Dominican Contemplation Roast
DOMINICAN CONTEMPLATION
Our Lady of the Rosary Blend - Medium Roast
The Story Behind the Blend
Dominican Contemplation honors the deep contemplative tradition of the Order of Preachers and Our Lady's gift of the Rosary to St. Dominic. Just as the Rosary invites us to contemplate the mysteries of Christ's life through Mary's eyes, this coffee invites contemplative stillness in the midst of our daily routines.
Roasted for Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Land O' Lakes, Florida, this blend embodies the Dominican motto: Contemplare et contemplata aliis tradere — "To contemplate and to give to others the fruits of contemplation." Each cup is an invitation to slow down, to be present, to contemplate the goodness of God in the simple gift of excellent coffee.
The blend combines the smooth, chocolatey richness of Central American beans with the floral, tea-like elegance of Ethiopian coffee, grounded by aged Sumatra's earthy depth. Like the decades of the Rosary, each origin contributes its unique character to create a harmonious whole greater than the sum of its parts.
Blend Composition & Origin Story
60% Central American (Guatemala & Costa Rica)
The foundation of this blend comes from the highlands of Central America, where volcanic soil and high altitude produce coffees with exceptional balance and sweetness. These beans provide the chocolatey body and caramel notes that anchor the blend, reminiscent of the solid theological foundation the Dominicans have given the Church through centuries of scholarship.
30% Ethiopian
Ethiopian coffee, from the birthplace of coffee itself, adds bright floral notes and delicate complexity. These beans bring jasmine, bergamot, and honey-like sweetness — the transcendent, mystical element that lifts the blend beyond the ordinary. Like the contemplative heights to which Dominican spirituality calls us, the Ethiopian component elevates the entire experience.
10% Aged Sumatra
A small percentage of aged Sumatran coffee grounds the blend with earthy depth and a smooth, syrupy body. Aged in Indonesia's tropical climate, these beans develop a mellow richness that ties the bright and the chocolatey elements together. This represents the wisdom and maturity that comes from sustained contemplative practice.
Tasting Profile
- Primary Notes: Dark chocolate, rose, wildflower honey
- Secondary Notes: Toasted almond, caramel, bergamot tea
- Finish: Smooth, meditative, lingering sweetness
- Body: Medium to medium-full, silky
- Acidity: Gentle, balanced, wine-like
- Sweetness: Natural honey-like sweetness throughout
- Complexity: Layered and contemplative — reveals new dimensions with each sip
This is a coffee that rewards slow, mindful drinking. Like praying the Rosary, it invites you to move slowly through each sip, noticing the subtle interplay of flavors and allowing yourself to be fully present to the experience.
Technical Specifications
| Roast Level | Medium (Full City) |
| Processing | Washed (Central American & Ethiopian), Wet-Hulled & Aged (Sumatra) |
| Altitude | 1,400 - 1,900 meters (Central American), 1,800 - 2,200 meters (Ethiopian) |
| Roasting Philosophy | Developed to first crack + 2:00 to 2:30, highlighting natural sweetness while maintaining origin character |
| Rest Period | 5-7 days post-roast for optimal flavor development |
| Available Sizes | 12oz ($14.99) | 16oz ($18.99) |
Brewing Recommendations
Dominican Contemplation is versatile and forgiving, but these methods bring out its best qualities:
Pour Over (V60/Chemex)
Ratio: 1:16 (e.g., 25g coffee to 400g water)
Water Temp: 200-205°F
Time: 3:00-3:30 total
Why: Highlights floral notes and complexity while maintaining body
French Press
Ratio: 1:15 (e.g., 30g coffee to 450g water)
Water Temp: 200°F
Time: 4:00 steep
Why: Maximizes body and chocolate notes, perfect for contemplative morning prayer
Drip Coffee Maker
Ratio: 1:16
Grind: Medium
Why: Reliable, consistent, perfect for daily routine. Adjust strength to taste.
Espresso
Dose: 18-20g
Yield: 36-40g
Time: 25-30 seconds
Why: Concentrated chocolate and honey notes, excellent for milk drinks
Pro Tip: Use filtered water and a consistent water temperature for best results. This blend is forgiving and will reward you with a delicious cup even if your technique isn't perfect — much like how Our Lady patiently guides us through the mysteries of the Rosary regardless of our distractions.
Perfect Pairings
🕯️ Prayer & Contemplation
Ideal companion for:
- Morning Lauds
- Praying the Rosary
- Lectio Divina
- Theological reading (especially the Summa!)
🍰 Food Pairings
Complements beautifully:
- Dark chocolate
- Almond biscotti
- Honey cake
- Buttery croissants
- Mild cheeses
📚 Study & Teaching
Perfect for:
- OCIA/RCIA classes
- Bible study groups
- Theology reading
- Sermon preparation
- Parish meetings
Theological Reflection: Coffee as Contemplation
St. Thomas Aquinas teaches us that contemplation is "simply the simple enjoyment of the truth" (ST II-II, Q.180, A.3). In a world of constant noise and distraction, the act of brewing and savoring a cup of coffee can become a contemplative practice — a small daily liturgy that opens us to wonder, gratitude, and presence.
The Rosary, which St. Dominic received from Our Lady, is not merely a prayer of words but a contemplative journey through the mysteries of salvation. Similarly, this blend is not merely a beverage but an invitation to be present. To notice. To give thanks. To recognize God's goodness in creation and in the communion of persons who brought this coffee from seed to cup.
Each origin in this blend represents a part of Christ's Body — the Church universal. Ethiopian Christians trace their faith to the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8. Central American Catholics have preserved the faith through centuries of challenges. Indonesian Catholics are a small but vibrant minority. Together, these coffees from different corners of the world unite in your cup, just as we all unite in Christ.
As you drink, consider the farmers who grew these beans, the roaster who carefully developed them, and the God who created the coffee plant and gave us the wisdom to unlock its potential. Contemplare — contemplate the gift. And then, contemplata aliis tradere — give to others what you have contemplated. Share this coffee. Share your joy. Share the faith.
"The contemplative life consists principally in the charity of God and neighbor."
— St. Thomas Aquinas, ST II-II, Q.182, A.2
Roasting with Prayer
Every batch of Dominican Contemplation is roasted with prayer and precision. As a Catholic biochemist and catechist, I bring both scientific rigor and spiritual intentionality to the roasting process. Each roast is monitored carefully to develop the sugars and acids that create this coffee's signature profile, while I pray for those who will drink it — that they may find a moment of peace, a taste of beauty, and a reminder of God's providence in their daily lives.
This coffee is roasted in small batches to ensure freshness and quality. You will receive your coffee within 5-10 days of roasting, at the peak of flavor development.
Supporting Our Parish
A portion of profits from every bag of Dominican Contemplation directly supports the Our Lady of the Rosary Parish building fund in Land O' Lakes, Florida. Your purchase helps us build spaces for worship, formation, and community.
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam — For the Greater Glory of God
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