I don’t make coffee super often… because I’m an absolute heretic and drink Java Monster or Cafe Mocha Soylent and occasionally hate myself… but when I do I want a good cup, something not too bitter or burnt-tasting but with a good flavor.
So I’m looking for something that is… y’know, fancier than Folgers but not exactly Kopi Luak either.
My current go-to is Lavazza Intenso. I just got an aeropress (thanks to all the folks on here who recommended it) and I have a hand burr grinder … somewhere…
So. What should I be trying, assuming I want tasty coffee that isn’t priced like it’s made of gold?
The best beans are fresh locally roasted beans. any large nation wide roaster cant roast specifically for your local water chemistry, which is pretty important for a good cup considering it makes up 98% of it. local roasters use the same water you do when brewing, so it will be consistent with how the roaster wants it to taste.
Never thought of this. That explains why after trying the coffees from most Sofia roasters (soft water), I always come back to my local roaster’s (coastal area, hard water). Although they taste even better with homemade barista water! 😅
Barista water?
Really useful if the water in your area is hard. It makes a lot of difference in the taste.
Aldi brand whole been is pretty good, decently priced
I’m a big fan of McCafé. It used to be much cheaper before Covid but so was everything. I prefer it over most of the pricier stuff.
My buddies love black rifle but it’s definitely not budget.
I won’t buy Black Rifle because of… how they are… outside of their coffee…
