What is your favorite blend of coffee? [Archive]

Sally Sensational

01-30-2008, 08:09 AM

(Shoves the HATERS aside)

Which coffee you buy depends on what you want. If you're looking for a lot of flavor and a lot of caffeine, go for a dark roast. If strong coffee bothers your stomach, go with a lighter roast.

Brand-wise, I'm partial to Community, but that's because it's Louisiana coffee. I also like the Yuban variety marketed by Maxwell House. It's nice and dark and is made from beans that don't endanger the rain forest, but doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Don't buy too much at a time and try different varieties - most packaging now carries a good description of the beans and roast involved in that particular blend. More expensive coffee beans, incidentally, do not always make better coffee.

Now that you're brewing your own, experiment with different amounts of coffee as well. If you follow the instructions on the can/package (usually a couple tsp of grounds per cup), you will get VERY strong coffee. Most people use about half that amount. Your tastes will determine how much coffee you need.

Caring for your coffee: If you are going to use the coffee at a steady rate, you don't need to keep it in the freezer or fridge. DO keep it stored in something airtight at all times. Coffee grounds will soak up other odors when they are available and can go stale.

Remember, if you have a garden, that you can use both the grounds and the used filters as compost sources.

Alan Lynch

01-30-2008, 08:21 AM

Even Starbucks. Everyone loves Stabucks, your waist size especially.
Nope. I do like their hot chocolates though. And muffins.

Aren't big cups of coffee there something like 650 calories? Waist size hates that.

Mysterio

01-30-2008, 08:22 AM

Mmmmm... coffee. The life-blood of a designer.

I go with the Starbucks brand. I typically buy it at Target because it's about $2 cheaper per bag than at the grocery store. As for what "flavor," I'm not that partial. If you like your coffee to have flavor without knocking you over, I'd suggest some sort of Medium roast.

AaronJ

01-30-2008, 08:30 AM

God, I hate Starbuck's coffee.

Anyways ... I would suggest going to your local coffee outlet, and purchasing a half pound of either Kenya AA or Sumatra.

Kenya AA is truly a wonder, IMO. It's lighter, but still full and impressive. Sumatra is a blend that anyone would enjoy.

The best, again in my opinion, is clearly Ethiopian. But it has become so expensive that my local Caribou has ceased serving it (this was a while ago). I wouldn't suggest it, honestly, since it is so expensive.

Oh, if you're looking for something REALLY strong, bittersweet, and powerful, look for French Roast. That is a blend that can take the rust off your Chevy. :)

I can't imagine a coffee drinker, though, who wouldn't like Kenya AA. It's a little pricey, but just delicious.

And if you drink coffee by yourself, you might want to look into a French press. Nothing tastes as good French press.

neutronjockey

01-30-2008, 08:38 AM

I've personally found Bolivian AA to be a buttery smooth roast that will tolerate imperfect roasting (however, you'll know if you've left any green on the beans for sure).

Husband of author Cherie M Priest is a coffee savant and keeps a very well informed blog here: http://www.wayofcoffee.com/

Lester C.

01-30-2008, 08:40 AM

Thanks guys. I'm making a list of all suggestions and will over time try each one. It's twenty miles away, but I've got a trip to Trader Joes planned on my next day off.

AaronJ

01-30-2008, 08:42 AM

Thanks guys. I'm making a list of all suggestions and will over time try each one. It's twenty miles away, but I've got a trip to Trader Joes planned on my next day off.

Cool. They are opening a Trader Joe's right up the street here. We'll see if it lasts, but I plan on visiting on a regular basis.

TCJohnson

01-30-2008, 08:49 AM

* shoves Sally back *

thespianphryne

01-30-2008, 08:58 AM

Coffea arabica (Monsooned Malabar)
Coffea liberica

Jack Zodiac

01-30-2008, 09:24 AM

I don't drink coffee unless it's good coffee, just like I don't drink beer unless it's good beer. If I'm gonna bother brewing myself coffee, I like Ethiopian beans, especially from the Sidamo and Harar regions. I can't find the company that used to make it anymore, but they had this one Ethiopian Harar that was nice and strong, but still had a taste like blueberries to it. I could chug thats hit.

Otherwise, though, I fuckin' hate coffee. It's dirty water that keeps you awake. I can find better shit to keep me awake.

CutterMike

01-30-2008, 09:58 AM

It really depends on what I'm in the mood for/have time to make.

Medium-bodied/smooth - Guatemalan, preferably from the Antigua region

A little spicy/winey - Yemeni Yrgacheffe (sp?) or Tanzanian Peaberry

Rich-bodied/smooth - Sulawesi Kalossi (Pacific island, formerly called Celebes Islands), probably my favorite overall

Monsooned Malabar - Very hard to find in the States; the beans are aged in sheds open to the sea-air and monsoons in India, giving the coffee a wonderfully unique "ocean" aroma.

Day-to-day/kick-start-in-the-morning - "French Market" brand from New Orleans; french-roast and chicory blend. The chicory mellows out the bitterness of the french roast.

Things to know:
Coffee comes in five darknesses and strength of flavor, based on the length of time that the beans are roasted:
American - light brown, dry surface, mild
Café - darker brown, dry surface, medium body
Vienna - dark brown, spots of oil on the surface, medium-strong body
Espresso - dark brown/black, oily surface, strong body
French - black, oily surface, very strong body

To my taste, most American roasts are like dishwater and French roasts taste burned. I tend to prefer a Vienna roast as, to me, it seems to have the best balance of flavors.

Storage: ground coffee should be kept in an airtight container, either at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Whole beans can be kept as above or in the freezer. Ground coffee should NOT be kept in the freezer as, when you take it out, moisture condenses on it which will soak into the grounds (each particle of ground coffee has lots of surface area and small volume), refreeze, and can break them down faster than leaving them at room temperature will.

Welcome to the addicts club!

AaronJ

01-30-2008, 11:18 AM

Very informative post! Thanks.

I'm getting a lot of good info in this thread.

Lester C.

01-30-2008, 11:51 AM

I just bought Folgers Chocolate Silk. Meh. That's five bucks I'll never get back.

heystacy

01-30-2008, 11:56 AM

I have French Roast and Sumatra in my house. Both are very bold (strong).

Lester C.

01-30-2008, 12:00 PM

I have French Roast and Sumatra in my house. Both are very bold (strong).

How do those flavors taste?

sk716

01-30-2008, 04:05 PM

I have French Roast and Sumatra in my house. Both are very bold (strong).

I like both, too. I want my coffee to remind me I'm drinking coffee.

American roast is essentially slightly coffee flavored water. I can drink just about any coffee/swill in the morning, and usually do since I spend most of the morning drinking the swill out of the lounge, but I don't have to be thrilled about it.

To get a good idea about beans and flavors, find a good locally owned coffee shop between home and work and try out a new bean/blend each day until you've tried all that they have to offer.

TCJohnson

01-30-2008, 04:28 PM

I have French Roast and Sumatra in my house. Both are very bold (strong).

Strong coffee, eh? Overcompensating much? ;)

Lester C.

01-30-2008, 04:48 PM

Strong coffee, eh? Overcompensating much? ;)

This is coming from the man who has a giant blue penis for an avatar.

CutterMike

01-30-2008, 04:52 PM

This is coming from the man who has a giant blue penis for an avatar.

...with bunny ears...

TCJohnson

01-30-2008, 04:55 PM

Hey, coffee can cause diabetes!! (This is actually true)

Lester C.

01-30-2008, 04:58 PM

Hey, coffee can cause diabetes!! (This is actually true)

How? If so I'm going to have to adjust my strategy for staying awake.

TCJohnson

01-30-2008, 04:58 PM

...with bunny ears...

Only a man who is truly comfortable in his manhood can be brave enough to wear bunny ears!

Lester C.

01-30-2008, 04:59 PM

I'm throwing out all my coffee. Thank you TC for the heads up.

http://coffeetea.about.com/od/health/a/healthdiabetes.htm

Sabrinaset

01-30-2008, 05:10 PM

I don't really have a favorite blend. In fact, I think I cycle through every flavor Starbucks has. I don't have blood anymore, I have a caffeine system. I discovered this last month when I had to donate blood to a patient, and the poor guy is still awake. :o

I have my OWN Starbucks coffee blender in my office, so I never go without!

TCJohnson

01-30-2008, 05:19 PM

Hey Lester, don't take me too seriously.

There was a report I saw this morning that caffiene can neutralize the effects of medicine for diabetes. If you take medicine to balance your sugar levels, 4 cups of coffee or more makes the medicine useless.

It also said that if you are in danger of becoming diabetic, or if you are pre-diabetic, then consuming a lot of caffiene can make you diabetic. They said 4 cups of coffee or more.

But if you are not pre-diabetic or not taking medicine for your blood sugar, then you are fine.

heystacy

01-30-2008, 05:40 PM

How do those flavors taste?

It's so strong it will put hair on your chest!

I can't describe them well. It's something you have to taste for yourself. The bold flavors are very strong, and a little can go a long way. Start with the medium or mild flavors first. I am used to strong tasting coffee.

Lester C.

01-30-2008, 05:42 PM

It's so strong it will put hair on your chest!

I can't describe them well. It's something you have to taste for yourself. The bold flavors are very strong, and a little can go a long way. Start with the medium or mild flavors first. I am used to strong tasting coffee.

I'm half Assyrian. I have enough hair on chest thank you very much.:mad:

Night Swordsman

01-30-2008, 05:44 PM

My favorite "blend of coffee" is A&W Root Beer. :)

heystacy

01-30-2008, 05:48 PM

I'm half Assyrian. I have enough hair on chest thank you very much.:mad:

Ok Sasquatch. :p

heystacy

01-30-2008, 05:48 PM

My favorite "blend of coffee" is A&W Root Beer. :)

Go home Night. LOL

Sabrinaset

01-30-2008, 05:50 PM

I'm half Assyrian. I have enough hair on chest thank you very much.:mad:

I always suspected you were half-Assing your posts here! :D

heystacy

01-30-2008, 05:52 PM

I always suspected you were half-Assing your posts here! :D

Cool Points for Bree. I love that pun!

Night Swordsman

01-30-2008, 06:02 PM

Hmm. We could give Lester a WWE contract.

The Assyrian Assassin!

CutterMike

01-30-2008, 06:08 PM

I'm throwing out all my coffee. Thank you TC for the heads up.

http://coffeetea.about.com/od/health/a/healthdiabetes.htm

Lester, the link said that drinking coffee or tea apparently REDUCED your chances of developing type-2 diabetes. It's apparently caffeine WITHOUT the other compounds (flavonoids?) that might increase your risk. So coffee=good, MountainDew=bad.

TCJohnson

01-30-2008, 07:00 PM

Lester, the link said that drinking coffee or tea apparently REDUCED your chances of developing type-2 diabetes. It's apparently caffeine WITHOUT the other compounds (flavonoids?) that might increase your risk. So coffee=good, MountainDew=bad.

Well, also, what I read is that if you are diabetic or you are high risk for diabetes, coffee is not good. If you don't have diabetes, coffee (especially caffiene free) can help prevent it.

Pink Bat Maxine

01-30-2008, 07:09 PM

I like a nice Hazelnut blend.

Alex L

01-30-2008, 09:43 PM

Nope. I do like their hot chocolates though. And muffins.

Aren't big cups of coffee there something like 650 calories? Waist size hates that.

Plain ol' black coffee has zero calories.

It's when you get into the milky drinks, with caramel and vanilla syrup and chocolate and whipped cream that the calories start adding up.

<--- *fully-trained coffee monkey during college*

I'm kinda partial to Starbucks' Guatemala blend, and their Gold Coast for their stronger coffee.

Now that I'm not working there anymore, I'm giving my business to a local coffee place and still trying to find which of their roasts I like. Might try Peet's and Tully's one of these days.

I was never a fan of berry flavors or nutty flavors in my coffee, and most African beans I've tried seem to have those, so I'll probably stick with Latin American origin coffees.

Pink Bat Maxine

01-31-2008, 06:15 AM

Oh, and a daaaark espresso. I love that too.

Joshua Pantalleresco

02-01-2008, 10:04 AM

Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee. Very very smooth. Sadly very expensive too.

JP

CutterMike

02-01-2008, 10:42 AM

Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee. Very very smooth. Sadly very expensive too.

JP

If you like the Jamaican, you might want to try the Sulawesi Kalossi that I mentioned previously. Very smooth and well-balanced - grown in similar island environments.

Solaris

02-01-2008, 02:26 PM

Solaris suggested that I quit instant coffee and start brewing my own. Well I borrowed my roommate coffee machine and brewed some fresh coffee and now I'm an addict. Problem is I don't know what to get so I'm looking for some recommendations.

Ohhhh, HUGGLES LESTER! :D (I have apparently converted you to the cult of real coffee!)

Hmmm. I'm still searching for that ideal brand. Currently I just get the Starbucks Breakfast Blend, and if I"m in the mood, add some spices to it or other stuff (i.e. cinnamon, vanilla powder, ground cloves... and of course, a shot of Amaretto is great in it, too).

I like mild coffees with a good body and a touch of sweet or exotic flavor to them. Hubby's the one who likes espresso, etc.

There's one Rin gets me for Christmas that I like. The brand is something like "Chicago's Finest", and it's the Christmas Blend. Has a praline flavor to it. Very nice. She gets it at the Farmer's Market up there; haven't seen it down here, sigh.

Pinball

02-01-2008, 09:10 PM

Brazilian Ipanema's back, yay! great nutty profile.

One of my local places has a very nice (and very expensive) Kona.

But, i have to mention...you should at least try this out:

http://www.coffeeatlas.com/L2NewP/Dunkin_Donuts/DD%20retail_FamilyShot-A.jpg

Alex L

02-02-2008, 10:42 AM

I have never been to a Dunkin Donuts in my life. :(

Dazz? You know of any around here?

Flamebird

02-02-2008, 11:08 AM

Here's my favorite( one of 'em anyway).

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o103/flamebird_2006/Gevaliastockholm.jpg

Slightly darker roast, without hitting that burnt espresso flavor.

Pretty much anything from Gevalia rocks the house; but they are a bit on the pricey side.

They have Jamaica Blue, which is liquid heaven; but at $50 a pound. . .:eek:

Though they do have Kona which is nearly a good a blend to my tastes.

thespianphryne

02-02-2008, 05:52 PM

[...]
http://www.coffeeatlas.com/L2NewP/Dunkin_Donuts/DD%20retail_FamilyShot-A.jpg

My experience with DD coffee has never been good. All the DD coffee I have had has shared two or more of the following qualities - over-roasted; too alkaline or when it's not, too acidic; flat; musty; with poor aroma; and often times with a very astringent after taste. Mind you I like bold and strong coffees and tend to drink mine black. But there's no balance in their coffees - like they're pushing you to eat a confection/pastry with the coffee just to temper it. Oh wait...

The Ray

02-02-2008, 06:39 PM

Milk with a LIIIIIIIITTLE bit of coffee. Just enough so it browns out the milk.

Pink Bat Maxine

02-02-2008, 07:24 PM

I got this Indian cherry blend that's actually quite delicious from a gourmet shop in the Castro.

The Ray

02-02-2008, 08:20 PM

I got this Indian cherry blend that's actually quite delicious from a gourmet shop in the Castro.

Do you drink it with a monocle and your pinky out, you Bourgeoisie bastard?

DarkBlade

02-03-2008, 11:25 AM

There's one Rin gets me for Christmas that I like. The brand is something like "Chicago's Finest", and it's the Christmas Blend. Has a praline flavor to it. Very nice. She gets it at the Farmer's Market up there; haven't seen it down here, sigh.

Yeah, it's called Nutcracker Sweet. There's also a similar coffee that comes out for the rest of the year, so if they don't have anymore of the Nutcracker I'll get you some of that. Weather's been shitty lately and I keep forgetting I have a reason to drag out in it on a saturday morning. :p I have work during the other days that the market is open, now.

Sabrinaset

02-03-2008, 11:48 AM

There's really only one coffee blend I WON'T try ...

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c269/trigunfan1/CupGoldCoffee.gif

It's Lesters Home-Blended Yellow Rain.

Lester C.

02-03-2008, 01:15 PM

There's really only one coffee blend I WON'T try ...

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c269/trigunfan1/CupGoldCoffee.gif

It's Lesters Home-Blended Yellow Rain.

But that special golden brew is only reserved for you and Heystacy.:evilsmile

sk716

02-03-2008, 02:24 PM

I got this Indian cherry blend that's actually quite delicious from a gourmet shop in the Castro.

That sounds nummy. Gotta get to San Fransisco.

Joshua Pantalleresco

02-03-2008, 03:24 PM

If you like the Jamaican, you might want to try the Sulawesi Kalossi that I mentioned previously. Very smooth and well-balanced - grown in similar island environments.

I'll have to try it. Thanks for the suggestion. Is it cheaper than Jamaican?

Joshua Pantalleresco

02-03-2008, 03:25 PM

Lester C.

02-03-2008, 03:32 PM

I just got the Starbucks breakfast blend. It's really good, and surprisingly affordable considering how much Starbucks charges for their coffee.

Sabrinaset

02-03-2008, 04:39 PM

I just got the Starbucks breakfast blend. It's really good, and surprisingly affordable considering how much Starbucks charges for their coffee.

Looks like HeyStacy has brought you over to the dark (coffee) side!

Alex L

02-03-2008, 05:10 PM

I just got the Starbucks breakfast blend. It's really good, and surprisingly affordable considering how much Starbucks charges for their coffee.

Stuff tastes like water to me. :(

Solaris

02-03-2008, 06:22 PM

I just got the Starbucks breakfast blend. It's really good, and surprisingly affordable considering how much Starbucks charges for their coffee.

I'd rate it as pretty good. It's better than the old-time store brands like Maxwell House, etc... not as good as some specialty brands, but lots cheaper than those, and only a little more than the store brands. It's a pretty good compromise, between taste and cost. Works for me. ;)

So, Les---did you buy a thermos for taking it to work?

heystacy

02-03-2008, 07:06 PM

Looks like HeyStacy has brought you over to the dark (coffee) side!

Well it's not like I'm going anywhere near his house for what he's serving. :eek:

On the flip side: Who's the yuppie now Lester? Who? :p

Gail Simone

02-03-2008, 07:18 PM

I've never had coffee.

Seriously.

Gail

Sabrinaset

02-03-2008, 07:20 PM

I've never had coffee.

Seriously.

Gail

I ... I've heard tales about people like that who exist, but I thought they were just stories told around the campfire to scare little children! :eek:

thespianphryne

02-03-2008, 07:47 PM

All you home roasters, check out www.sweetmarias.com

They have excellent research, tasting notes, berry background and are a whole lot cheaper than retailed coffees. These guys love their coffee like an insane coffee loving thing.

-Das

The Ray

02-03-2008, 08:01 PM

I've never had coffee.

Seriously.

Gail

What kind of writer are you?

CutterMike

02-03-2008, 08:48 PM

I'll have to try it. Thanks for the suggestion. Is it cheaper than Jamaican?

Much.

6789X

Joshua Pantalleresco

02-04-2008, 12:27 AM

I ... I've heard tales about people like that who exist, but I thought they were just stories told around the campfire to scare little children! :eek:

shh...don't tell Cam this, but there are people who've never had a shot of alcohol. It's true. I swear.

JP

Joshua Pantalleresco

02-04-2008, 12:29 AM

Joshua Pantalleresco

02-04-2008, 12:31 AM

Lunar Daydreamer

02-04-2008, 03:53 AM

Sainsburys do a caffetiere coffee over here called ‘After Dinner’.

Really dark and rich, flat out the most perfect coffee in the universe and beats any of the more expensive brands hands down.

Long had I searched for the perfect blend.
Sainsburys ‘After Dinner’ is it.

Strength rating 5. Amen.

Wonder Watcher

02-04-2008, 04:45 AM

If you are after a ground coffee to use in a 'mocha' or in a home espresso / capuccino machine then Italian Illy is a very good, smooth blend.

Wonder Watcher

02-04-2008, 04:54 AM

I've never had coffee.

Seriously.

Gail

I'd never drank coffee until I moved to Italy with work. Well actually I had, once, and hated it.

My girlfriend (now wife) converted me and now I love the Italian stuff. But only if it's made properly - which means Starbucks et al are all out.

You really can't beat a good espresso or Cappuccino, but it's difficult to get a decent one outside of Italy.