Coffee that doesn't suck...

[Not A Nice Person]

I think that, as with cigars, there are stages to the coffee experience---most people started life off with commercial, preground canned schlock like Folgers or what have you. And I remember, at that stage, thinking Chock Full Of Nuts was a much, much superior coffee and things like Gevalia were a real luxury item.

Then someone buys you a coffee grinder for Yule or your birthday . . . :laugh:

Once you've ground your own beans for a pot of coffee, there's just no going back. It's impossible to overstate the difference. From there, people get into varietals, get into roasters, get into different brewing methods (a friend of mine swears by old-fashioned vacuum pots, and makes fantastic coffee with one he found at a yard sale) and so forth.

Eventually, you have to find your level based on how much it's worth to you, and how much of a difference you can actually taste. On another forum, I recall reading a post about how coffee HAD to have x grams of grounds at y setting on a burr grinder, using filtered brewing water at zº and of course, be brewed in a Technivorm.

The Technivorm site, btw, says that the most common complaint new users have is that the coffee isn't hot enough, because they're used to drinking coffee served at the wrong temperature.

So, the "perfect" cup of coffee apparently requires a gram scale, a burr grinder, a $400 machine, and is served lukewarm. I'm pretty sure I'm not "levelled up" to that point, personally. And I like my coffee served HOT.

~Boar

 

[coopsdeloops]

I know this sounds ridiculous, but I actually prefer Yuban dark roast to most of the "gourmet" coffees out there. Occasionally something tickled my tongue, but not often.

 

[Gern Blansten]

You can go hunting for rare spectacular beans, or you can try Peet's and set up regular deliveries.

They roast your coffee a day before it ships and each batch is slightly different just like the cigars we smoke.

There is truth in the quality of the water and how it's brewed. It's all objective to your tastes, if you've had amazing coffee it's hard to go back to anything less.

Drink what you like, and like what you drink!

Big fan of Peets. We've been doing the Peetnik thingy for several year now.

Your last sentence hits the nail on the head! Well said!

 

[bigmanfromou]

I did forget about Killer Beans. I'll take a look at the other suggestions as well. Thanks folks!

 

[LarryH]

I bought a Fresh Roast SR 500 a few years ago to use with about 15 pounds of beans I picked up here. They are long gone so I've been buying most from Burmans. I've been using a grungy drip coffee maker though, I guess it's time for a French press.

Edit: Because I can't see and I can't spell.

 

[MadMonk]

I like Blends as I find them more complex. The only exceptions are true Kona and Jamaican Blue Mountain which I find deserve the reputation. I also almost exclusively brew with a French Press.
For blends, I like Starbucks Cafe Estima. Don't like it at all dripped, but in a press, I love it more than most. Peet's Major Dickason is up there on my list of favorites, too.

Coffee is just like Cigars or anything else, you find something you like, and make no apologies for liking it. If it happens to be inexpensive, you have found a holy grail. If folks hate it, and give you grief, they are snobs, and are not worth your breath.

 

[Bayamos]

All good reads, thanks ......

 

[Rodrigo de Jerez]

Intelligenstia, Ecco, Stumptown - just to name a few coffee roasters that don't suck. There are a good number of others out there. As for brewing, go out and buy a Chemex. It truly makes an excellent cup of coffee.

 

[Dozerhead]

Does anyone have a good recommendation for a kerafe? The one drawback to the French Press is that the coffee tends to cool rather quickly after the first delicious cup, but if I had a good place to store it where it would stay hot then all would be well in the world.

 

[MadMonk]

Does anyone have a good recommendation for a kerafe? The one drawback to the French Press is that the coffee tends to cool rather quickly after the first delicious cup, but if I had a good place to store it where it would stay hot then all would be well in the world.

I put half in my mug, and the other half in a insulated stainless travel mug whose sipper hole closes.
You could also get an insulated french press which will run approx 60 bucks retail.

I do not like brewed coffee to sit with the grinds as it over extracts. This is why some folks actually use another press technique where you do not stir, let the coffee steep on top on the water for 4 minutes, scoop out the grinds, and then press.. I find that method also makes excellent coffee, with perhaps a bit less intensity. The advantage is that even though there is a little bit of sludge in the cup, it is a lot less than the traditional method, So, if you sip on the cup of coffee for an hour, it's flavor stays more fresh as even though the reduced sludge contiues to extract, it is far less than the other way.

 

[rob300c]

Does anyone have a good recommendation for a kerafe? The one drawback to the French Press is that the coffee tends to cool rather quickly after the first delicious cup, but if I had a good place to store it where it would stay hot then all would be well in the world.

Any vacuum insulated carafe should be effective.
I liberated a beat up one from a casino and it works great.
While waiting on your French Press pour hot water into the carafe, when the coffee is ready dump the water and replace with coffee.
Should stay hot for a good long time.

To the OP, for a less bitter coffee try cold brewing.
Love it for iced coffee and should work just fine for hot.
A good technique to use if you get heartburn or acid reflux.

-Rob

-Rob

 

[Rodrigo de Jerez]

Does anyone have a good recommendation for a kerafe? The one drawback to the French Press is that the coffee tends to cool rather quickly after the first delicious cup, but if I had a good place to store it where it would stay hot then all would be well in the world.

I put half in my mug, and the other half in a insulated stainless travel mug whose sipper hole closes. You could also get an insulated french press which will run approx 60 bucks retail. I do not like brewed coffee to sit with the grinds as it over extracts. This is why some folks actually use another press technique where you do not stir, let the coffee steep on top on the water for 4 minutes, scoop out the grinds, and then press.. I find that method also makes excellent coffee, with perhaps a bit less intensity. The advantage is that even though there is a little bit of sludge in the cup, it is a lot less than the traditional method, So, if you sip on the cup of coffee for an hour, it's flavor stays more fresh as even though the reduced sludge contiues to extract, it is far less than the other way.

Have you ever looked at a Clever Coffee Dripper? It seemingly has the benefits of a french press with the cleanliness of a pour over. Pretty spiffy, if you ask me.

 

[Smokin'Sims]

I typically put some creamer in my coffee because I don't like the bitterness. If it had the same bitterness as hops I'd be all for it. However, Killer Beans does not have the bitterness problem. I'm a fan of the PNG (Papua New Guinea) variety both because it is tasty and I have friends from PNG.

 

[BlindedByScience]

Does anyone have a good recommendation for a kerafe? The one drawback to the French Press is that the coffee tends to cool rather quickly after the first delicious cup, but if I had a good place to store it where it would stay hot then all would be well in the world.

...we just bought one of these. Not cheap, but hella stout (all stainless) and keeps the coffee warm (but not as good as a thermous). Nits aside, I'm happy with it.... :thumbs:

 

[Greggj77]

Interesting that this should come up.

I just ordered these beans, http://my.counterculturecoffee.com/coffee/grand-reserve.html , 2 days ago. My wife and I have a baby due in a few weeks so I figured while we are both home from work with the little guy I would splurge and spoil us with this coffee. I have an affinity for Peaberry and this sounded fantastic.

I will be sure to post my thoughts once I get the chance to brew a cup.

As for my usually ordering, I buy through Jerry (Killer Beans), a local in NH (Breaking New Grounds), and various other sites including Intelligenstia, Counter Culture and Peets. I would recommend any of these just search for things that peak your interest.

I typically brew with a French Press but, have been interested in trying the Pour Over method as I do not have an expensive grinder and can get some "sludge" in my FP. I will admit once you use a press most restaurant coffee or commercial java just doesn't taste that good.

 

[kona1000]

Wife and I use a french press as well, it makes about the best coffee around. We've ran tons of coffee through it, but I think my favorite (store bought) is Dunkin Donuts. I know, go ahead and throw stones, but it's good.

Throwing Stones. DD is not for me.

To each his own.
Jamacian Blue Mountain is excellent.

 

[bfreebern]

Wife and I use a french press as well, it makes about the best coffee around. We've ran tons of coffee through it, but I think my favorite (store bought) is Dunkin Donuts. I know, go ahead and throw stones, but it's good.

Throwing Stones. DD is not for me.

To each his own.
Jamacian Blue Mountain is excellent.

Wife and I use a french press as well, it makes about the best coffee around. We've ran tons of coffee through it, but I think my favorite (store bought) is Dunkin Donuts. I know, go ahead and throw stones, but it's good.

Throwing Stones. DD is not for me.

To each his own.
Jamacian Blue Mountain is excellent.

When I'm out of beans, which I am now, it does in a pinch. I can't do Starbucks and even though I've ordered from Jerry many times, I've strayed the other direction from his as well.

I really need to get more green beans, there is nothing like roasting a batch, closing it up and opening it up in 24 hrs. The aroma is outstanding.

 

[Greggj77]

Wife and I use a french press as well, it makes about the best coffee around. We've ran tons of coffee through it, but I think my favorite (store bought) is Dunkin Donuts. I know, go ahead and throw stones, but it's good.

Throwing Stones. DD is not for me.

To each his own.
Jamacian Blue Mountain is excellent.

Wife and I use a french press as well, it makes about the best coffee around. We've ran tons of coffee through it, but I think my favorite (store bought) is Dunkin Donuts. I know, go ahead and throw stones, but it's good.

Throwing Stones. DD is not for me.

To each his own.
Jamacian Blue Mountain is excellent.

When I'm out of beans, which I am now, it does in a pinch. I can't do Starbucks and even though I've ordered from Jerry many times, I've strayed the other direction from his as well.

I really need to get more green beans, there is nothing like roasting a batch, closing it up and opening it up in 24 hrs. The aroma is outstanding.

I would love to get into roasting. I was doing some reading and almost bought a rotisserie roaster for my grill. Never pulled the trigger though. Roasting is definitely on my to do list. Unfortunaltely, it is on there with a million other things.

 

[MrJerry]

Thanks for all the kind words guys, I appreciate your support.

I'm very sorry that I haven't posted up a special in quite some time...between the shop and the online being so busy for the past few months I just haven't had time.

I'll do my best to make time for CigarPass...my favorite cigar site!!

 

[Dozerhead]

I just got my order of Killer Beans yesterday. I got the Tanzanian Peaberry (good recommendation Grateful1.) and the Guatamalen Antigua. I had the Tanzanian this morning and it was fantastic! I highly recommend it. I will give the Guatemalen tomorrow. I'm alread wishing I had ordered larger bags.