Need a suggestion for Coffee

[JerimiahC]

I thought I'd turn to the learned ones here on B&B. I currently drink Starbucks coffee. I buy the beans and grind them myself in a middle of the road grinder and brew them in a drip coffeemaker. My favourite coffee is African, Kenya. I'm looking for suggestions for coffee that I can purchase on the internet. I'm not looking to change my process at this point, just looking for a better coffee.

Thank you in advance!:thumbup1:

[loueedacat]

Peet's is solid.

[LukeInFlames]

Hey there.

my two cents!

If you're interested in whole bean, i'd go with the offerings of a local roaster. couldn't offer a name, b/c most independents do mostly local business for a (near-fanatical) local clientele.

This way the coffee will be fresh-roasted, with ensures the best aroma/cup o joe.

If you want something that's more widely available, I've heard Illy whole bean is good, if you like dark roasts. it's on the pricey side, but their quality-control is crazy-good, ensuring consistency.

-L.

[Jim]

The "official" coffee of the B&B! (http://www.ristrettoroasters.com/)


The proprietor is a nice guy also.....mention the B&B.

[Must Dash]

I thought I'd turn to the learned ones here on B&B. I currently drink Starbucks coffee. I buy the beans and grind them myself in a middle of the road grinder and brew them in a drip coffeemaker. My favourite coffee is African, Kenya. I'm looking for suggestions for coffee that I can purchase on the internet. I'm not looking to change my process at this point, just looking for a better coffee.

Thank you in advance!:thumbup1:

Hi there namesake

A couple of issues:

1. I have ordered coffee at Starbucks twice. What they served me was probably in breach of the trade descriptions act. My guess is that you are in for a treat once you move up.

2. Why do you grind your beans in the middle of the road - isn't that dangerous?

Cheers


Jeremy

[Dirk Tanner]

I also drink Starbucks which I grind at home. I've tried others and keep coming back to them. My current favorite is the Verona Blend. Even though it's still a Starbucks product, I think it's their best offering.

I agree that you should try to find a local roaster. It may take some sleuthing, but it would be worth it.

[Dirk Tanner]

By the way, I have found that the best way to brew coffee is with a French press. If you haven't tried it, it's a real treat. A local Starbucks will brew you one to try.

[daverpig]

Here is a coffee shop that roasts on premises. http://www.innkeepers-coffee.com/ They are in the middle of the country but ship all over.
I visit the shop daily. They have many quality coffees.

[TimmyBoston]

The "official" coffee of the B&B! (http://www.ristrettoroasters.com/)


The proprietor is a nice guy also.....mention the B&B.

+1 Definitely

[e d o]

I buy my Green Coffee from Sweet Marias in Cal. They also sell a little of the roasted stuff. The selection varies from week to week but it is very good and you will know exactly when it was roasted.

[JerimiahC]

Hi there namesake

A couple of issues:

1. I have ordered coffee at Starbucks twice. What they served me was probably in breach of the trade descriptions act. My guess is that you are in for a treat once you move up.

2. Why do you grind your beans in the middle of the road - isn't that dangerous?

Cheers


Jeremy


OMG, I love reading your posts.:lol::lol: I just about fell off the couch (sofa for the Americans reading this). Actually buying the Starbucks beans and grinding them up isn't too bad. Better than most they offer in the store. I actually like treating myself to an espresso at times or a specialty coffee, so I pick up some coffee beans while I'm there.

Regarding your second comment, yes grinding coffee in the middle of the road would be dangerous, but as some other Toronto members could add, it's safer than the sidewalk. :biggrin::lol:

The grinder is a Delonghi bur grinder, but I've seen a lot of posts, even on here I think, that most don't really like it. It was a gift and a huge improvement over the cheap blade type grinders I had before. I guess that's why I'm used to the inconsitant grind from it.

I actually ended up ordering from here to try:

http://www.greenbeanery.ca/bean/

I thought I'd give it a try. It was local and I thought I couldn't do worse than what I had and it was local for now.

I'll definately have to try Ristretto Roasters. I'll let everyone know how my experience goes when the coffee arrives.

Oh I ordered Kenya and Sumatra, my two favourites so far. Can anyone recommend another blend/region for me to try?

[e d o]

My favorites are:
Yemeni - Hirazi & Sana'ani
Ethiopian - Yirgacheffe Harrar & Sidamo
Costa Rican - Tarrazu

[Southern]

Check out Boca Java. Do a google search and you'll find them easy. Tons of great beans and blends to try. Plus, they roast in small batches based on how many orders they have, then ship right away - so very fresh after roasting.
Only way to get fresher is to buy green (unroasted) beans and get a good home roaster; the best kind are the rotating drum kind. Easy to buy on the internet.
Good luck!

[Walravine]

Peet's is solid.

Ditto. I enjoy Peet's Major Dickason's. Their house blend is also nice.

[adamjaskie]

I second the recommendation of finding a good local roaster and making friends with the proprietor. I live out in the middle of nowhere (Houghton, MI---at the base of the little peninsula that sticks into Lake Superior from Michigan's upper peninsula) and found a local roaster, so it shouldn't be a problem in more populated areas.

[spiffykyle]

I'm a big fan of Killer Beans!!:thumbup1:

http://www.killerbeans.com/site/home.html

spiffy

[TimmyBoston]

I had a lovely package arrive from Ristretto Roasters today. I just enjoyed a cup of Ethopian Harar. Very earthy and unique. You can't beat this stuff, go with www.ristrettoroasters.com Absolutely fantastic coffee. :thumbup1:

[rabidpotatochip]

I'm a bit of a coffee newbie myself, but aside from the stuff in Helenthal, Germany the best coffee I've had was from Costa Cana (http://www.costacanaimport.com/). I picked up a kilo at the St. Norbert Farmers Market in Winnipeg a few months ago and I'm still getting rave reviews from family and friends. It has a very nice, nutty taste that doesn't leave a bitter aftertaste.

[Must Dash]

OMG, I love reading your posts.:lol::lol: I just about fell off the couch (sofa for the Americans reading this). Actually buying the Starbucks beans and grinding them up isn't too bad. Better than most they offer in the store. I actually like treating myself to an espresso at times or a specialty coffee, so I pick up some coffee beans while I'm there.

Regarding your second comment, yes grinding coffee in the middle of the road would be dangerous, but as some other Toronto members could add, it's safer than the sidewalk. :biggrin::lol:

The grinder is a Delonghi bur grinder, but I've seen a lot of posts, even on here I think, that most don't really like it. It was a gift and a huge improvement over the cheap blade type grinders I had before. I guess that's why I'm used to the inconsitant grind from it.

I actually ended up ordering from here to try:

http://www.greenbeanery.ca/bean/

I thought I'd give it a try. It was local and I thought I couldn't do worse than what I had and it was local for now.

I'll definately have to try Ristretto Roasters. I'll let everyone know how my experience goes when the coffee arrives.

Oh I ordered Kenya and Sumatra, my two favourites so far. Can anyone recommend another blend/region for me to try?

Mate, I think we're turning this into a mutual admiration society. I wonder if the Mods will give us our own forum?

Not that it is any use to you, but I get all my coffee from www.caffebianchi.com Lovely people, sold me a much less expensive espresso machine than the one I was eyeballing, and I've been (bean?) a loyal customer ever since.

Cheers


Jeremy

[Diggity]

Ditto. I enjoy Peet's Major Dickason's. Their house blend is also nice.

+1 for Peet's Dickason's. It doesn't get much better.

[Edcculus]

Hey there.

my two cents!



If you want something that's more widely available, I've heard Illy whole bean is good, if you like dark roasts. it's on the pricey side, but their quality-control is crazy-good, ensuring consistency.

-L.

I've never tried Illy's whole bean through a store. A local coffee shop only uses Illy beans for coffee and espresso. They do in fact make more than just a dark Italian roast. I also buy cans of the pre ground stuff since I don't have a good enough grinder for espresso. I actually prefer their medium roast for espresso over the dark. It is kind of expensive, but very good.

[Scotto]

Peets is almost as bad as *$ when it comes to over-roasting. Not for me. Canned Illy is good for about a microsecond after you open the can, then it is stale swill, IMO. Do yourself a favor and try DJ's stuff at Ristretto Roasters, or Intelligentsia via the internet.

[bman40]

for canadian vendors:

Birds and beans - Toronto
49th Parallel in vancouver
Elisyian Room vancouver
Jj BEan vancouver
Intelligenstsia in Chicago is good
coffee emergency in Missouri ( I think??)
Victrola in Seattle
Cafe Vivace in Seattle

I think most do mail order

Barry

[VFR79]

The local cigar shop I go to serves Larry's Beans coffee. Check them out at http://www.larrysbeans.com/

At home, I brew Maxwell house in my perculator, and I would take that hands down anyday over whatever it is they serve at Starbucks!

[ponyplayer]

Hi all,

Boca Java is offering 4 (8 ounce) bags of coffee for $7.95 shipped if you join their coffee club. They have a "refer a friend" option and I can send you the info.

Patrick

[SmoovD]

A decent, everyday cup can be made from Community Coffee out of LA. There coffees can be found in stores or online: http://www.communitycoffee.com/ccc/default.aspx

I love their New Orleans Blend with chickory-the only ground coffee I will buy. :tongue_sm

[vcardona]

Well I have to plug my local roaster, Goshen Coffee (http://www.goshencoffee.com/). I'm not sure if they ship to Canada though.

[Shaveslave]

I know you said you don't want to change your process but, unitl you do, coffee will always be just... Okay.

Invest in a good quality pump driven expresso machine. Don't get a cheap steam driven one.

Just like razors, not all coffee machines are created equal. That goes for grinders as well.

Do the research and get yourself a serious grinder, something like a Rancilio Rocky.

When you put the two together, with fresh roasted beans, you'll realize what you've been missing. You will buy less coffee out because it won't measure up to what you make at home.

The down side is that everyone you know will be dropping around your place for a cup of Joe.

I have some friends and relatives now who only drink coffee at my house.

The difference is crazy.

Lets put it in razor terms;

Drip = Bic disposable
Bodem = Schick Quatro
Steam driven machine = Fusion
Pump driven machine = Double Edged Razor
Pump machine with a real grinder = Straight Edge Razor

:biggrin:

[sol92258]

I know you said you don't want to change your process but, unitl you do, coffee will always be just... Okay.

Invest in a good quality pump driven expresso machine. Don't get a cheap steam driven one.

Just like razors, not all coffee machines are created equal. That goes for grinders as well.

Do the research and get yourself a serious grinder, something like a Rancilio Rocky.

When you put the two together, with fresh roasted beans, you'll realize what you've been missing. You will buy less coffee out because it won't measure up to what you make at home.

The down side is that everyone you know will be dropping around your place for a cup of Joe.

I have some friends and relatives now who only drink coffee at my house.

The difference is crazy.

Lets put it in razor terms;

Drip = Bic disposable
Bodem = Gillette Quatro
Steam driven machine = Fusion
Pump driven machine = Double Edged Razor
Pump machine with a real grinder = Straight Edge Razor

:biggrin:

when did Gillette buy Schick?!?!? :biggrin1:

I myself use a Bodum french press to brew my coffee at home 99% of the time, but I just use community, folgers, or maxwell house ground coffee....I would like someday to get a little more involved in roasting and grinding, but right just don't have the time, and especially not the $$$ to justify it at the moment. Not exactly answering the post, I know, but just my $.00002 worth

[Shaveslave]

Oops,

Thanks sol92258, my mistake. I've edited the post.

Cheers,

[letterk]

I know you said you don't want to change your process but, unitl you do, coffee will always be just... Okay.

Invest in a good quality pump driven expresso machine. Don't get a cheap steam driven one.

Just like razors, not all coffee machines are created equal. That goes for grinders as well.

Do the research and get yourself a serious grinder, something like a Rancilio Rocky.

When you put the two together, with fresh roasted beans, you'll realize what you've been missing. You will buy less coffee out because it won't measure up to what you make at home.

The down side is that everyone you know will be dropping around your place for a cup of Joe.

I have some friends and relatives now who only drink coffee at my house.

The difference is crazy.

Lets put it in razor terms;

Drip = Bic disposable
Bodem = Schick Quatro
Steam driven machine = Fusion
Pump driven machine = Double Edged Razor
Pump machine with a real grinder = Straight Edge Razor

:biggrin:

I'm not sure I agree. Good coffee can come from a variety of methods, including simple pour over drip to high end espresso. I love a great espresso, but wouldn't want to drink it all the time. My Technivorm drip machine makes a killer pot. Use fresh beans, a good grinder, and water of the proper temperature and you'll get something great regardless of the process you pick.

[Shaveslave]

John,

You are absolutely right. One can certainly go along way with proper techiquee and good beans. It's just that you can go further with all the other bits and pieces. Is it worth the cost for it all though?

It's like anything else, as long as you enjoy it, I'm in no position to disagree.

And here's my last point on this topic.

Nothing beats a good brew while you're shaving. Just watch that you don't put the shave cream in your coffee.:biggrin:

[sol92258]

John,

You are absolutely right. One can certainly go along way with proper techiquee and good beans. It's just that you can go further with all the other bits and pieces. Is it worth the cost for it all though?

It's like anything else, as long as you enjoy it, I'm in no position to disagree.

And here's my last point on this topic.

Nothing beats a good brew while you're shaving. Just watch that you don't put the shave cream in your coffee.:biggrin:

"Wow! I didn't know I had Southern Butter Pecan shave cream! Oh, wait....."

[Justme-]

My god, doesn't anyone drink Sanka!!!:lol1::lol:


I've never liked Starbucks- aside from needing to learn a new made up language to order a coffee (I'm barely capable of ordering a medium regular at Dunkin' until I've had a cup in the morning- no way am I trying Frapa..vente..whatever.)

Now, I like a good cup of coffee (which based on you guys and what has already been discussed, I have never had...:blushing:), but I don't think I'm on par with you all.

Personally, I like Boston Coffee Roasters/Boston Bean Roasters, when you can find them. They don't sell their own stuff outright normally- they do private label stuff unless they have a huge surplus of beans and I like some Gevalia.
All the local roasters I had tried in the past (my pop was obsessed with finding better coffee many years ago) had a tendency to over roast/burn the beans, and seriously overcharge for the privilege.