History of Coffee – Europe 1669

By 1669 coffee had reached the Paris of Louis XIV, brought by Suleiman Aga, the Turkish Ambassador. His elaborate coffee parties brought a new exotic touch to the social life of Paris.

Isaac D'Israeli describes them in his Curiosities of Literature: "On bended knee, the slaves of the Ambassador, arrayed in the most gorgeous costumes, served the choicest mocha coffee in tiny cups of eggshell porcelain, hot, strong and fragrant, poured out in saucers of gold and silver, placed on embroidered silk doilies, fringed with gold bullion, to the grand dames, who fluttered their fans with many grimaces, bending their piquant faces -berouged, bepowdered and bepatched- over the new steaming beverage", narrates Professor Andres Uribe, in his book "Brown Gold", the amazing story of coffee.

Yours truly,

Mariano Ospina

History of Coffee - Europe 1660

The success of coffee in Europe's rapidly booming cities resulted from the growing resentment against the effects of wine and beer. In England, France, Italy and Holland the coffee houses became an immediate threat to the saloons and bars.

Without the fear of intoxication, a gentleman could slake his thirst and fulfill his need for social and intellectual discussion. The literati, politicians, priests, courtiers and nobles began to patronize one or another of the coffee houses, which soon became the meeting places for their particular groups.

"By 1660, the coffee house was an institution in London and the beverage was sold all over the city. Four-pence tax was levied by the crown on every gallon of coffee sold," narrates Colombian Professor Andres Uribe, in his book "Brown Gold", the amazing story of coffee.

With best regards,

Mariano Ospina