THE CONVIVIAL CUP

Coffee has become a fundamental part of our society, and its familiar fragrance percolates our every day experience. From the green bean to the cup, coffee and its surrounding culture has undergone a long process of refinement through time and across countries to arrive at the alluring and polished flavours of the modern espresso. It is embedded in our history; it inspired Bach to compose the Coffee Cantata, and provided the 18th Century French Philosopher Voltaire with the impetus to work, by way of 50 cups a day.

Nowadays, it is consumed in a ritualistic fashion, where great care is taken in the art of its preparation, and the consumption of it is rendered all the more pleasant by complex flavours and a stimulating effect. Here in New Zealand we have developed our own distinct flavour of coffee, which has evolved from the Italian model, and this expresses our customs and way of life through taste and texture. But just how did we arrive at such a prominent coffee culture and at such a passion for this intense drink?