Coffee with Intention: A Taste of History, Craft, and Fresh Roasting

Coffee has a long and fascinating journey—one that started with energy, and over time, has become something so much more.

Legend has it that coffee’s discovery began in the highlands of Ethiopia, where a goat herder named Kaldi noticed his goats acting especially lively after eating berries from a certain tree. Curious, he tried them himself and soon realized they gave him a burst of energy. Monks at a nearby monastery began brewing the berries into a drink to help them stay awake during prayer—and just like that, coffee’s story began.

By the 15th century, coffee was being cultivated in Yemen and used by Sufi monks to help them focus. From there, it spread to the Middle East, where public coffeehouses popped up—known as “schools of the wise”—places where people would gather to talk, debate, share stories, and enjoy a strong black cup.

Eventually, coffee made its way into Europe and then across the ocean to the American colonies. After the Boston Tea Party, coffee became the patriotic drink of choice. In fact, by the early 1900s, it was being called “America’s favorite drug”—a staple in households and on battlefields alike.

During wartime, instant coffee became hugely popular for its convenience—easy to store, easy to brew, and fast. But as helpful as instant coffee was, it often lacked the depth of flavor and freshness that true coffee lovers came to crave.

And that’s when things started to shift. What was once just a strong, black cup of energy slowly turned into something more thoughtful. Roasters began sourcing beans with care, learning about the impact of climate, soil, and farming practices. Small-batch roasting took off. Baristas began treating coffee like an art form—carefully weighing, grinding, brewing, and pouring with intention. People began tasting the difference.

Coffee was no longer just something you drank to wake up—it became something you could enjoy, savor, even explore.

⸻

What We Drink and Why It Matters

For a few years, I had the sweetest experience working at a local coffee shop that my parents own—Taste and See Coffee Shop & Gallery in downtown Macon, GA. It was during that time that my dad branched out into roasting his own coffee and launched Roots & Refuge Coffee Roasters. I got to see (and taste!) the entire process up close—from sourcing beans from small farms to learning the ins and outs of how roast levels affect flavor.

And I’ll just say… it really is so nice having a dad who roasts coffee. 😉 My husband and I are pretty spoiled—we get to enjoy freshly roasted coffee that was literally roasted just days before we drink it. It’s not sitting on a shelf for months. It’s roasted to order, which makes such a difference in the flavor and the way it feels in your body.

The coffee is rich, smooth, and never sour or harsh. You can really taste the quality—and it’s something we genuinely look forward to every morning.

If you’re curious, you can order beans online at rootsandrefugecoffeeroasters.com or, if you’re ever passing through town, stop by the shop in person at Taste and See Coffee Shop & Gallery in downtown Macon. It’s such a sweet little place.

⸻

Coffee has come a long way from its humble beginnings on a hillside with a herd of goats. It’s woven into so many of our stories now. Whether it’s catching up with a friend, spending a quiet moment alone, or sharing a slow morning with someone you love—coffee is often there. Not just for the energy, but for the experience.