchants introduced it as an exotic luxury. From there, its popularity grew rapidly, reaching the royal courts. One of the most notable events was in 1669, when Suleiman Aga, ambassador of the Ottoman Empire, introduced coffee to the court of King Louis XIV of France. Fascinated by this drink, the "Sun King" turned it into a status symbol, ordering it to be served at royal banquets.
Another historical anecdote stands out in Vienna: after the Battle of Vienna in 1683, the Viennese discovered sacks of coffee beans abandoned by Ottoman troops. Georg Franz Kolschitzky, a merchant and visionary, used these beans to open one of the first coffee houses in Europe. He is even credited with inventing Viennese coffee, by sweetening the drink with honey and milk.
Today, every time we enjoy a cup of gourmet coffee , we connect with an ancient tradition that unites cultures, continents and generations. At God Save The Coffee , we pay tribute to this legacy by offering the most exquisite varieties of specialty coffee that tell their own story.
Did you know that in 1777, Frederick the Great of Prussia banned coffee, stating that the people should drink beer instead? The measure, fortunately, did not last, but coffee had already conquered Europe.