Not every partnership is about selling coffee

JL Vintage isn't a retail partner, they don't sell Spiritus Coffee in their shop. They're part of our community network, bringing coolness to Lombard,  and we want to show them some love.

Some relationships are commercial. Others are simply supportive. JL Vintage falls into the second category: friends, neighbors, fellow Lombard small business owners who have always supported us and we are happy to cheer each other on.

The Vintage Connection

JL Vintage is one of those shops in Lombard that makes me so excited to be a Lombardian. JL Vintage makes Lombard cool! They deal in vintage and antique goods, clothes, guitars, records, stuff with history, character, nostalgia and story. There's a parallel to what we do.

Mass-produced, disposable goods are everywhere. Vintage shops and small-batch roasters both push against that tide. We both believe that quality, care, and provenance matter. That things should be made (or preserved) with intention. We don't want Amazon Coffee and we don't want Amazon stuff. We want a coffee ritual and a record to listen to with intentionality not a Spotify playlist and a drive through. Keep it real with JL!

Different products, similar values.

Community Over Commerce

Not every connection needs a transaction. Sometimes community means:

• Recommending each other to customers
• Showing up at local events
• Cheering wins and supporting through challenges
• Being part of the same fabric

JL Vintage brings the best musicians to the downtown markets. quickly has become a part of our Lombard fabric. We're grateful for the connection and the amazing Vintage markets that they have brought to downtown Lombard.

Visit Them

If you love vintage finds, check out JL Vintage. Ask where to get good coffee, They may be sipping their Spiritus House Blend and will def be recommending a coffee almost as cool as them -  Spiritus—they know.

← Back to Community Partners

Spiritus Coffee Co.
Friends and neighbors in Lombard.

Authenticity, Self Expression, and Masks Off Safety

Unmasked Coven knows better and does better. We are proud to support them and you can regularly find that if coffee is brewing - its from Spriritus. 

The Unmasked Connection

The Unmasked Coven is a queer and neurodivergent owned salon at 5 S. Park Ave in downtown Lombard. Faeth, Sarah and their team have built something rare: a space where people can show up exactly as they are.

No masking. No pretending. No anxiety about whether you belong.

That resonates with us.

At Spiritus, we talk about "sipping in the moment"—being present, being real, slowing down enough to actually experience what's in front of you. The Unmasked Coven lives that same philosophy. They've created a space where the experience matters as much as the outcome. Where you're not just getting a haircut—you're being seen, you are able to be you, you are safe. 

Different Services, Same Values

They've also done something we respect: they eliminated discriminatory pricing. No charging more for texture. No charging based on gender. Pricing is based on length, period. Gratuity included. Simple, fair, transparent.

Small business done right.

We both believe that how you run your business says something. That values aren't just marketing copy, they show up in your policies, your pricing, your space. The Unmasked Coven walks it.

Community Over Commerce

Not every connection needs a transaction. Sometimes community means:

• Recommending each other to customers
• Showing up at local events
• Cheering wins and supporting through challenges
• Being part of the same fabric

Read their reviews. People talk about finally feeling safe in a salon. About dreading haircuts their whole life until they found this place. That's not just good business—that's impact.

Visit Them

If you've ever felt like salons weren't built for you, check out The Unmasked Coven at 5 S. Park Ave. Faeth, Sarah, Ashton, and Abby know their craft and they've built something special. Book online and show up as yourself!

Ask where to get good coffee. They might point you our way.

← Back to Community Partners

Spiritus Coffee Co.
Partnering with local businesses.

Where the food is as intentional as the coffee

Good kitchens care about every detail. The ingredients, the preparation, the atmosphere— and yes, the coffee. Righteous Kitchen gets this.

They sell Spiritus Coffee because they understand that what comes before and after the meal matters as much as the meal itself. A great brunch shouldn't end with mediocre coffee.

The Partnership

We're proud to supply Righteous Kitchen with fresh-roasted coffee. Their commitment to quality aligns with ours:

• Attention to sourcing
• Care in preparation
• Respect for the customer experience and pocketbook!

When you buy Spiritus coffee at Righteous Kitchen, you're getting Spiritus—roasted in Lombard, delivered fresh, served with the same intention they bring to everything else.

Supporting Local

Local is the heartbeat of community catering. They're where you go when you want local fresh ready made meals without extra preservatives or frozen boxes with miles of travel tied to each one. Fresh, local, ready to bring home and serve. 

When we partner with  Righteous Kitchen, we're strengthening that local food ecosystem. Their success is our success. Their customers become our customers. Community builds on community.

Visit Them

Next time you're at Righteous Kitchen, add a bag of Spiritus to your order. Tell them we sent you and enjoy.

← Back to Community Partners

Spiritus Coffee Co.
Proud to partner with local restaurants.

Where handmade meets hand-roasted

Some businesses sell products. Others create experiences. Soapy Roads & The Makery Bar does both and they do it with the kind of intention we recognize.

Located in downtown Lombard, Soapy Roads is a creative workshop space where you can make your own soap, candles, bath bombs, and other handcrafted goods. The Makery Bar extends this into a full DIY experience with classes, events, and custom creations.

We're proud to partner with them, Spiritus coffee and the Soapy Blend made just for them is always in stock. 

The Handmade Connection

There's something that connects handmade soap and small-batch coffee. Both reject the industrial, mass-produced default. Both prioritize quality ingredients and careful process over efficiency and scale.

When you make soap by hand, you control every ingredient. You choose the oils, the scents, the colors. You pour it, cut it, cure it. The result is something you made, not something a factory produced.

That's how we feel about coffee. Every batch roasted by hand, every decision intentional. The parallel isn't accidental.

What They Offer

Soapy Roads & The Makery Bar hosts:

• DIY workshops: Soap making, candle making, bath bombs, and more. No experience required.
• Private events: Birthday parties, team building, bridal showers. Creative activities in a welcoming space.
• Custom creations: Work with their team to design your own products.
• Retail: Can't make it yourself? Buy their handcrafted goods ready to go.

The atmosphere is warm, the instruction is patient, and yes—there's Spiritus coffee to fuel your creativity.

Why We Partner

We partner with businesses that share our values. Soapy Roads fits because:

• Handmade ethos: They believe in making things yourself, with care
• Local focus: A Lombard business serving the Lombard community
• Experience over transaction: They're creating memories, not just selling products
• Community space: Their workshops bring people together

Brooke and Joe even use Spiritus Coffee in their coffee soap and we're honored,

Visit Them

Check their website or social media for upcoming workshops and events. If you're looking for a unique activity in Lombard, something hands-on, creative, and memorable Soapy Roads delivers.

And while you're making soap, pick up a bag of the Soapy Blend from Spiritus Coffee. 

← Back to Community Partners

Spiritus Coffee Co.
Partnering with Lombard's creative community.

The gift that keeps arriving

A gift subscription is different from other gifts. It's not a single moment of unwrapping—it's an ongoing relationship. Every shipment is a reminder that someone thought of them.

Coffee subscriptions are particularly good for this. Here's why, and how to give one well.

Why Subscription Beats Single Purchase

Extended Thoughtfulness

A bag of coffee says "I thought of you once."

A subscription says "I thought of you, and I'll keep thinking of you every time this arrives."

The gift extends over time. Three months, six months, a year—however long you choose. Each delivery renews the gesture.

Anticipation

There's pleasure in expecting something. A subscription creates regular moments of anticipation: "My coffee's coming this week." That anticipation is part of the gift.

No Decision Fatigue

The recipient doesn't have to remember to order, compare options, or make choices. Coffee just arrives. For busy people, this removal of friction is valuable.

Freshness Guarantee

Good coffee subscriptions roast to order. Every shipment is fresh. The recipient gets the best version of the coffee every time, not something that's been sitting in inventory.

When Subscriptions Make Sense

For Daily Coffee Drinkers

If they drink coffee every day, they'll use every shipment. No waste, no accumulation. The gift perfectly matches their consumption.

For People Far Away

Subscriptions are excellent for long-distance relationships—family in other cities, friends you don't see often. The recurring delivery maintains connection across distance.

For Professional Relationships

Client appreciation, mentor thank-yous, team recognition. A subscription feels generous without being awkward. It's personal but professional.

For New Parents, Caregivers, Busy Professionals

People with demanding lives appreciate things that just arrive. No shopping, no decisions, no running out. One less thing to think about.

Choosing Duration

1 Month

An introduction. Good for testing whether they'll enjoy it, or for budget-conscious gifting. Sweet gesture, minimal commitment.

3 Months

The sweet spot for most gift subscriptions. Long enough to feel substantial, short enough to not overwhelm. Good for birthdays, holidays, thank-yous.

6 Months

A generous gift. Appropriate for significant occasions—weddings, promotions, milestone birthdays. Says "this matters."

12 Months

A year of coffee is a statement. Reserved for close relationships, major life events, or clients you really want to impress. Each month, they remember you.

Choosing Frequency

Most coffee drinkers go through 12oz in 1-2 weeks. Consider:

• Weekly: For heavy drinkers or households with multiple coffee people
• Every two weeks: The most common frequency. Works for most daily drinkers.
• Monthly: For light drinkers, or as a "treat" alongside their regular coffee

When in doubt, start monthly. They can adjust if needed.

Adding Personalization

What elevates a subscription gift from nice to meaningful:

Include a Note

Most subscription services let you add a gift message. Use it. A few sentences explaining why you chose this, what it means to you, what you hope they enjoy.

Choose Something With Story

Generic coffee is fine. Coffee with a story is better. Mission-driven roasters, local businesses, interesting origins—these give the recipient something to share with others.

Know Their Preferences (If Possible)

If you know they prefer dark roast, get dark roast. If they have a grinder, get whole bean. If they don't, get it ground for their brewing method. Small personalizations show attention.

Spiritus Gift Subscriptions

Here's what we offer:

Duration Options

1, 3, 6, or 12 months. Prepaid, so the recipient never sees a bill.

Frequency Options

Weekly, every two weeks, or monthly. Adjustable by the recipient if their needs change.

Coffee Choices

Choose a specific coffee, or let us rotate through our offerings so they experience variety.

Personal Note

We'll include your message with the first shipment, handwritten on a card.

Local Delivery Bonus

If the recipient is in DuPage County (Lombard, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Elmhurst, and surrounding areas), we hand-deliver—free. Your gift arrives personally, not via carrier.

Set up a gift subscription →

What Recipients Actually Say

Based on our gift subscription recipients:

• "I look forward to it arriving every month. It's like a little holiday."
• "I'd never buy myself fancy coffee. But getting it as a gift? I'm spoiled now."
• "The hand delivery thing was unexpected. Made it feel really special."
• "Three months later, I'm a subscriber. Best gift ever."

The Ongoing Gift

Most gifts end when the wrapping paper hits the floor. A subscription keeps going.

Every shipment is a fresh reminder: someone thought of you. Someone wanted your mornings to be a little better. Someone cared enough to set this up.

That's a meaningful gift. Months of small pleasures, delivered.

Sip in the moment.

Spiritus Coffee Co.
Consciously crafted. Roasted with intention.

Meaningful gifts for the person who needs nothing

Some people are impossible to shop for. They have everything they need. They buy what they want. Gift cards feel impersonal. Physical objects feel cluttering.

What do you give someone who has everything?

Consider coffee. Not because they need it—they probably have plenty. But because good coffee is different from most gifts. It's consumable, so it doesn't accumulate. It's daily, so it becomes part of their routine. And when it's genuinely good, it's a small pleasure repeated every morning.

Here's how to give coffee well.

Why Coffee Works as a Gift

It Gets Used

Coffee drinkers drink coffee. Every day, probably multiple cups. Your gift won't sit in a drawer or get regifted. It'll be consumed, appreciated, finished.

It's Temporary (In a Good Way)

The person who has everything often doesn't want more things. Coffee is pleasurable without being permanent. It arrives, it's enjoyed, it's gone. No storage, no clutter, no obligation to keep it forever.

It's Personal But Not Invasive

Coffee is intimate enough to feel thoughtful, practical enough to avoid awkwardness. You're not guessing their size or style. You're giving them a better version of something they already do.

Quality Difference Is Real

Most people drink mediocre coffee by default. Fresh, small-batch roasted coffee tastes noticeably different. Your gift might introduce them to something genuinely better than what they're used to.

Single Bag vs. Subscription

Single Bag

Best for: Testing the waters. People you don't know well. One-time occasions.

The experience: They get one bag, try it, maybe discover something new. Low commitment for both of you.

Gift Subscription

Best for: Close relationships. People you know drink coffee daily. Ongoing appreciation (clients, mentors, family).

The experience: Fresh coffee arrives regularly—monthly, bi-weekly, whatever cadence you choose. The gift keeps giving. They think of you each time it arrives.

A 3-month subscription is a generous gift. A 6 or 12-month subscription is a statement.

What to Look For in Gift Coffee

Freshness Over Prestige

Fancy packaging means nothing if the coffee inside is stale. Look for roasters who:

• Print roast dates on bags (not just "best by" dates)
• Roast to order or in small batches
• Ship quickly after roasting

Fresh coffee from an unknown roaster beats stale coffee from a famous one.

Story or Mission

Coffee with a story is more gift-worthy than commodity coffee. Look for:

• Clear origin information (where it's from, who grew it)
• Mission-driven roasters (social impact, environmental focus)
• Local or small businesses with personality

You're not just giving coffee—you're giving them something to tell their own visitors about.

Approachable Options

Unless you know their preferences, avoid extremes:

• Very dark roasts can be polarizing
• Very light roasts require specific brewing
• Single origins can be hit-or-miss for unfamiliar palates

A medium roast blend is usually the safest choice. It works for most brewing methods and most preferences.

Gifting Spiritus Coffee

We offer a few gift-worthy options:

Single Bags

Any of our coffees make good gifts. For someone you don't know well, start with:

• Signature Blend: Balanced, approachable, versatile. Safe for any coffee drinker.
• Aether Dark: Bold and rich for dark roast lovers.

Still Here (With Meaning)

Still Here is our mission blend—100% of proceeds go to mental health and addiction recovery organizations. For someone going through difficulty, or someone who values purposeful purchasing, this adds meaning to the gift.

Gift Subscriptions

Available in 1, 3, 6, and 12-month options. We'll include a personal note from you. Fresh coffee arrives on schedule—roasted to order, delivered to their door.

For local recipients (DuPage County), we hand-deliver. Extra-special touch.

Shop gift options →

The Note Matters

Coffee with a thoughtful note beats expensive coffee with no context.

Don't overthink it. Something simple:

• "Thought of you—hope this makes your mornings a little better."
• "This roaster is near me. Their story reminded me of you."
• "For your morning ritual. Enjoy."

The note transforms a consumable into a gesture.

When Coffee Isn't Right

Coffee gifts don't work for everyone:

• People who don't drink coffee (obviously)
• People with strict dietary restrictions (some need to avoid caffeine)
• People who are extremely particular about their coffee already

For those folks, consider tea, or a completely different direction.

The Gift of Ritual

Here's what you're really giving: a small upgrade to someone's daily ritual.

For a few weeks or months, their ordinary coffee moment becomes slightly better. The aroma when they open the bag. The taste in that first sip. A small pleasure, repeated.

That's a good gift. For anyone.

Sip in the moment.

Spiritus Coffee Co.
Consciously crafted. Roasted with intention.

Choosing beans that shine in immersion brewing

French press isn't picky. Almost any coffee will produce a drinkable cup. But some coffees genuinely excel in this method while others waste their potential.

Here's what to look for when choosing coffee specifically for French press brewing.

Why Bean Choice Matters for French Press

French press is an immersion method. Coffee steeps in water for 4 minutes, extracting thoroughly. The mesh filter allows oils and fine particles through, creating a full-bodied cup.

This brewing style:

• Amplifies body: Heavy, bold coffees get heavier and bolder
• Mutes subtlety: Delicate floral or fruity notes can get lost in the thickness
• Highlights richness: Chocolate, caramel, nutty notes shine

The best French press coffees work with these characteristics, not against them.

Roast Level: Medium to Dark

Generally, medium to dark roasts perform best in French press.

Why Darker Works

• Developed sugars create caramel, chocolate, roasted notes that complement the heavy body
• Lower acidity prevents the cup from becoming muddy-tasting
• Bold flavors hold up to the extraction intensity

Can You Use Light Roasts?

Yes, but the result is different. Light roasts in French press produce:

• More acidity (which can taste sharp in the heavy body)
• Muted origin characteristics (the clarity that makes light roasts special gets buried)
• Sometimes, an odd combination of body and brightness

If you love light roasts, try pour over instead—it's designed to highlight what makes them special.

Origin Profiles That Excel

Certain coffee origins have natural characteristics that French press amplifies well:

Brazilian

Chocolatey, nutty, low acidity. Brazilian coffees were practically designed for French press. The heavy body gets emphasized, the muted fruit notes aren't missed.

Sumatran / Indonesian

Earthy, full-bodied, sometimes funky. These already-heavy coffees become almost syrupy in French press. Distinctive, polarizing, but excellent if you like that profile.

Colombian

Balanced, sweet, medium body. Colombian coffees are versatile—they work in most methods. In French press, they produce a reliable, approachable cup.

Ethiopian (Natural Process)

Berry, wine, sometimes funky. Natural-processed Ethiopians have enough intensity to cut through French press's heavy body. The fruitiness survives better than with lighter roasts.

Blends vs. Single Origin

Case for Blends

Blends are often designed for balance and approachability. They tend to be:

• Consistent batch to batch
• Designed for multiple brewing methods
• Balanced to avoid any extreme characteristic

If you want a reliable, everyday French press coffee, a well-made blend is a safe choice.

Case for Single Origins

Single origins offer distinctiveness. For French press, look for single origins with:

• Bold, pronounced flavors (not delicate)
• Medium-dark roast levels
• Lower acidity origins (Brazil, Sumatra, Peru)

Freshness Still Matters

Whatever you choose, freshness matters.

Stale coffee in French press tastes flat and hollow. The method can't compensate for old beans. Fresh coffee—roasted within the last 2-3 weeks—will always outperform coffee that's been sitting for months.

Look for roast dates on bags, not just "best by" dates. If there's no roast date, the roaster may be hiding something.

Grind: Buy Whole Bean

French press requires coarse grinding. Pre-ground coffee is usually too fine for French press (it's optimized for drip machines).

Your options:

• Buy whole bean, grind at home: Best for freshness and correct grind size. Burr grinder recommended.
• Ask for coarse grind: When ordering, specify "French press grind" or "coarse." Use within 1-2 weeks.
• Use pre-ground anyway: It'll work, just expect more sediment and possibly over-extraction. Reduce steep time to compensate.

What We Recommend

At Spiritus, our offerings that work well for French press include:

• Signature Blend: Balanced, chocolatey, designed for versatility. Reliable French press performer.
• Aether Dark: Bold, smoky, full-bodied. Made for immersion brewing.
• Any medium-dark single origin: Check our current offerings for darker roasted options.

Our lighter roasts (Lilacia, seasonal single origins) can work in French press but show better in pour over.

Shop our current offerings →

Experiment

These are guidelines, not rules. Coffee taste is personal.

Maybe you love light roast Ethiopian in French press. Maybe you prefer Brazilian in pour over. The only way to know your preference is to try.

Buy a few different coffees. Brew them the same way. Taste them side by side. Notice what you like.

Your palate is the final authority.

Sip in the moment.

Spiritus Coffee Co.
Consciously crafted. Roasted with intention.

The simple, forgiving method for a rich, full-bodied cup

French press is the most approachable brewing method. No special technique required. No precise pouring. Just coffee, water, time, and a plunger.

The result is different from pour over—fuller body, more oils, a thicker mouthfeel. Some prefer it. Some don't. Worth trying to know which camp you're in.

Why French Press

French press is an immersion method. Coffee grounds steep fully in water, then get separated by pressing a mesh filter down. Nothing paper-filtered out.

This produces:

• Full body: Oils and fine particles pass through the mesh, creating a heavier, richer texture
• Bold flavor: Extended contact time extracts thoroughly
• Forgiveness: The method is harder to mess up than pour over

The trade-offs: some sediment in the cup, less clarity than filtered methods, can become bitter if brewed too long.

Equipment

Essential

• French press: Any size. Glass or stainless steel. Bodum and Espro are popular brands.
• Kettle: Any kettle works. No gooseneck required.
• Fresh coffee: Coarse-ground. This matters more than the press itself.
• Timer: Phone timer is fine.

Helpful

• Scale: For consistent ratios
• Burr grinder: For consistent coarse grind (blade grinders struggle here)

The Basic Recipe

Ratio: 1:15 (coffee to water by weight)
Example: 30g coffee, 450g water (makes about 2 cups)

Grind: Coarse (like sea salt or raw sugar)

Water temperature: 195-205°F (just off boiling)

Steep time: 4 minutes

Step-by-Step

1. Preheat

Fill French press with hot water to preheat. Let sit a minute. Discard water.

2. Add Coffee

Add coarse-ground coffee to the empty press. Shake gently to level.

3. Add Water

Start timer. Pour hot water over grounds, saturating all of them. Fill to desired level. Don't stir yet.

4. Wait

Let it sit for 4 minutes. At about 1 minute, you can gently stir to ensure all grounds are saturated. Then leave it alone.

This is your pause. Four minutes of nothing. Resist the urge to rush.

5. Plunge

At 4 minutes, press the plunger down slowly and steadily. Don't force it. If there's major resistance, your grind may be too fine.

6. Pour Immediately

Important: pour all the coffee out right away. If it sits in the press, it continues extracting and becomes bitter.

Pour into cups or a carafe. Serve.

Troubleshooting

Bitter or Over-Extracted

• Grind coarser
• Steep for less time (try 3:30)
• Use slightly cooler water
• Pour immediately after plunging (don't let it sit)

Weak or Under-Extracted

• Grind finer (but still coarse-ish)
• Steep longer (try 4:30)
• Use more coffee
• Ensure water is hot enough

Too Much Sediment

• Grind coarser—fine particles slip through the mesh
• Let brewed coffee settle a moment before drinking the last sips
• Consider an Espro press (double micro-filter reduces sediment)

Hard to Press

• Grind is too fine. The mesh clogs with fine particles. Coarsen significantly.

The 4-Minute Ritual

French press has a built-in pause: the 4-minute steep.

You can fill this time however you want. Check your phone. Prep breakfast. Zone out.

Or: use it intentionally. Four minutes of nothing. Standing in your kitchen, waiting. Noticing the steam, the smell, the quiet.

The coffee will be the same either way. You might not be.

Coffee for French Press

French press handles a range of roasts well:

• Medium to dark roasts: The full body complements these roasts' chocolate, caramel, nutty notes
• Bold, earthy coffees: Indonesian, Brazilian, darker blends
• Any fresh coffee: Freshness matters more than roast level

Lighter roasts work too—they'll taste different than in pour over, with more body and less clarity. Some people prefer this.

Shop our coffees →

Cleaning Your French Press

Don't skip this. Old coffee oils go rancid and affect taste.

1. Empty grounds (compost or trash, not down the drain)
2. Disassemble the plunger (most have multiple parts)
3. Wash all parts with soap and water
4. Let dry completely before reassembling

Deep clean weekly if you use it daily. Coffee oils build up invisibly.

French Press vs. Pour Over

Neither is better. They're different.

Try both. See what your palate prefers.

Sip in the moment.

Spiritus Coffee Co.
Consciously crafted. Roasted with intention.

Master the pour over method for a cleaner, brighter cup

Pour over is the method that made specialty coffee mainstream. It's simple in concept—pour hot water over ground coffee—but the details matter. This guide covers everything you need to make excellent pour over coffee at home.

What Makes Pour Over Special

Pour over produces a clean, bright cup that highlights a coffee's distinct characteristics. Unlike immersion methods (French press, cold brew), pour over continuously filters the coffee as it brews, removing oils and fine particles that can muddy the flavor.

The result: clarity. You taste the coffee itself, not just "coffee flavor." Origin characteristics shine through. Fruit notes, floral hints, subtle sweetness—pour over reveals what's actually in the bean.

The trade-off: pour over requires attention. It's not a set-and-forget method. But that attention becomes part of the ritual.

Equipment You Need

Essential

• Pour over dripper: Hario V60, Kalita Wave, Chemex, or similar. Each produces slightly different results, but all work well.
• Paper filters: Matched to your dripper. Unbleached or bleached both work.
• Kettle: Ideally gooseneck for control. Standard kettle works but makes precision harder.
• Fresh coffee: This matters most. No method compensates for stale beans.
• Grinder: Burr grinder strongly recommended. Blade grinders produce inconsistent particle size.

Helpful but Optional

• Scale: For consistent ratios. Measuring by weight beats measuring by volume.
• Timer: To track brew time. Phone timer works fine.
• Thermometer: To check water temperature. Less critical than other variables.

The Basic Recipe

Start here. Adjust based on taste.

Ratio: 1:16 (coffee to water by weight)
Example: 20g coffee, 320g water

Grind: Medium-fine (like table salt)

Water temperature: 195-205°F (90-96°C). Just off boiling works if you don't have a thermometer.

Total brew time: 2:30-3:30 minutes

Step-by-Step Process

1. Prep

Heat your water. Place filter in dripper. Rinse filter with hot water—this removes paper taste and preheats your vessel. Discard rinse water.

2. Grind and Dose

Grind your coffee fresh, right before brewing. Weigh it (or use approximately 2 tablespoons per 6 oz water). Place grounds in filter. Shake gently to level the bed.

3. Bloom

Start your timer. Pour just enough water to saturate all grounds—about 2x the coffee weight (40g water for 20g coffee). The coffee will bubble and expand as CO2 escapes. This is the bloom.

Wait 30-45 seconds. This degassing allows for more even extraction in the main pour.

4. Main Pour

Begin pouring in slow, steady circles from the center outward. Avoid pouring directly on the filter. Keep the water level relatively consistent—don't let it drain completely between pours, but don't flood it either.

Pour until you've reached your target water weight. Total pour time should be about 2-2:30 minutes.

5. Drawdown

Let the remaining water drain through. Total time from first pour to final drip should be 2:30-3:30 minutes. Longer suggests grind is too fine. Shorter suggests too coarse.

6. Serve

Remove dripper. Swirl the coffee to integrate. Let it cool slightly—flavor develops as temperature drops. Taste.

Troubleshooting

Too Bitter or Harsh

Likely over-extracted. Try:

• Coarser grind
• Lower water temperature
• Faster pour (less contact time)

Too Sour or Weak

Likely under-extracted. Try:

• Finer grind
• Higher water temperature
• Slower pour (more contact time)

Drain Time Too Long

Grind is too fine, or you're pouring too aggressively (causing "fines migration" that clogs the filter). Coarsen the grind.

Drain Time Too Short

Grind is too coarse. The water rushes through without extracting properly. Fine up the grind.

Variables to Experiment With

Once you have the basics, play with:

• Ratio: Try 1:15 for stronger, 1:17 for lighter
• Grind size: Small changes have big effects
• Pour pattern: Continuous pour vs. pulse pouring (multiple pours with pauses)
• Water: Filtered vs. tap can make noticeable difference

Change one variable at a time. Take notes. Find your preference.

Coffee for Pour Over

Pour over excels with light to medium roasts. The clarity of the method reveals origin characteristics that darker roasts mask.

Look for coffees described as:

• Bright, fruity, floral
• Complex, layered
• Light or medium roast
• Single origin

At Spiritus, our lighter roasts and single origins shine in pour over. The method shows off what we're trying to highlight.

Explore our current coffees →

The Ritual of Pour Over

Beyond technique, pour over offers something valuable: enforced presence.

You can't walk away. The process requires 3-4 minutes of attention. No scrolling, no multitasking. Just you, water, coffee.

For some, this is inconvenient. For others, it's the point.

Those few minutes become a pause in the day. A small ritual of attention. The cup you end up with is almost secondary to the practice of making it.

Sip in the moment.

Spiritus Coffee Co.
Consciously crafted. Roasted with intention.

Finding coffee that supports something beyond commerce

You drink coffee every day. That's money flowing somewhere daily. What if some of that flow supported causes you care about?

Mission-driven coffee isn't new, but it's expanding. More roasters now build giving into their business model, beyond occasional donations or marketing gestures.

This guide explores what "giving back" actually means in coffee, how to evaluate claims, and some roasters doing it genuinely. Including us—we'll be transparent about our model.

The Spectrum of "Giving Back"

Not all charitable coffee is created equal. Here's the spectrum:

Marketing Donations

The most common form. A roaster donates occasionally, promotes it heavily. "We gave $500 to X charity this year." Or "A portion of proceeds goes to..." without specifying what portion.

This isn't wrong—any giving helps. But it's often more marketing than mission. The giving is incidental to the business, not core to it.

Buy-One-Give-One Models

Some coffee companies donate a bag for every bag purchased, or provide clean water for every purchase. Transparent and easy to understand.

The challenge: the donated product may not be what recipients need most. And the model can create dependency rather than supporting local economies.

Ethical Sourcing Premium

Fair Trade, Direct Trade, Rainforest Alliance—certifications that ensure farmers receive better prices. Your extra dollars go to the supply chain, not external charities.

This is meaningful but different from giving. You're paying more for ethical production, not funding separate causes.

Integrated Mission Models

The deepest form. Giving isn't separate from the business; it's why the business exists. The mission came first; coffee became the vehicle.

This is rare. It requires sacrificing profit margin permanently, not just occasionally.

How to Evaluate Mission Claims

Before subscribing based on charitable claims, ask:

What Exactly Is Given?

"A portion of proceeds" is vague. Ask for specifics:

• What percentage?
• Of proceeds or profits? (Big difference—profits can be zero after expenses)
• Per bag or overall company revenue?
• Is there a cap?

Transparent roasters answer these questions publicly.

Who Receives It?

Where does the money go? Look for:

• Named organizations, not vague causes
• Verifiable nonprofits with track records
• Local or specific focus versus diffuse global promises

Is It Verified?

Some roasters publish annual giving reports. Others share receipts or acknowledgment letters from recipients. The best invite scrutiny.

Is It Sustainable?

Beware models that seem too generous to survive. If a roaster claims to give away more than makes business sense, either they're losing money (unsustainable) or the claim is inflated.

Mission-Driven Roasters Worth Knowing

Here are some roasters integrating giving genuinely. This isn't comprehensive—it's a starting point.

Grounds for Change

Oregon-based roaster donating 100% of profits to social and environmental causes since 1997. They've given over $1 million while building a sustainable business. Focus on fair trade and organic sourcing.

Conscious Coffees

Boulder, Colorado roaster with deep fair trade commitment. Beyond sourcing ethics, they fund community projects at origin—water systems, schools, healthcare in coffee-growing regions.

Café Campesino

Georgia-based cooperative supporting farmer-owned coffee. They work with cooperatives in Latin America, ensuring farmers have ownership and voice. Profits support cooperative development.

Thanksgiving Coffee

Northern California pioneers of social responsibility in coffee since 1972. Long-term relationships with farming communities, environmental initiatives, and progressive workplace practices.

Higher Grounds

Michigan roaster with decade-plus commitment to farmer partnerships and community development at origin. Transparent about pricing and farmer relationships.

The Spiritus Model

We should explain our approach.

Still Here Coffee: 100% of Proceeds

Still Here is a specific blend with a specific purpose: 100% of proceeds—not profits, proceeds—go to mental health and addiction recovery organizations.

This means: every dollar from Still Here sales goes to NAMI DuPage and 516 Light Foundation after only cost of goods (beans, packaging). No salaries from Still Here. No profit margin. No overhead allocation.

This isn't sustainable as a full business model. We can do it because Still Here is one product, supported by our other offerings that operate normally.

Why Mental Health and Recovery?

The name "Spiritus" comes from Carl Jung's concept of spiritual seeking in addiction. Our founders found coffee during difficult times—not as a cure, but as a practice, an anchor.

Still Here exists because we believe in second chances. The name acknowledges that for some of us, being here wasn't guaranteed. We wanted a way to support others on that journey.

Local Employment: S.E.A.L. Partnership

Beyond Still Here, our fulfillment operations are run by students from the S.E.A.L. Adult Transition Program—young adults with disabilities building job skills and experience.

• 12 student interns through the program
• 2 hired as full employees
• 1,000+ orders fulfilled by S.E.A.L. students

This isn't charity—it's employment. They do real work for real compensation, gaining skills that translate to other opportunities.

What We Don't Claim

We're not solving global poverty. We're not transforming coffee farming economics. We're a small roaster in Lombard, Illinois, trying to make good coffee and do some good with it.

Our impact is local and specific: mental health organizations in DuPage County, employment for local students with disabilities. That's our scope.

Learn more about Still Here →

Beyond Coffee: What Else Helps

Coffee subscriptions are one way to align purchasing with values. But they're not the most efficient charitable giving.

If maximizing impact is your goal:

• Direct donations to effective charities accomplish more per dollar than pass-through giving via products
• GiveWell and Giving What We Can research high-impact charities if you want maximum effect
• Local giving to organizations you can verify supports your immediate community

Mission-driven coffee isn't the most efficient way to give. But it's a way to align daily purchases with values—supporting causes through consumption you'd do anyway.

For many people, that alignment matters beyond pure efficiency.

What to Look For in Mission-Driven Coffee

If you want your coffee subscription to support something:

Specificity

Look for specific percentages, specific recipients, specific impact. Vague language often indicates vague commitment.

Transparency

Can you find their giving details publicly? Do they share reports, receipts, acknowledgments? Transparency suggests authenticity.

Sustainability

Does the model make business sense? Can they sustain this giving long-term? Unsustainable generosity helps no one when the business fails.

Quality

The coffee still needs to be good. Mission without quality isn't a favor to anyone. You'll stop buying, and the mission stops with your subscription.

Making Your Choice

Mission-driven coffee adds a dimension to subscription decisions. It's not the only factor—freshness, taste, price, convenience all matter too.

But if you drink coffee daily, that's significant purchasing power. Directing it toward roasters who give back meaningfully feels better than not.

Start with one bag. Taste it. Verify the claims. If the coffee is good and the mission is real, subscribe.

Small choices, made consistently, compound into something.

Sip in the moment.

Spiritus Coffee Co.
Lombard, Illinois.
Coffee with a Soul.