Your favourite Coffee

[Kurwenal]

Someone above said coffee is coffee, I'm just correcting him.

If the subsequent posts didn't make clear that my tongue was planted firmly in my check whilst writing that, perhaps this will. That is some very nice SM coming off my home roaster today. I'll grind up a shot in 2 days and ponder whether coffee is, in fact, coffee. Happy drinking.

 

[Seniordan]

Any medium-dark roast k-cup. I'm not picky, or experienced enough to be picky anyways.

 

[SurferMan]

Kona is my favorite. I had it for the first time in Hawaii and sadly haven't had it since 🙁 Anytime I try and buy it its a blend that tastes nothing like Kona 🙁

B/c you need fresh roasted "real" Kona, not the stale blends sold in stores. Off top of my head www.Huladaddy.com , and there are others.

 

[Kurwenal]

Kona is my favorite. I had it for the first time in Hawaii and sadly haven't had it since 🙁 Anytime I try and buy it its a blend that tastes nothing like Kona 🙁

I love Kona as well, but, what you said is true: most of the time, "Kona" is a blend, and can have as little as 10% Kona and still be called "Kona." The other challenge I have found is finding fresh roasted Kona. One local retailer where I live sells 100% Kona, but, like most coffee found on store shelves, no roast date is indicated. My guess, from the taste, is that most 100% Kona is months old.

I can recommend Greenwell Farms, which addresses both issues. I used to buy from them regularly (before I switched to mostly espresso), and if you call they are willing to be sure you are shipped something very fresh. Not cheap, obviously.

 

[sk1wbw]

I found the post to which you are referring. I know the poster...he was just kidding. He's a pretty sophisticated coffee guy and was teasing.😀

I see. 🙂

 

[calderone]

Tough to pick a favorite...

Whole Bean
Vita Sumatra + Theo Blend
Ipsento Panama Honey
Stumptown El Salvador Kilimanjaro
Bowtruss Sumatra Lintong + Ethiopia Yirgacheffe
Blue Bottle
Zoka Colonel Fitzroy

Pretty spolied here in Seattle. The Chicago (from where I came) coffee scene has really blossomed as well. I got back a few times a year and bring a few bags back from my favorites.

Also, Cold Brew. This is going to blow up even more in the next few years. Favorites.

Bowtruss Canopy Blend
Vita
Stumptown
Monorail Espresso (6th and Pike)

 

[Huntn]

Thread Revival
I can still remember I was in some nice hotel on a trip several years ago, and the coffee they served was stellar, rich full bodied, smooth, and delicious. And I rue the fact that I never asked what it was. Since then I've been drinking mostly pre-ground grocery brands labels Columbian and also pre-ground Costco brand Columbian. It tastes pretty good, but sometimes I wonder if it really is 100% Columbian, which in itself probably has different grades. I've decided I'm going to start trying some new stuff in search of the mystical taste I was once exposed to. Maybe I was served by a coffee fairy that day who had magic beans... 😉

YES, I have a grinder, but I'm lazy at times. I think the first thing I'll do is go get some Columbian beans and grind them to see if I sense any big difference between the pre-ground grocery store stuff, and a ground bean. Of note, I brew my coffee on the strong side, which I imagine has an effect on taste.

Coffee is coffee. Don't be influenced by marketing or coffee snobs.

You can't beat Folgers Crystals. Freeze dried, which preserves the freshness until you drink it. With Folgers Instant Coffee crystals, you can have that rich aroma and delicious taste whenever and wherever you want it—just pick your style.

😉

Are you still around? This sounds interesting, I'll keep an eye out the next time I'm at the grocers.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Ethiopian (especially Yirgacheffe) or Kenyan AA. Nothing touches these coffees for quality, although some of the other coffees from Africa are quite good, and I have had some excellent coffees from El Salvador.

 

[JamesMike]

Ethiopian (especially Yirgacheffe) or Kenyan AA. Nothing touches these coffees for quality, although some of the other coffees from Africa are quite good, and I have had some excellent coffees from El Salvador.

I agree, except I prefer Costa Rican over El Salvador.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I agree, except I prefer Costa Rican over El Salvador.

Yes, I'm partial to Costa Rican myself; before I discovered the joys of the coffees from the Dark Continent, Costa Rican used to be my favourite, and I still like it.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Mine is this;

Just kidding. I don’t have a particular favourite to be honest, I just sample the Nespresso range and enjoy several. Not on the level of some of you guys with your freshly ground beans. I find it very interesting and will explore it further when I get a chance to sit down and properly enjoy it with kids hanging off my legs.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Thread Revival
I can still remember I was in some nice hotel on a trip several years ago, and the coffee they served was stellar, rich full bodied, smooth, and delicious. And I rue the fact that I never asked what it was. Since then I've been drinking mostly pre-ground grocery brands labels Columbian and also pre-ground Costco brand Columbian. It tastes pretty good, but sometimes I wonder if it really is 100% Columbian, which in itself probably has different grades. I've decided I'm going to start trying some new stuff in search of the mystical taste I was once exposed to. Maybe I was served by a coffee fairy that day who had magic beans... 😉

YES, I have a grinder, but I'm lazy at times. I think the first thing I'll do is go get some Columbian beans and grind them to see if I sense any big difference between the pre-ground grocery store stuff, and a ground bean. Of note, I brew my coffee on the strong side, which I imagine has an effect on taste.




Are you still around? This sounds interesting, I'll keep an eye out the next time I'm at the grocers.

Rather than buying the store stuff, which might have been around for ages, why not try buying stuff in a small specialist coffee shop? Even if they grind the beans for you (and yes, much of the time, I don't grind mine either), at least it will have been freshly roasted and freshly ground; try tasting some of that and see whether you think that there is a difference.

 

[D.T.]

YES, I have a grinder, but I'm lazy at times. I think the first thing I'll do is go get some Columbian beans and grind them to see if I sense any big difference between the pre-ground grocery store stuff, and a ground bean. Of note, I brew my coffee on the strong side, which I imagine has an effect on taste.

For me, the impact of a freshly ground bean is huge. The oils, aroma, everything seems so much more expressive.

If you’re using (for example) a pour over or press method, you’re heating water, so you’ve got some time to grind. I get up, fill the kettle, turn it on - then rinse the Chemex, put in a filter - fill the grinder with beans, grind (< 1m), get out additional supplies (cups, creams, etc.) It's all a pretty smooth process where the grinding doesn't take more time, just one of a few steps 🙂

FWIW, I've found that fresh ground beans make up for a lot, if you're not into buying beans from a more boutique source. (Of course _both_ fresh ground and freshly roasted beans are the cats behind 😀)

 

[rhett7660]

Tough to pick a favorite...

Whole Bean
Vita Sumatra + Theo Blend
Ipsento Panama Honey
Stumptown El Salvador Kilimanjaro
Bowtruss Sumatra Lintong + Ethiopia Yirgacheffe
Blue Bottle
Zoka Colonel Fitzroy

Pretty spolied here in Seattle. The Chicago (from where I came) coffee scene has really blossomed as well. I got back a few times a year and bring a few bags back from my favorites.

Also, Cold Brew. This is going to blow up even more in the next few years. Favorites.

Bowtruss Canopy Blend
Vita
Stumptown
Monorail Espresso (6th and Pike)

Oh I want to try the Panama Honey!!!

I have so many that I like. I really like flavored coffee, but if I am going straight to coffee, I really like some of the Ethiopian blends I have had. Can't remember them off the top of my head though. I just know I liked them lol.

I have been drinking cold brew coffee now for quite a few years. My favorite in this realm is "Black Blood of The Earth - Ethiopian blend." Hands down. Strong, full flavored and boy does it pack a caffeine punch! Absolutely love this stuff!!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

For me, the impact of a freshly ground bean is huge. The oils, aroma, everything seems so much more expressive.

If you’re using (for example) a pour over or press method, you’re heating water, so you’ve got some time to grind. I get up, fill the kettle, turn it on - then rinse the Chemex, put in a filter - fill the grinder with beans, grind (< 1m), get out additional supplies (cups, creams, etc.) It's all a pretty smooth process where the grinding doesn't take more time, just one of a few steps 🙂

FWIW, I've found that fresh ground beans make up for a lot, if you're not into buying beans from a more boutique source. (Of course _both_ fresh ground and freshly roasted beans are the cats behind 😀)

That is what I do on a Saturday or Sunday when I am at home, and can relax and potter around taking pleasure in the simple act of preparing coffee, the steps as you describe them; but, on days when I am dashing for the train, and have to attend meetings elsewhere, and barely remember to phone for a taxi, every short cut is more than welcome.

At the moment, at home, I have a manual grinder - a wonderful OE Lido, but, sometimes, I will admit that using it is a bit of a hassle. I must look into investing in a good burr grinder - powered by electricity rather than by my aching shoulders or arms - when I next return home.

 

[adrianlondon]

... Un-ground beans I would have to say Formula Rossa as sold by the 'Algerian Coffee Stores' in London's Old Compton Street. That stuff is amazing! ...

Today's bump has brought a 4 year old post to my attention. I love Formula Rossa as well. They usually have it in "catering" sized 2.5Kg bags for just under £30. I know you're not meant to keep beans for long, but I live in Switzerland and don't want to risk running out. I guess a bag lasts me around 3 months, although I do use other beans in parallel for variety.

I keep trying other coffee, on the basis that a simple blend from a random coffee shop in London can't be all that, but I always go back to it. I tend to drink a latte (with double espresso in it) each morning, a flat white (well, my attempt at one using a bean-to-cup machine) in the late afternoon and a couple of espressos randomly throughout the rest of the day. All with Rossa - I find it very versatile.

Having said that, my machine currently has 250g of beans from Trung Nguyen, a chain of coffee shops in Vietnam, in it. It's got a lovely hint of mocha but is otherwise quite "flat" and the espressos have no after taste. Once those beans have been used it it'll be back to the Rossa.

And just to bring the tone down a bit, my other half has just bought me two packets of Starbucks Christmas Blend Espresso Roast, or something named very much like that, in the sale for £2.50 a pack. I've had Starbucks Christmas beans before and they weren't bad. Made quite a "spicy" espresso if I remember rightly. Once, I even steamed some eggnog to make my own eggnog Christmas latte. Never again.

 

[smallcoffee]

I'm spoiled, I get regular shipments of single origins and mixes from Blue Bottle. 😳

 

[Huntn]

[doublepost=1514561017][/doublepost]Rather than buying the store stuff, which might have been around for ages, why not try buying stuff in a small specialist coffee shop? Even if they grind the beans for you (and yes, much of the time, I don't grind mine either), at least it will have been freshly roasted and freshly ground; try tasting some of that and see whether you think that there is a difference.

We don’t have much in the way of small specialty coffee shops near by, but I live on the outskirts of Houston and have not looked for them. We do have Starbucks. I’ll have to search. City centers have more availability and variety.

For me, the impact of a freshly ground bean is huge. The oils, aroma, everything seems so much more expressive.

If you’re using (for example) a pour over or press method, you’re heating water, so you’ve got some time to grind. I get up, fill the kettle, turn it on - then rinse the Chemex, put in a filter - fill the grinder with beans, grind (< 1m), get out additional supplies (cups, creams, etc.) It's all a pretty smooth process where the grinding doesn't take more time, just one of a few steps 🙂

FWIW, I've found that fresh ground beans make up for a lot, if you're not into buying beans from a more boutique source. (Of course _both_ fresh ground and freshly roasted beans are the cats behind 😀)

I used to grind beans as the norm, but got away from it due to laziness, perceived expense of whole beans in little bags, not noticing a significant difference in taste, and I drink a lot of coffee so I’m looking for convienence. I admit to being a Neanderthal coffee drinker when I brew a double pot of coffee, and refrigerating what I don’t consume that day. This allows me to brew coffee every 3rd or 4th day. Yes, pity me! 😛

My first step will be to hit the local grocery, and get some beans. Step two visit Starbucks, but I think the grocery store carries Starbucks beans. Does anyone know why Dunkin Donuts is one of the most expensive coffee beans in the store? Is it that good?

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I'm spoiled, I get regular shipments of single origins and mixes from Blue Bottle. 😳

I used to get stuff (i.e. coffee - it was usually excellent and, at its best, it was outstanding - such as their Los Immortales blend from El Salvador) from Intelligentsia coffee; they were a pleasure to deal with, and the coffee was great (they have introduced some new offerings this Christmas, I receive these notifications, as I am still on their mailing list).

My only grumble was the cost of transport of the coffee to the British Isles - often, it equalled the cost of the coffee, and meant that - for economic reasons - it was better to buy in bulk, whereas, for quality of coffee, the secret is to buy little and often, to ensure that it is fresh, etc.

While I may still order some coffees from Intelligentsia, these days, I obtain some coffees from local stores, and from The Ethiopian Coffee Company in London (they are also extremely polite and professional and a real pleasure to deal with).

 

[Huntn]

I'm spoiled, I get regular shipments of single origins and mixes from Blue Bottle. 😳

I overlooked the mail order route. I had one once, but with a subscription, they wanted to send me too much coffee, but that could be an option today.

 

[calderone]

Oh I want to try the Panama Honey!!!

I have so many that I like. I really like flavored coffee, but if I am going straight to coffee, I really like some of the Ethiopian blends I have had. Can't remember them off the top of my head though. I just know I liked them lol.

I have been drinking cold brew coffee now for quite a few years. My favorite in this realm is "Black Blood of The Earth - Ethiopian blend." Hands down. Strong, full flavored and boy does it pack a caffeine punch! Absolutely love this stuff!!

It seems my prediction about cold brew was correct 😀

If you want to try something pretty different, barrel-aged coffee has popped up in recent years. I subscribe to Modern Times out of CA. https://www.moderntimesmerch.com/collections/coffee-subscriptions

Super tasty and very different.

 

[Huntn]

Oh I want to try the Panama Honey!!!

I have so many that I like. I really like flavored coffee, but if I am going straight to coffee, I really like some of the Ethiopian blends I have had. Can't remember them off the top of my head though. I just know I liked them lol.

I have been drinking cold brew coffee now for quite a few years. My favorite in this realm is "Black Blood of The Earth - Ethiopian blend." Hands down. Strong, full flavored and boy does it pack a caffeine punch! Absolutely love this stuff!!

I used to be a flavored coffee person, hazelnut was the best! But I have gravitated to straight coffee flavors.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I overlooked the mail order route. I had one once, but with a subscription, they wanted to send me too much coffee, but that could be an option today.

I order when I need - rather than subscribing to a regular mail order - and that works better. Actually, I'd recommend mail; and Intelligentsia is an excellent US company (as is Bluebottle).

 

[smallcoffee]

I used to get stuff (i.e. coffee - it was usually excellent and, at its best, it was outstanding - such as their Los Immortales blend from El Salvador) from Intelligentsia coffee; they were a pleasure to deal with, and the coffee was great (they have introduced some new offerings this Christmas, I receive these notifications, as I am still on their mailing list).

My only grumble was the cost of transport of the coffee to the British Isles - often, it equalled the cost of the coffee, and meant that - for economic reasons - it was better to buy in bulk, whereas, for quality of coffee, the secret is to buy little and often, to ensure that it is fresh, etc.

While I may still order some coffees from Intelligentsia, these days, I obtain some coffees from local stores, and from The Ethiopian Coffee Company in London (they are also extremely polite and professional and a real pleasure to deal with).

I also try to buy locally to support local business, but the best coffee roasters are simply not where I live. I feel guilty shipping coffee to my location (environmental cost and all of that) but I figure that's my one sin.

I've had some great coffee in London so I know there are fantastic roasters around there Isles.

RE: your latest post about the subscription.

You can delay your subscriptions or expedite them (at least with Blue Bottle) depending on whether you've run out or not. I typically don't have excess coffee.

 

[D.T.]

That is what I do on a Saturday or Sunday when I am at home, and can relax and potter around taking pleasure in the simple act of preparing coffee, the steps as you describe them; but, on days when I am dashing for the train, and have to attend meetings elsewhere, and barely remember to phone for a taxi, every short cut is more than welcome.

At the moment, at home, I have a manual grinder - a wonderful OE Lido, but, sometimes, I will admit that using it is a bit of a hassle. I must look into investing in a good burr grinder - powered by electricity rather than by my aching shoulders or arms - when I next return home.

Oh yeah, on rushed days, it's hard to find those extra 10 minutes for a longer coffee prep 🙂

We have a manual grinder that we mostly use for traveling, but I'm all about the big electric [burr] grinder in the morning 😀 The noise (it's _not_ quiet) is like a wake up call!