Favorite coffee

danimal15 - Are you looking for coffee to brew at home or just a coffee shop I seldom drink decaff by itself but I drink 100% caffeinated coffee less than half the time - I mix in different proportions of decaff depending on my need for a 'jolt.' Ilike the taste of coffee and tend to drink a lot .

I wouldn't describe myself as a gourmet coffee drinker but Folgers Gourmet Blend is the supermarket brand I would buy if that's all I bought; it isn't widely available and the decaff version is even harder to find, but that's what I use mostly. I stock up whenever I find it in the stores. It has scored highly for several years in Consumer Reports coffee tastings. Another one CR recommends is Chock Full 'o Nuts 100% Columbian Decaff but I like blends, not straights.

CR also gives high marks to Millstone 100% Columbian decaff; that's usually carried by Wally World and Sam's Clubs.

Seaport Dark Roast and Mellow Joy are two brands I've learned about in this thread. I've been drinking Seaport Dark Roast almost exclusively lately; it's very good. It's not that common here but I find it from time to time and I've also seen a Seaport Regular Roast decaff, but haven't tried it.

I think I like Mellow Joy a little better than Seaport but it has to be mail-ordered and I haven't gotten around to putting together another order from cajungrocer.com. There is a decaff version of Mellow Joy.

Hope this helps.

For anybody else: there are radio ads running here claiming Community Coffee is served at Brennans in NO. Anybody know if that's true . A lot of people here rave about Community and I've tried a lot of different varieties but never been all that impressed. (On the other hand, I don't believe I've ever had coffee at Brennans )

quote:

Originally posted by danimal15

Has anyone here ever run into a decent cup of decaf coffee? I can't handle caffeine very well. But the decaf at Starbucks is undrinkable.

For me, decaf coffee is like non-alcoholic vodka: why bother? [|)][|)][|)]

I second that opinion Michael !!

If all I can get is decaf .... then I'll take water and save the 2 bucks !!!

You know, you're right. Vodka is decaf. Why not just switch. Like the old Folgers television commercial:

"What Bill doesn't know is that we switched his usual cup of coffee with pure Finlandia vodka. Sure, Bill is looped come 9:00 am but no longer does he have that pesky coffee breath."

Thanks for the decaf suggestions, hermitt4D. I'll try to find some of those.

I hope Michael Stern is wrong with his analogy to non-alcoholic vodka, but the more decaf I drink, the more right I think he is. I typically have to add lots of cream and sugar to make it taste like anything, but I sometimes just need to have a hot drink on my desk at work.

quote:

Originally posted by hermitt4d

danimal15 - Are you looking for coffee to brew at home or just a coffee shop I seldom drink decaff by itself but I drink 100% caffeinated coffee less than half the time - I mix in different proportions of decaff depending on my need for a 'jolt.' Ilike the taste of coffee and tend to drink a lot .

I wouldn't describe myself as a gourmet coffee drinker but Folgers Gourmet Blend is the supermarket brand I would buy if that's all I bought; it isn't widely available and the decaff version is even harder to find, but that's what I use mostly. I stock up whenever I find it in the stores. It has scored highly for several years in Consumer Reports coffee tastings. Another one CR recommends is Chock Full 'o Nuts 100% Columbian Decaff but I like blends, not straights.

CR also gives high marks to Millstone 100% Columbian decaff; that's usually carried by Wally World and Sam's Clubs.

Seaport Dark Roast and Mellow Joy are two brands I've learned about in this thread. I've been drinking Seaport Dark Roast almost exclusively lately; it's very good. It's not that common here but I find it from time to time and I've also seen a Seaport Regular Roast decaff, but haven't tried it.

I think I like Mellow Joy a little better than Seaport but it has to be mail-ordered and I haven't gotten around to putting together another order from cajungrocer.com. There is a decaff version of Mellow Joy.

Hope this helps.

For anybody else: there are radio ads running here claiming Community Coffee is served at Brennans in NO. Anybody know if that's true . A lot of people here rave about Community and I've tried a lot of different varieties but never been all that impressed. (On the other hand, I don't believe I've ever had coffee at Brennans )

Yes, Brennan's does serve Community. In fact, given that they have by far the best coffee service going in New Orleans, almost everybody does. I'm enjoying a cup of dark roast with a good kerplunk of fresh heavy cream (unhomogenized and not ULTRA pasteurized) right now.MMMMM

I did go by and pick up some Mello Joy on my little jaunt through Cajun Country on Tuesday, but took it to work to have there instead of the foul black water that is dispensed by the cheapskates I work for.

quote:

Originally posted by danimal15

Thanks for the decaf suggestions, hermitt4D. I'll try to find some of those.

I hope Michael Stern is wrong with his analogy to non-alcoholic vodka, but the more decaf I drink, the more right I think he is. I typically have to add lots of cream and sugar to make it taste like anything, but I sometimes just need to have a hot drink on my desk at work.

danimal15 - I took a look at the cajungrocer.com site and I guess Mello Joy doesn't have a decaf - at least they don't carry it. Community does, but I think only in their regular roast.

I think I have an overdeveloped, hyperactive sipper . At work, I'm likely to have a big cup of water, an open can of soda and a cup of coffee near by at all times. At home, I may have two of those by the computer. I'd like to be able to drink all the coffee I want (and did for years) but I find I have to temper it with some decaf.

Also, I got the name of the Folgers variety wrong, it's Gourmet Supreme.

Mayhaw Man - thanks for that info. There are a lot of people here who swear by Community. By coffee service, you mean those little packets? The stuff we get at work its hard to tell if its any good or not, since it makes such a weak brew . At night, I use a pack and a half, but have no decaf to mix in so I compensate by drinking decaf soda. I've tried taking coffee from home but someone during the day has the combination to my locker and it disappears in a hurry and the company could, like, care less .

Any opinions here on "stomach friendly" coffee. I have tried Imus Brothers brand and couldn't tell any difference. Right now I am trying out another from Puroast of Woodland, CA. (888 4 puroast) Pretty good, but a little tame for my taste. I usually prefer French Roast, but a lot labeled that way is NOT.

quote:

Originally posted by hermitt4d

Originally posted by danimal15

Mayhaw Man - thanks for that info. There are a lot of people here who swear by Community. By coffee service, you mean those little packets?

No, by coffee service I meant the delivery service. We have Community as an independent brand here with it's own service and you can now get PJ's along with the delivery of your Kentwood Water Products (New Orleans has for years had the largest per capita consumption of 5 gallon bottled water in the country....which is strange, becasue our tap water wins all kinds of taste awards). Between Pj's, CC's, and Covington Coffee Works they have pretty much managed to keep Starbuck's at bay, one of the few urban markets in the country where that has happened.

quote:

Originally posted by Mayhaw Man
Between Pj's, CC's, and Covington Coffee Works they have pretty much managed to keep Starbuck's at bay, one of the few urban markets in the country where that has happened.

AND when you do a comparison, CC's (from their little Starbuck's imitator shops, or just the coffee from the bag) you will choose Community. The availabilty of those fine Louisiana produced coffees is what really makes the difference.

quote:

Originally posted by Mayhaw Man

quote:

Originally posted by hermitt4d

Originally posted by danimal15

Mayhaw Man - thanks for that info. There are a lot of people here who swear by Community. By coffee service, you mean those little packets?

No, by coffee service I meant the delivery service. We have Community as an independent brand here with it's own service and you can now get PJ's along with the delivery of your Kentwood Water Products (New Orleans has for years had the largest per capita consumption of 5 gallon bottled water in the country....which is strange, becasue our tap water wins all kinds of taste awards). Between Pj's, CC's, and Covington Coffee Works they have pretty much managed to keep Starbuck's at bay, one of the few urban markets in the country where that has happened.

Starbucks at bay my admiration for NOLA grows . I never thought Starbucks would catch on here because people like very weak coffee (and because of the heat).

I think we're talking about the same thing here - the delivery services here deliver the little pre-measured packets - but not CC, it's no-name stuff.

So tell me, has NOLA figured out a way to keep Subway from running all the little sandwich and sub shops out of business

favorite coffee........ hmmmm that's a tough one..(for home brew) i used to be a firm folgers drinker.. nothing could be better.. until i was introduced to JFG coffee-- it's the BEST i've ever had in a home coffee machine.. as for out of home brews-- STARBUCKS can't be beat!!! they are the best...:)

Several years ago, I traveled through Coatepec in the state of Veracruz, Mexico. I smuggled back two kilos of the local whole beans. (The bags were still warm when purchased.) It lasted almost six months - six months of heaven.

Some time back Sam’s had Chase and Sanborn coffee. I knew the name but had never had it. It was the best coffee I ever made at home. I went back to Sam’s to get more and, naturally, they didn’t have any more, nor have they carried it since. I can’t find it in the stores, either.

best coffe you can buy IMO is jimacan blue mountian. it is quit pricey but it is a great treat once in a while. It is pretty hard to find sometimes, but there is a small store in Addison Mi called woodstock wine and cheese that stock it regularly. shoot me and email and I can get the number or address to see if they will ship it. Barry and Kimberlee, MI

quote:

Originally posted by olphart

Some time back Sam’s had Chase and Sanborn coffee. I knew the name but had never had it. It was the best coffee I ever made at home. I went back to Sam’s to get more and, naturally, they didn’t have any more, nor have they carried it since. I can’t find it in the stores, either.

Hi olphart,
Chase & Sanborn has been part of a corporate divestment. Back in 1999, Nestle sold it (and Hills, Chock Full o'Nuts and MJB) to Sara Lee, who is no longer the cute little girl we all remember and didn't not like.
Apparently, they are still working out the marketing strategies.
hungrycharlie

Not what they drank on the Titanic. Sorry, somebody else's pun.

Thanks, Charlie. I did a search on them and found everything I ever wanted to know about Chase and Sanborn, everything, that is, except where to find it. That one can I bought may have been a fluke, but it sure was good.

I think a lot of times we get into a rut, in a way, of trying different coffees but using the same methods. By that I mean we may use X number teaspoons of coffee per pot with Brand A, and then use the same measurement for all other brands we try. Could be that Brand B would taste better by using one more or one less teaspoon. That could make all the difference.

Just a thought.

I do a good bit of experimenting with coffees, buying anything new I see, grinding my own, blending different brans, etc. I find my preference is a French Roast, sometimes blended 2 to 1 with an Espresso.

At the moment, I am drinking Newhall Blend from Newhall Roasting in Newhall, CA. (newhallcofffee.com) Quite tasty.

A friend recently told me about cafe Britt. www.cafebritt.com It comes straight from the plantation in Costa Rica and is delicious!

My favorite Coffee brand is Barnies coffee.The flavors from there i love are: Cool Cafe Blues,Santas White Christmas(which you can get all year now!),Creme Brulee,Thier Toffee Coffee, and Rasberry Mocha. But i will drink pretty much any coffee..even if its horrible. Im no longer doing drugs, but i have to have my caffiene everyday or i get a headache. thats bad isnt it?

After living in New England, South, Midwest and now in the West.
I would have to give my vote to Peet's Major Dickenson.

The best in New England 1960's for me was A.P.'s Bokar.
The best in Florida Mid60's-USAF chow hall
The best from Kansas- Paradise Restaurant Lawrence.
All in all for excellent everyday coffee it's Peet's made with boiling spring water at home, put through Melita filter, 1tbsp. Maple syrup and a little Half and Half.

Nirvana in a cup.

Our office coffee is Folgers and comes in these little bags. I also use two and I double filter. Makes it come out slower.

My home coffee is Mello Joy Dark Roast and it is by far the best I ever had. The only problem with it is you can only get in in Lafayette, LA or order it over the internet. Last time I was in Lafayette, I bought 15 pounds. Mamaw Smith has got it shrunk wrapped in her freezer. I hope it keeps OK.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

Current fave is Dean & Deluca's Soho Blend, mild. At $12 a pound, not including shipping, it's not cheap. But you get what you pay for.

Anyone see the Good Eats episode on FN on coffee? Very educational, and he finishes with the plight of decaf. Basically, it comes down to economics. Getting coffee decaf requires expensive processing plants and equipment. So if you see beans the same price as their "nitro" cousin, they must be using inferior beans. Gotta recoup the cost somehow...

I bought my first bag of Krispy Kreme's "Robust" (SHOULD HAVE SAID BOLD--Robust is decaf, and I don't do decaf) blend yesterday, put it through an expresso pot and drank it along with a few of the fresh "Hot Now" delights. What a great coffee, and the combination swept me away! But the fact that this was a first time diversion from a month of Atkins might have made the taste a bit more special than it otherwise might have been.
This coffee beats Dunkin Donuts blends (and Starbucks) by miles!

ive had coffees from all over the world kona on the big island to the medicine they serve at starbucks but dunkin donuts is the coffee i love the best.chock full of nuts is second and i know on this website it is heresy to admit this

I always liked Dunkin Donuts coffee when I've lived in other parts of the country but they don't seem to have a location in central Indiana. Any suggestions?

In my youth, I sought out all those exotic whole bean brews...Cafe Express in Evanston, IL (don't know if it's still there) had the richest, most flavorful, robust coffee I ever had and I've not found anything like it since. Ethiopian Harrar (sp?) was my favorite.
Now that I'm old and my tastebuds are shot, I buy Millstone Columbian (2 lb bag at Sam's Club)grind it fresh every morning, keep the rest in the freezer. But I have to have real cream...not half and half...the real, thick stuff.
The best restaurant coffe I've ever tasted is at Walker Brothers, a chain of upscale pancake houses in the Chicago suburbs. It's strong and hasn't got that beany cereal-like taste that you get with most food service coffees, which is what you find at restaurants. And they serve it with a tiny pitcher of whipping cream but you have to ask for sweet 'n low (I can't have sugar & don't like Splenda in coffee and get nauseated from Equal in hot drinks)I guess all the old ladies steal it)

First off, I will say to those with stomach problems that freshness has a lot to do with my heartburn problems post-java. I always could tell how fresh a cup of decafe was at Denny's by how many creamers I needed to get it to the right color (two). During one visit a server clued me in that this was due to how old/burned the coffee was. Simple notion, but at this point I began noticing also how often I had heartburn after having those cups of old coffee. So you might try mentioning you'll still order something to drink, but you need to know the freshness of the coffee before ordering it for health reasons. I would bet most times they'll be upfront in that situation (at least that's what I've found).

I will also chime in with the other fans of Jamaica's Blue Mountain Coffee. It has a wonderful taste, but woefully expensive outside of the island. The cost isn't too bad inside the airport duty-free shops, so you might want to wait until leaving the country to make your purchase. The prices on the net are horrible, though!

And being being from Seattle, I have been assimilated by the mermaid-borg. I initially became interested in them when I heard of their policy of providing full benefits to all their part-time workers, but the taste got me hooked as well. At the McDonald's around here they serve Seattle's Best Coffee, but I have found it's a little too bitter for my taste (and it would also help if they could learn to make the coffee w/o the grounds inside more than 50% of the time). When at home, I usually drink Starbuck's sumatra blend.

I've heard of this chicory stuff from one or two people from the south, but never had it. I'd love to try a cup out of curiosity. Can anyone describe it?

I'm a real coffee snob. I won't drink any coffee that isn't in a cup, a mug or a saucer.