Coffee anyone?

My taste has also changed over the years. I used to prefer darker roasts but the past few years I find I prefer a Medium to a Light Roast. I was even roasting my beans for a few years. I really got into it. I bought a drum roaster, the scale, the works. But after a while it got really frustrating because just about the time I found a bean I really liked there would be a drought, or they'd be out of season or for some other reason they were no longer available.

I drank Gevalia's Stockholm Roast for 20 years and then they discontinued it. I was so bitter. Every six weeks it showed up in the mail like clockwork and I had to do nothing but pay the bill. Needless to say once I find one I like I don't want to switch. I really like the freshly roasted beans and was even sharing some with friends but then BAAM. The one I liked was no longer available. So now I have been buying the Dunkin' Donut Original Roast Beans. Those aren't too bad.

I'd like to start roasting again but I have to get back to researching different types of beans, etc. It really is a fun hobby. This time though I think what I need to do is understand more about the different regions where coffee come from, etc. so when the beans become unavailable I am better prepared to try one that might be close. It's just another thing to take up my spare time and that seems to be at a premium these days.


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Post# 863629 1/23/2016 at 08:41 (3,014 days old) by chachp (North Little Rock, AR)
Checkrate/Likes 1 Have we ever shared photos of our Coffee Bars or Coffee Corners? I had been wanting to do one for a long time so a few months ago I did. I took most of my inspiration from those posted on Pinterest. When I saw a photo with this shelf I went on the hunt for it and found it at Hobby Lobby. It's works out really well especially in the morning when I have overnight guests. They can help themselves to whatever they want. I'll make brewed coffee in the kitchen and take it in there in a thermos and if they don't want that, there is much more to choose from. I can put pastries or whatever in there and it keeps them out of the way while I'm fixing breakfast. Anyone else have one they'd like to post? Photos... < > Photo 1 of 4 View Full Size

Post# 863657 , Reply# 1 1/23/2016 at 11:18 (3,014 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)
Checkrate/Likes 1 That is a very nice, well-appointed coffee bar, Ralph! I don't have a decent coffee bar set-up, but I do have 50 varieties of K-Cups. This variety is why I'm such a Keurig devotee. I rarely have the same drink twice in a day. One of my friends at work said, "It' like one of those ice cream shops with a bunch of different favors!" Keurig and K-Cups rule. I will never go back to a regular coffee maker.

Post# 863939 , Reply# 2 1/25/2016 at 04:53 (3,012 days old) by chachp (North Little Rock, AR)
Checkrate/Likes *That's an impressive collection.* Eugene, I didn't realize there were even that many varieties. I generally don't go for the flavored coffees. In my experience they don't have much of the flavor by the time they are brewed. Maybe I haven't tried the right ones. We generally use our Keurig for Hot Chocolate or if I want a cup later in the day but don't want to brew a full pot. I have one of those My K-Cup filters so I'll generally use my normal coffee in that holder. However, I did find one at Kroger that I like. It's called something like 104th street or something like that. I don't see it in your collection but it's similar to the one labeled Natale's blend. It has the brown colored K-Cup and has the newer Keurig Hot logo on the box. I have also tried the McCafe brand K-Cups and I like those as well. Looks like I may need to spend a little more time at the K-Cup aisle the next time I'm at the store. Ralph

Post# 863941 , Reply# 3 1/25/2016 at 05:32 (3,012 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)
Checkrate/Likes I'm a member of Keurig's "Club" and purchase all my coffee through them to rack up points which can be used to purchase more coffee/tea or filters/descaling solution/coffee brewers/etc. I receive coupons regularly for $3 off per box (usually 18-24 K-cups) and shipping is free for orders of $49 or more. My sister, also a Keurig fan, buys hers at Bed, Bath, & Beyond with coupons. The coffee you referenced is from Hugh Jackman's "Laughing Man" brand, named after the coffee shop's Tribeca address: 184 Duane St. It is the lightest roast in the Laughing Man line. I used to be a French roast-only guy, but my palette has expanded since discovering the wonderful world of K-cups. Medium and light roasts have charms of their own. Flavored coffee: I tend to drink more of these in the winter. You're right, they have to be brewed using the strong setting in the 6 or 8 oz. size or they taste watered down. I also tend to add a teaspoon of half-and-half to flavored coffees. The others I drink straight. I have a new appreciation for 'diner' style coffees, especially Krispy Kreme and Donut House. Folger's 'Black Silk' is surprisingly good, as is McDonald's 'McCafe Premium Roast.' I also drink a lot of decaf after the first shot of caffeine in the morning. It's really fun to hop from one K-cup to another during the day, enjoying the differences between brands. The Keurig outside my office has become very popular, as well. Co-workers stop by regularly and drop money in the jar. They love the variety.

Post# 863959 , Reply# 4 1/25/2016 at 08:24 (3,012 days old) by chachp (North Little Rock, AR)
Checkrate/Likes *You have some lucky co-workers.* My taste has also changed over the years. I used to prefer darker roasts but the past few years I find I prefer a Medium to a Light Roast. I was even roasting my beans for a few years. I really got into it. I bought a drum roaster, the scale, the works. But after a while it got really frustrating because just about the time I found a bean I really liked there would be a drought, or they'd be out of season or for some other reason they were no longer available. I drank Gevalia's Stockholm Roast for 20 years and then they discontinued it. I was so bitter. Every six weeks it showed up in the mail like clockwork and I had to do nothing but pay the bill. Needless to say once I find one I like I don't want to switch. I really like the freshly roasted beans and was even sharing some with friends but then BAAM. The one I liked was no longer available. So now I have been buying the Dunkin' Donut Original Roast Beans. Those aren't too bad. I'd like to start roasting again but I have to get back to researching different types of beans, etc. It really is a fun hobby. This time though I think what I need to do is understand more about the different regions where coffee come from, etc. so when the beans become unavailable I am better prepared to try one that might be close. It's just another thing to take up my spare time and that seems to be at a premium these days.