At Spiritus Coffee, we believe coffee is more than a morning ritual—it’s a moment of presence, reflection, and renewal. And now, with Still Here Coffee, that moment becomes a force for transformation. Every single dollar from Still Here Coffee goes directly to our nonprofit partners supporting mental health and substance abuse recovery.

A Coffee That Gives Back, Completely

Still Here Coffee is not just another specialty roast—it’s a commitment to hope, healing, and second chances. While many brands donate a percentage of profits, we’re going all in: 100% of proceeds—every single dollar—will be used to support organizations dedicated to mental health advocacy and recovery services.

For us, this isn’t just about charity; it’s about paying forward the gift of being here. It’s about supporting those still finding their way through struggle, those seeking a fresh start, and those who have fought their way back from the edge. We roast this coffee to remind ourselves—and the world—that no matter how dark it gets, there is always a path forward.

Why “Still Here”?

The name says it all. To those who have battled addiction, depression, or despair and are still standing—you are seen, you are valued, and you are Still Here. And if you’re supporting someone on their journey, this coffee is a tribute to resilience, to survival, and to the power of community.

We chose this name because we know what it means to fight for a new chapter. We know that recovery isn’t just about getting sober—it’s about rediscovering joy, purpose, and connection. Still Here Coffee is a daily reminder that survival is worth celebrating, and that every cup can be part of something bigger.

A Coffee That Tells a Story

Still Here Coffee is roasted with intention and care, embodying the spirit of transformation. Each batch is sourced from ethically grown, specialty-grade beans, ensuring that every sip is as meaningful as the mission behind it.

This coffee isn’t just about giving back—it’s about raising awareness, breaking stigma, and fostering connection.

Where Your Money Goes

Every bag of Still Here Coffee fuels life-changing Non-Profits like NAMI DUPAGE, 516 Light, and more with programs, including:

• Mental health counseling and crisis support

• Addiction recovery programs

• Community outreach for those in need

• Scholarships for housing and job placement

We are proud to partner with nonprofits making a direct impact like NAMI DUPAGE, ensuring that every dollar from your purchase supports real people on their path to healing.

Join the Movement

By choosing Still Here Coffee, you’re doing more than buying coffee—you’re becoming part of a movement of support, resilience, and transformation. Every morning, every sip, every moment of mindfulness—you’re making a difference.

Let’s remind the world that no one is beyond help, that recovery is possible, and that as long as we keep showing up for each other, we’re Still Here.

Order Your Bag & Be the Difference

Still Here Coffee is available now Still Here  Every order makes an impact. Every sip supports a second chance.

#SipInTheMoment #StillHere #EveryDollarForRecovery

Sip in the Moment:

Mindfulness coffee tasting is a unique way to practice mindfulness in daily life, allowing you to savor every sip and focus on the present moment.

Transform your coffee routine into a mindfulness ritual. Learn how to savor every sip and embrace the present moment with Spiritus Coffee Co.

What Is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the art of being fully present in the moment, observing without judgment. Often, it starts with a simple focal point, such as the breath, and can expand to include sounds, sensations, and even tastes.

Exploring Areas of Focus in Mindfulness

• The Breath: A natural anchor, always present and flowing effortlessly.
• Sounds: Notice sounds as they arise and fade. These occur in the now, not in the past or future.
• Physical Sensations: Feel your body against a chair, the floor, or the warmth of a mug in your hands.
• Sights: Observe your visual field with eyes open or closed, noticing light, colors, and patterns.
• Tastes: Savor the complexity of flavors in your coffee. Each sip is a mindful moment to explore.

How Mindfulness Coffee Tasting Enhances the Moment

Coffee tasting is an ideal mindfulness exercise, engaging all your senses and encouraging a slower, more intentional pace. Here’s how you can turn your coffee into a meditative ritual:

1. Engage Your Senses: Begin by appreciating the aroma and visuals of your coffee.
2. Savor the Flavor: Take small sips and let the flavors unfold on your palate.
3. Feel the Warmth: Notice the warmth of the mug and the coffee as you drink.
4. Listen to the Process: Pay attention to the sounds of brewing and pouring.

The Purpose of This Practice

Mindful coffee tasting is about more than enjoying a delicious cup—it’s about being fully present. This practice helps you appreciate the nuances of coffee while fostering a sense of peace and connection.

How to Sip in the Moment

Ready to start your mindfulness journey? Follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare Your Space: Find a quiet spot and set up your coffee ritual.
2. Set an Intention: Take a deep breath and commit to being present.
3. Follow the Steps: Use the guide above to engage all your senses during the experience.
4. Practice Daily: Make mindful coffee tasting a regular part of your routine.

Developing Your Taste with Spiritus Coffee Co.

At Spiritus Coffee Co., we craft specialty coffee to inspire mindfulness. Our ethically sourced beans are roasted with care, creating flavors that elevate your experience. Explore our collection and start your journey toward mindful coffee tasting.

Shop Spiritus Coffee

Conclusion: Sip in the Moment

Mindfulness is a gift that enriches your day, and coffee offers a perfect opportunity to practice. By focusing on the flavors in your cup, you cultivate presence, gratitude, and connection. Let Spiritus Coffee Co. guide you as you sip in the moment and savor the now.

Learn more about mindfulness

Health Benefits of Coffee

• “Learn more about our coffee here.”

At Spiritus Coffee, we’re proud to be the go-to choice for freshly roasted espresso in the area. With more and more customers reaching out, particularly about the Breville Barista Express, I wanted to share some insights based on my personal experience using the machine for over ten years. (Shout out to Breville for replacing mine twice due to heavy use!) Whether you're an espresso aficionado or just getting started, here are some helpful tips for dialing in the perfect shot.

Step-by-Step Guide to Dialing in Your Breville Barista Express

1. Understanding Your Shot

When pulling espresso, focus on two key things: the amount of espresso extracted and how long the extraction takes. A good shot should land in the "espresso range" on the machine’s pressure gauge (about the 12 o’clock mark). Here’s how to get that dialed in:

2. Tools You’ll Need:

• Digital Scale – You need precise measurements, so grab a small scale like this one.
• Dosing Cup & Tamper Leveler – Up your espresso game with a dosing cup to evenly distribute grounds and a tamper leveler for consistent tamping.

3. Grind & Dose:

• Set your grind size to 8 and use the double shot grind option.
• For precision, weigh out 19 grams of beans. Grind only that amount using the double shot grind button.
• Once all the grounds are in the hopper, use the dosing cup and tamper leveler to evenly tamp the espresso into the portafilter.

4. Pull the Shot:

• Place your cup on the scale and hit the double shot button.
• Start a timer as soon as espresso begins to flow (it might take 10 seconds before the flow starts).
• Aim to get 36 grams of espresso in 20-30 seconds.

Adjustments:

If your shot takes longer than 30 seconds, make your grind coarser. If it takes less than 20 seconds, make the grind finer. If you’re consistently running too fast or too slow, adjust your dose: lower from 19g to 17g if it’s too slow, or raise to 21g if too fast.

Why Fresh Beans Matter

A crucial element to espresso (and one Breville’s troubleshooting team often recommends) is using freshly roasted beans. This is where Spiritus Coffee comes in! We roast our beans fresh every week to ensure the best flavor, aroma, and extraction. In fact, you can subscribe to have a fresh bag of beans delivered right to your door weekly, ensuring you’re always stocked with premium local espresso.

Spiritus Coffee’s Classic Espresso Blend

Our Harmony Espresso Blend is meticulously crafted from beans sourced from the finest coffee regions—perfect for your espresso machine at home. This blend strikes a balance between sweetness, body, and acidity, making it approachable for all espresso lovers.

• Brazil: Sweet, nutty, with low acidity and rich chocolate notes.
• Colombia: Balanced acidity with caramel sweetness and fruity undertones.
• Guatemala: Cocoa flavors, velvety mouthfeel, and bright acidity.

Tasting Notes:

• Flavor: Rich chocolate, sweet caramel, roasted nuts, and a hint of fruity brightness.
• Aroma: Cocoa and toasted almonds.
• Body: Smooth, full-bodied with a creamy texture.
• Finish: Lingering sweetness with a satisfying aftertaste.

Whether you’re enjoying a straight shot or crafting a latte, the Harmony Espresso Blend offers a delightful experience in every cup.

Try Our Fresh, Locally Roasted Espresso

Spiritus Coffee is your go-to source for fresh, locally roasted espresso in the Lombard area. Experience the difference that freshly roasted beans can make in your espresso routine. Sign up for our subscription service today, and you’ll never run out of the freshest espresso beans for your home brewing setup.

Introduction

In the ever-evolving world of coffee roasting, staying ahead of the roast curve is both a challenge and a passion. When GPTs (Generative Pre-trained Transformers) first became available, I saw an opportunity to merge my love for coffee with cutting-edge technology. This is the story of how I embarked on a journey to create a GPT model trained specifically on the best coffee roasting knowledge—an adventure filled with learning, innovation, and a few unexpected twists.

The Spark of an Idea: Combining Coffee and AI

The idea was simple yet ambitious: what if I could train an AI model to assist coffee roasters by providing expert advice, roasting profiles, and troubleshooting tips? With GPT technology opening new doors, I envisioned a specialized tool that could become an invaluable resource for both novice and seasoned roasters.

Gathering Trusted Coffee Knowledge

To build a model worth its weight in beans, I needed to source the most reliable and insightful information available. I scoured the internet for trusted coffee blogs, experts youtube videos transcripts, and authoritative articles. The goal was to collect a diverse range of high-quality content that covered every facet of coffee roasting.

Diving Deep into Roasting Profiles

Understanding that roasting is as much an art as it is a science, I focused on collecting detailed roast curves and profiles from the roasters I had personally used—Diedrich, Probat, and Mill City machines. These profiles served as the backbone of the training data, ensuring the AI could offer nuanced advice tailored to different equipment and roasting styles.

An example of a roast curve used in training.

Building a Specialized GPT Model

With the data in hand, the real work began. I dove into the world of data scraping and JSON file creation, meticulously organizing the information to train the GPT model effectively. Each piece of data was carefully vetted and formatted, a labor-intensive process that deepened my appreciation for both coffee and AI technologies.

Lessons Learned Along the Way

Despite the effort, the specialized GPT model didn’t gain the traction I had hoped for. Many users defaulted to general GPT models, unaware of the specialized training data that made my model unique. However, the journey was far from a loss. I gained invaluable skills in data handling and a deeper understanding of both coffee roasting and AI development.

The Road Ahead: Sharing and Growing

Though custom GPTs didn’t take off as expected, it opened doors to new possibilities. I’m now exploring ways to integrate this specialized knowledge into accessible platforms, perhaps even collaborating with other coffee enthusiasts and technologists. The goal remains the same: to enhance the coffee roasting community through innovation.

Conclusion

The fusion of coffee roasting and AI holds immense potential, and my journey in crafting a specialized Coffee Roasting GPT model was an exciting exploration of that. However, what I’ve truly discovered through this process is that the heart and soul of Spiritus Coffee lies in our “sip in the moment” ethos. Just as we encourage slowing down to savor every sip, our roasting process is deeply rooted in the present—guided by sound, smell, taste, and intuition as they unfold during each roast. Introducing too much technology into this mindful practice takes us away from the sensory experience we cherish.

That said, we remain curious and open to experimentation, always seeking new ways to elevate the coffee we roast. Our goal is to use every tool, including technology when appropriate, to fully unlock the potential of the beans we source. This allows us to ensure our customers receive an exceptional coffee while staying true to our principles of mindfulness and craftsmanship. At Spiritus Coffee, we balance innovation with tradition, ensuring every cup reflects the dedication and care we pour into every roast.

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this post, please share it and visit our website for more insights into the world of coffee roasting.

Where did the name Spiritus come from?

At Spiritus Coffee Co., the story behind our name is as rich and intricate as the coffee beans we roast. The etymology of 'Spiritus' isn't just a label; it embodies our ethos, our journey, and the very essence of the connections we forge through our coffee.

Spiritus: Beyond a Name

The term 'Spiritus' has its origins steeped in history and meaning. It’s a Latin word that translates to ‘breath’ or ‘spirit’. This duality of meaning resonates deeply with our brand ethos. Just as breath is central in meditation and mindfulness, we see coffee as a perfect way to slow down with a daily ritual, experiencing the tasting notes that arise in a great cup of Spiritus Coffee, invigorating the spirit and bringing a moment of peace and reflection to a busy day.

A Nod to a Historical Letter

Our inspiration draws discreetly from a profound letter penned by the renowned psychologist Carl Jung. In it, Jung used the phrase "Spiritus Contra Spiritum" – a thought-provoking concept which, in our interpretation, touches on the transformative power of the human spirit. This idea beautifully aligns with our vision, and our personal story at Spiritus Coffee Co., where we believe in the transformative experience that a cup of coffee can bring.

While Jung’s phrase has associations with overcoming personal challenges, we find a broader message of transformation and rejuvenation. It’s about the journey of finding balance, inner strength, and renewal – themes that are universally relatable and deeply human.

Breathing Life into Connection

Coffee has a storied and spiritual origin that intertwines with its ability to elevate the human spirit. In its earliest use, coffee was more than just a stimulant; it was a gateway to transcendence. Historical accounts suggest that mystics and monks consumed coffee to prolong their evening vigils, enabling them to delve deeper into prayer and meditation. The invigorating effect of coffee allowed them to stay awake and alert, facilitating longer periods of spiritual contemplation and connection with a higher energy. This ancient practice highlights coffee's unique ability to transcend the mere physical realm, offering a bridge to a more profound, spiritual experience.

At Spiritus Coffee Co., we embrace this venerable tradition, seeking to revive the sacred connection that coffee can forge between the mundane and the mystical. Our coffee is more than just a beverage; it's a modern-day elixir that invites you to tap into a greater energy, echoing the ancient rituals of introspection and spiritual awakening.

Conclusion: The Spirit of Spiritus

In the end, 'Spiritus' is more than our name – it’s our narrative. It’s about the spirit of discovery, the breath of new experiences, and the transformative power of simple pleasures like a perfectly roasted cup of coffee. As you enjoy our coffees, know that you're partaking in a tradition that celebrates the spirit, the breath, and the connections that make life truly rich.

We invite you to breathe in the aroma, savor the taste, and embrace the spirit of Spiritus Coffee Co. – where every cup has a story, and every sip is a journey.

Happy New Year! We hope you had a lovely New Year's Eve, whether it was a big party or a solitary night of rest. The new year is a natural time to reflect on what went well and what we'd like to change or improve for the coming year. We've given up on "resolutions;" it seems like a quick way to feel good and then a quick way to feel bad when we forget, fail, or find that we were too ambitious in our goals.

Instead, we set intentions for the year. Things that we'd like to use as guidelines for our thoughts and actions to help achieve that change and improvement we tried to find through resolutions to do this or be that. An intention that we have every year (and have some stake in, let's be honest) is to buy from small businesses when we can.

It's not just a vague "feel-good" concept. Buying from local, small businesses has noticeable, discrete effects that go beyond theory. When we're talking coffee, it's simple -- when you buy from a local roaster (Spiritus!), you get fresher coffee, which leads to better flavor and quality of bean. And that's what we're going for, right? Delicious coffee? (A: Yes, it is.) Our coffee doesn't sit in a warehouse for months at a time; it's going from green to roasted bean and to your door in two to three days. It's magic!

But, it's also bigger than the cup. Buying local encourages sustainability; there's a smaller carbon footprint when there aren't trucks and warehouses and overproduction (waste). It stimulates the local economy, creating jobs and helping small businesses thrive. And, let's be honest -- you're not going to get better customer service from a chain -- because every single customer matters to us and we are always working to innovate and grow with you.

In Lombard, we are collaborating with Soapy Roads -- they've made one of their handcrafted soaps with our coffee!! We personally roast our coffee, and they are personally making soap with all sorts of different scents (but we're partial to the coffee). We are a local business, and we also support our fellows. Go and check them out -- they're on Instagram here and Facebook here.

Happy New Year to all!

It's Jocelyn from marketing. I remember a vice-principal once telling me that "perception is reality." I didn't truly grasp what he meant. Reality was objective, right? How could it be based on individual perception? As I grew up and built a spiritual practice, I started to get glimpses of what it meant. However, getting into recovery opened the doors to understanding it in a way I never could have imagined. There were so many examples, it was mind-blowing.

Sitting at brunch with a crush in early sobriety -- it was a Sunday afternoon, and there happened to be a dive bar across the street. I made a flippant remark about how when I was drinking, I would have been over in that dark bar on a sunny Sunday afternoon, rounding out my week. He was truly perplexed. He said something about maybe having one or two on a Sunday afternoon, but the thought of getting ripped was truly unimaginable to him. It was one of the first times I started to realize that my perception of how the world worked (and drank) was not "normal" reality for most people. He was perplexed and I was silently amazed.

Listening to someone tell his story -- he was a great speaker, and somewhere in the middle of his talk, he uttered this gem which was news to me: "A miracle is merely a change in perception." Wait, what? But the previous anecdote (and many, many others like them throughout my sobriety) was a clear example. There was a time when drinking was the priority, and I couldn't have imagined that being different, much less desired it. The fact that I had had an entire change of perspective on the subject was previously beyond my comprehension or interest. Being able to get sober was, in fact, a miracle.

Learning more about how I interacted with others and how those relationships had affected and shaped my entire view of the world and how I moved through it. Having it explained to me that having resentments about things were a key factor in my dissatisfaction with life, and how letting go of them kept me that much further from a drink. Not to mention, the sour feelings I held about a person or situation, the basis for the reality I created, could very well be living entirely in my head -- without any concrete examples to back them up.

I cannot tell you how many times I was convinced that someone, that I previously had no issue with, disliked me and so, I didn't like them back. After that decision/resentment, it caused me to act in a way that if they had no issue with me (and probably didn't consider me at all), they would definitely feel the vibe, and reinforce my idea that they didn't like me. I have several amazing, long-time friends that started out that way in my head.

All of which is why we are so interested in enjoying a cup of coffee as a way to slow down, take a breath, give ourselves an opportunity to change our perspective. I was amazed to learn you could write an angry email -- and save it as a draft! (Pro tip: keep the To: section blank.) As we head into the new year, we encourage you to make time to Sip in the Moment.

Created approximately 10 years ago, Giving Tuesday was meant to be a counter to Black Friday and Cyber Monday. A moment to show gratitude and give to charity(ies) that spoke to your heart. Know someone who's got everything? Donating to a mutually-loved cause in their name is a great way to honor them and help others, as well.

At Spiritus, we combine coffee and charity. Buying our coffee for yourself or as a gift is still shopping, but the added bonus is that we give 20% of our profits to organizations that help people struggling with mental illness and addiction. It's not a casual cause for us -- we have gone through our own recovery journeys along with others who have succeeded in the same. Unfortunately, not everyone comes through to the other side, and if we can play a small part in changing that, we're eager to do so.

Gratitude is a powerful tool that doesn't have to be recovery-based -- it's great for navigating the day-to-day. Some people volunteer their time at animal shelters. Others give money to causes that compel them. Just sitting for a moment to contemplate what we're grateful for can change the course of a day.

That's why we encourage people to "Sip in the Moment." To make coffee part of a ritual that gives an opportunity to slow down and be present. Brewing and pouring and drinking coffee is a perfect time to think or write up a gratitude list.

To that end, we've kept our TURKEY20 code, giving you 20 percent off anything in the store (excluding gift cards, of course). Help yourself to a great cup of coffee while you help someone else. What a deal!

The History of Coffee's Connection to Spirituality

Coffee has a long history of being connected to spirituality and meditation. It is believed that the first people to consume coffee were Yemeni Sufi mystics who used it to stay awake during their prayers and meditations. Coffee has also been connected to both religions and paganism due to its ability to bring people together, the mindful nature of the brewing process, and the awakening effect which was said to help us transcend the material world.

Personal Experience with the Spirit of Coffee

For many people, coffee has a special place in their hearts and can be a source of comfort and connection. In my personal experience, coffee provided a place to think about the day and time to ponder life's little things in a peaceful setting. It also helped to bring me into the present moment and combat the constantly changing stream of thoughts that cursed my focus ability.

In high school, I would frequent a small cafe located in a nearby city with a more active downtown. The neighborhood seemed hip and edgy with galleries and record shops. It was there that I found my people, the artists and the outcasts. I finally felt at home. When I arrived at the cafe, I would get a coffee with cream, watching the milk swirl while I would people-watch, find a game of chess, or journal and write poetry. During those times, it was places like these that became my church. It gave me the break I needed, a place to think about the day and time to ponder all the little things in life. The focal point of the ritual was always coffee, which has held a special place in my heart ever since I started drinking it as a way to combat the constantly changing channel of my thoughts and bring me into the present moment.

The Role of Coffee in Sufi Mysticism

"Qahwat al-Sufiyya" is a term that is roughly translated as "the enjoyment which the people of God feel in beholding the hidden mysteries and attaining the wonderful disclosures and the great revelations." It is believed to be an experience that can be facilitated by consuming coffee with the proper religious intention.

Sufi mystics in Yemen were some of the earliest known users of coffee. They used coffee to stay awake during their rituals and to strengthen their spiritual connection to God while reciting sacred chants. According to some accounts, the mystics believed that coffee could facilitate the experience of "qahwat al-Sufiyya" when consumed with the proper intention. This experience was considered to be a way of attaining a deeper understanding and connection to the divine.

Coffee played a significant role in Sufi mysticism in Yemen, where it was consumed during rituals to stay awake late into the night. The mystics also believed that coffee could facilitate the experience of "qahwat al-Sufiyya," or the enjoyment of beholding hidden mysteries and attaining great revelations when consumed with the proper religious intention. Coffee was also shared in a common bowl and passed around, bringing people together in a communal setting.

Coffee's Place in Modern Spirituality and Community

In modern times, coffee continues to hold a special place in spirituality and community. It can be a source of connection and ritual, providing a moment of peace and mindfulness in a hectic world. Spiritus Coffee Co. was founded with the intention of encouraging people to "Sip in the moment," We recognize the power of coffee to bring people together and create meaningful connections. We are committed to sourcing the highest quality coffee beans and roasting them with intention and consciousness, bringing our best to your preferred brewing method and favorite mug. We also believe in giving back to our community, Join us in celebrating the spirit of coffee.

We can't front -- the reason all of us here at Spiritus really focus on "Sipping in the Moment," is because we have to. We can find a million reasons why we're too busy or our lives aren't what we want them to be or how everyone else is out to get us. Sometimes, that is an entertaining lark, but more often, it's just painful to sit and think about ourselves all the time.

Meditation and ritual allow for some time to let all the chatter slide away and let us be in the present moment. What is actually going on, right here, right now? Are we fed and clothed? Are we in (fairly) good health? Do we get to enjoy the things we have created and been given? Almost always, those answers are "yes" if we take the time to truly examine our current reality.

One of our friends is good at reminding us to look at where are feet are. Meaning, right where you're standing -- what's happening? The fight you're practicing in your head -- is the person in front of you? The disaster you think looming on the horizon at work -- has anyone told you that things are going poorly? The myriad scenarios in which everyone is unhoused, there are no friends left, your pets die, you die -- are any of those based in reality?

Finding gratitude in the day-to-day is really remarkable insofar as being able to change our attitudes. Even so, we're always annoyed when it's brought up as a solution. "A *gratitude list?* REALLY?" Really. Part of our resistance is that we think we need to find all sorts of grand things to be grateful for. But the grand things are all around us. It is perfectly acceptable (and encouraged!) to add that cup of coffee to your gratitude list. The car getting you to work. The crazy menagerie of friends and family you have.

Us? We're grateful for all of you. What sort of things are you grateful for today?