What's Brewin' Here? 

a wee table of contents in case you get jittery

• Just-Found Deals
• Just Added: New Things to Drink Coffee From
• Buy Your Coffee Here and Save $$
• Things Any Coffee Lover Needs
• Not Just About the Buzz
• Beans? What about 'em?
• New CafePress
• How to Make the Best Pot of Coffee
• Snap, Crackle, Pop?
• Coffee Species
• The Grind about the Grinder
• How's your Caffeine Level?
• Get With the Grind with These
• A Brief Word about Single-Dose.. err.. Serving Coffee
• How Do You Take Your Coffee?
• Good Coffee? Bad Coffee? Coffee on my Shelf
• Whole Bean Coffee
• New CafePress
• Coffees to Make Your Day
• Coffees that Don't Get to Be on My Shelf
• Flavored Coffee?
• Care and Storage of Coffee
• Brew Up Some With These
• Decaffeinated, Please
• Let's Talk Energy (Drinks)
• Energy Drinks
• Previously Appreciated Coffee Doodads
• Useful? Helpful?
• Leave Some Beans About You

Just-Found Deals 

The nice people at CoffeeForLess.com sent me this and asked me to share it with you. It's a coupon to use during your shopping with them. 5% off Coupon Code: CFL


Pretty neat, huh?

You can use it on any coffee purchase, but here's a list of their most popular ones:

Caribou Coffee K-Cups
Chock Full O` Nuts Coffee
Golden Empire Specialty Coffee
Green Mountain Hot Chocolate K-Cups
Martinson 100% Colombian Coffee
Millstone Home Cafe Pods
Senseo Coffee Pods & Machines
Wawa Coffee
Wolfgang Puck Coffee

Just Added: New Things to Drink Coffee From 

Fresh out of coffee mugs? Take one of these to express your true feelings about coffee. The text reads: no I don't think I drink too much coffee no I don't think I drink too much coffee no I don't think I drink too much coffee no I don't think I drink too much coffee Why do you ask?
Matching tiles are also sold separately. For the truly thirsty, grab the BIG mug. Same message applies.

Jitterbugs Mug

From: Celtic Elegance

Price: 14.99

Buy Your Coffee Here and Save $$ 

Then check out this one...

Of course I'd love it if you read the entire Coffee, Caffeine, Java, Joe, Buzz Juice lens if you have time. But if you don't, and you're racing through to find a great deal on Folger's coffee, this is a great place to pause and purchase. This coffee stop is for Folgers Gourmet Supreme Ground, and offers a convenient 3-pack (which I love personally - there's NOTHING worse than waking up to find out that I'm out of coffee).

Folgers Gourmet Supreme Ground Coffee, 34.5-Ounce Bags (Pack of 3)

For best brewing results, use one tbsp coffee for a single 6 fl oz serving or use 1/2 cup coffee to make 10 - 6 fl oz servings. This canister makes 240-270 suggested strength 6 fl oz servings.

The coffee is great and I like to receive three at a time, delivered to my door, so that I don't have to worry about it for a while. It's great coffee, I highly recomend it.

Amazon Price: (as of 12/02/2008)

Things Any Coffee Lover Needs 

Caveman Coffee Large Mug

From: Art of FoxVox: Celtic Knotwork, Spiral Art Designs

Another gotta have: pictographs of cavemen stumbling toward what might just be a coffeemaker on their cave wall!

Price: 16.99

Not Just About the Buzz 

It's not even about the buzz per se. It's that rich elegant deep aroma that lingers between nose and heart. It's the anticipation, the guesswork - will this be the perfect cup? Pure and unsweetened or a raging maelstrom of tastes and attacking scents that leave me breathless.

Will this mug be a welcome morning wake-up, or a life-changing experience?

If you've ever had a demitasse of Turkish coffee, and experienced the moment where the top of your head separates from the rest of your body, when the room spins counterclockwise for about ten minutes, then you know what I mean about life-changing experiences.

If you've ever settled down with what you hoped would be the dulcet deep tones of a great cup of coffee, taken a sip and found it to be shallow and tasteless, you know what I mean as well.

Beans? What about 'em? 

Coffee is coffee, right..?

• 
  Americas - moderate to medium, grown primarily in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Colombia (may also be classified as arabica or robusta)
• Arabicas - strong to very strong, grown primarily in Kenya, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania
• Pacificas - extremely full-bodied, grown in Java, Sumatra, New Guinea, Sulawesi
• Kona- extremely expensive, heavily aromatic, known as Certified Hawaiian Kona but can be found in less pricey blends
• Blue - very expensive, strongly aromatic, medium strength, known as Certified Jamaica Blue Mountain but can be found in less pricey blends

How to Make the Best Pot of Coffee 

• Select the freshest of coffee beans with a good aroma
• Choose a blend or varietal that suits your preferences
• Grind coffee immediately before brewing
• Start with a completely clean coffeemaker and pot
• Use the coldest water possible
• Use filtered or bottled water if your tap water is harsh
• Measure carefully, following guidelines on coffeemaker
• Remove pot from burner after percolation, to prevent 'cooking'
• Serve hot, or as iced coffee, using 'coffee ice' cubes to chill

Snap, Crackle, Pop? 

What are these strange terms used to define coffee?

• Snap: acid level of the brew
• Body: the brew thickness, mouth feel
• Aroma: the smell of the coffee
• Strength: the ratio of water to coffee grounds, independent of the 'strength' associated with the bean

Coffee Species 

• Arabicas are considered to be a high quality but expensive bean, one of the oldest of the main species of coffee plants.
• Robustas are considered to be of lesser overall quality to arabicas, with significantly more caffeine. It is commonly used in commercial blends as a support ingredient, as it lacks flavor as a solo performance.
• Liberica, indigenous to Liberia
• Esliaca, indigenous to southern Sudan

The Grind about the Grinder 

• The finest grind produces a powder which can be mixed directly with hot water, the method for making Turkish coffee.
• A rapid grinder is more likely to change the taste of the coffee since the process generates heat. If this is a concern, use a manual grinder.
• For espresso, a very fine grind is preferable, but don't turn it into powder. Work rapidly to avoid heat buildup.
• For a percolating coffee pot, coarse grinds will be more than acceptable. Give the grinder a frequent shake to keep the bean pieces in contact with the blade or burr.
• Experiment with grinder settings and try to imitate the look and feel of your favorite commercial coffee brand. Rub a pinch of the commercial between thumb and forefinger, then test your own results. With a bit of practice and grinder adjustment, you'll do fine.
• A burr mill will produce more consistent results and are more easily adjusted.
• Although most burr mills and other grinders can be disassembled and cleaned, some residual taste is likely. Don't use your coffee mill to grind spices or vice versa!

How's your Caffeine Level? 

Get With the Grind with These 

've had five coffee mills over the space of the last 35 years. Technology has improved in that time, so I'm sure that you won't find anything nearly as cumbersome, expensive and just plain loud as the first one I bought. I can't even remember the brand now (thankfully), but when I'd turn it on, the house shook and nearby airports complained.

The one I used up until my current one was a Braun which followed me faithfully for nearly 15 years before giving up the ghost and failing to work. This was not its fault. Although loud enough that we didn't really need an alarm clock, it was small and easily stored, though not easily cleaned. When making your own buying decision, make sure to read the cleaning instructions - you can probably find them online.

My current grinder is a total joy. I had never heard of the brand (Maestro by Baratza) until my husband found it online and purchased it (shortly after the Braun failed to be coaxed back to life, despite his expertise with repairing anything). It is quiet, easily adjustable, easily cleaned, with a large enough hopper than I can get enough beans in at one time to grind for an entire morning's worth of caffeine dosage. I am completely pleased. (That's a picture of it above to the right.)

Krups GX4100 Electric Coffee and Spice Grinder

Krups Fast Touch Electric Coffee Mill features a 3-oz. bean capacity and grinds coffee beans from coarse to fine in seconds. The pulse action button lets you determine the degree of fineness. It can also be used to mince fresh herbs and dried spices.

Amazon Price: $27.45 (as of 12/02/2008)
List Price: $40.00

A Brief Word about Single-Dose.. err.. Serving Coffee 

I spent quite a few years travelling on business and memorizing the interior spaces of way too many hotel chains. One thing they all had in common, though (or most of them), were itty bitty "four-serving" personal coffee pots, fueled by those little tear-here packets of Regular or Decaf.

That's four servings if you are an elf using teensy weensy folded-up leaves as coffee cups. If you're a human (and many of us are), that four servings is just barely enough to get the eyelids pried apart well enough to find more tear-here packets and brew up a second or third pot.

Now, to add insult to injury, there are these weird little inventions with cute little names like Senseo and Tassimo, SINGLE serving things that are supposed to brew one cup of coffee each. This sounds great in theory.

Great if you have a very good supply of those little disc things they can't seem to survive without.

But what if you run out of little disc things, and all you have is a big two-pound can of Folgers?

It sounds like there's a compatibility competition going on between brands of one-serving coffeemakers and their single-serve things. Remember Sony Betamax versus VHS format for video systems? Same same. T-pads for Tassimo, K-cups for Keurig, pods for Senseo, and the list may go on. I don't know which works with what or the other, and I won't be the first kid on my block to find out the hard way.

But I digress. There are several single-serve systems out there, and they all seem to be similar yet different yet the same. I'll dig up some facts and factoids and throw them in here as I find sense to the situation.

How Do You Take Your Coffee? 

Good Coffee? Bad Coffee? Coffee on my Shelf 

Who's to say.. it's a matter of personal preference

• Madison Blend (French & Italian roasts) - Jones Coffee Roasters - whole bean. Still unopened, this Christmas present is on my emergency rations list, where any first-time coffee gift goes. I look at it warily once a month but haven't yet worked up the nerve to try it. Looks good though...
  
  UPDATE - I ran out of canned normal coffee, so on a whim I ground this up and gave it a shot. It has a deep dark roast and a full-bodied taste, not a lot of snap and, I'm guessing, not a ton of caffeine. By itself it's quite drinkable.. with a couple of scoops of Mocha to cut it, it's very very good.
  Rating:
• Albertson's Classic Roast - it's ok, and it was at a good price compared to my usual daily coffee which is...
  
  UPDATE: Good as it was, I wouldn't buy it again, unless I'm feeling broke at the moment (not an uncommon feeling, addicted to coffee as I am).
  Rating:
• Yuban Dark Roast - an arabica with a nice bold flavor that gets me moving in the morning, but in a pinch I'll settle for...
• Folgers Gourmet Supreme - a very dark roast that stands up to almost anything, though it doesn't say if it is an arabica or a blend.
  
  
  Easily one of my favorites, and I especially like being able to order it online and get it delivered three canisters at a time. Since it doesn't take as much coffee to brew a nice strong cup, each canister lasts quite awhile. And best of all, I don't run out unexpectedly!
  
  Rating:
• Maragogype from Gevalia's Limited Edition - an arabica from Mexico / 'Central America' made from Maragogype giant green beans. This stuff will lift the top of my head off, so I cut it back with Yuban half and half before brewing.
• Mocha from Gevalia - one of my mainstays, a South America arabica with a delightfully cocoa undertaste. Since I'm notoriously cheap (see other lens about how thrifty I am!), I do whatever I can to cut this back and keep it going.
• Pecan Torte from Gevalia Seasonal Release - this is akin to their other seasonal specialty called Creme Brulee. To Die For. Both are far too good, and both of them get cut back with Yuban so they last longer.
• Trader Joe's House Blend - Colombia & Sumatra Dark Roast - whole bean, 100% arabica, very rich and heavy. The beans grind well at a coarse burr setting but have enough oil in them that the grinder needs a thorough cleaning after a few days.
• 100% Pure Kona Coffee - Dark - from Kona Coffee Cafe - and that's all the label says. But when you open the seal and take a slight whiff, it's heaven. Deep, rich, robust, like a well-oiled Rolls Royce of coffees. Speaking of oil, it's rich in that as well, and demands special care in the burr grinder. That's ok. For this eccentric bit of caffeine, I'll go the extra mile. I've been nursing this one pound package for about 7 months, which speaks highly for my capacity for self-control (with anything except chocolate.. different upcoming lens).
• American Coffee - well, it's not on my shelf but I wish it was. The coffee I refer to is what is served in SeaTac airport as you get down to the luggage retrieval go-rounds, and is easily one of the best coffees I have ever had at an airport.
• MacDonald's - not on my shelf either. But believe it or not, I don't recall ever getting a bad cup of coffee from a MacDonald's drive-through, on either coast or in the middle of America. It is always fresh - it is always hot - and I have never, before nor since their relabeling with stronger warnings, had the urge to pour a cup in my lap and sue Ronald. I have, on the other hand, nearly spilled it due to a case of the giggles at reading the Contents May Be HOT warning. Well.. DUH. It's coffee. It's supposed to be hot.

Whole Bean Coffee 

yes, including Starbucks

In order to maximize your viewing experience, I've moved the coffee display. Sorry for any inconvenience this might cause.

Coffees to Make Your Day 

We all have our own personal preferences for brands, grinds, varietals, dosages, and the like. I'll try to keep my personal preferences out of this list - I'd rather hear what YOU like. But, love em or hate em, you have to admit, these are some top notch beans. Mmmm Jamaican Blue... and my coffee shelf still has room on it!

^#1

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Jeremiah's Pick Coffee Jamaican Blue Mountain Blend, Whole Bean, 10-Ounce Bags (Pack of 3)

Pack of three 10-ounce bags (total of 30 ounces). more...2 points

Pack of three 10-ounce bags (total of 30 ounces). Blend of Central American and legendary Jamaican Blue Mountain beans; 100% arabica. Smooth and elegant with delicate flavor and buttery bouquet.2 points

^#2

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Lavazza 4202A 2.2 Pound Super Crema Espresso Whole Bean

Premium Lavazza whole bean espresso. Traditional e more...1 point

Premium Lavazza whole bean espresso. Traditional espresso with a full, rich taste.Naturally sweet, creamy and decadent flavor.1 point

^#3

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Caffe Appassionato Organic Shade Grown Espresso Roast, Whole Bean, 12-Ounce Bags (Pack of 3)

Case of three 12-ounce packages of whole bean coff more...1 point

Case of three 12-ounce packages of whole bean coffee (total of 36 ounces). Organic espresso roast with a smooth but strong finish.1 point

^#4

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Maui Coffee Company 100% Kona Coffee (Whole Bean), 8 Ounces (Pack of 2)

Brewing Tips: We suggest using one tablespoon of c more...0 points

Brewing Tips: We suggest using one tablespoon of coffee for every 6 ounces of water (purified water preferably). If you feel the cup is too strong, scale back accordingly.0 points

^#5

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Pura Vida Whole Bean Coffee, Café Kilimanjaro, 12-Ounce Bags (Pack of 3)

Three 12-ounce bags of whole bean, extra dark roas more...0 points

Three 12-ounce bags of whole bean, extra dark roast coffee (total of 36 ounces). Extra dark whole beans with full-bodied taste and powerful aroma.0 points

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Coffees that Don't Get to Be on My Shelf 

Personal preferences... your mileage may vary

• Peet's - even their mildest is too strong for me
• Starbucks as served in the ubiquitous Starbucks store on the corner of every city in America (almost) - my taste buds rebel. To me it tastes stale and chalky.
• Tasters Choice - regular or decaf - the best thing I can say about TC is that it makes great coffee-flavored cake frosting. I have no idea why.

Flavored Coffee? 

Care and Storage of Coffee 

Care and feeding of your precious caffeine pays off

I can spend all day telling you how to care for your coffee, but wouldn't you rather hear it from the experts at the National Coffee Association? I'm sure they won't mind if I quote them a bit, and their information carries a lot of weight:

According to them [quote]:
Storage is integral to maintaining your coffee's freshness and flavor. It is important to keep it away from excessive air, moisture, heat, and light -- in that order -- in order to preserve its fresh-roast flavor as long as possible. Coffee beans are decorative and beautiful to look at but you will compromise the taste of your coffee if you store your beans in ornamental, glass canisters on your kitchen countertop. Doing so will cause them to become stale and your coffee will quickly lose its fresh flavor.

It is important not to refrigerate or freeze your daily supply of coffee because contact with moisture will cause it to deteriorate. Instead, store coffee in air-tight glass or ceramic containers and keep it in a convenient, but dark and cool, location. Remember that a cabinet near the oven is often too warm, as is a cabinet on an outside wall of your kitchen if it receives heat from a strong afternoon or summer sun.

It is wise to purchase coffee in amounts proportionate to how quickly it will used. Coffee begins to lose its freshness almost immediately after roasting so it is far better to purchase it in smaller quantities. Purchase freshly roasted coffee frequently and buy only what you will use in the next 1 or 2 weeks. And because exposure to air is your coffee's worst enemy, it is a good idea to divide your coffee supply into several smaller portions, keeping the larger, unused portion in an air-tight container.

If you've purchased a large quantity of coffee that you will not use immediately, small portions, wrapped in airtight bags, can be stored for up to a month in the freezer. Once you have removed them from the freezer, however, do not return them. Instead, move them to an air-tight container and store in a cool, dry place.

[end quote]
By the way, their website is a great fun read and wealth of information about coffee facts and statistics.

Brew Up Some With These 

When you select a coffee maker, you're making a decision that's based on a lot more than the fact that you drink coffee. Do you drink one cup at a time or do you serve several guests? Do you prefer to have your water automatically filtered, or is the water in your area great straight from the tap? Do you like old-fashioned, retro lines, or are you more of a modern and futuristic sort? The Braun KF600 Impressions made my decision quite easy. (The water filter is what made up my mind... our water can taste like sand at times!)

Braun KF600 Impressions 10-Cup Thermal Coffeemaker, Brushed Stainless Steel

Braun KF600 Impressions Coffeemaker - There's nothing typical about this coffeemaker. It offers sleek styling with a thermal carafe that helps keep coffee warmer and fresher for preserving taste over longer periods. It has a Brita Water Filter to assure your coffee taste is impressively delicious.

Amazon Price: $189.95 (as of 12/02/2008)
List Price: $89.99

Decaffeinated, Please 

Let's Talk Energy (Drinks) 

Energy Drinks 

For when it's just too blasted hot for hot coffee

I must admit I was a little leery of trying an energy drink, especially after seeing the 'Red Bull gives you Wiiiings!' commercials on TV. But to be honest, they're pretty dang good. When it's too hot to drink coffee or I'm too busy to make my favorite iced coffee drink, I'll gladly opt for one of these. The fact that there are both regular and sugar-free versions is another definite plus for me.

HSN81137 Energy Drink, B Vitamins and L-Carnitine, 16 Oz, 4/PK

Amazon Price: $7.71 (as of 12/02/2008)
List Price: $9.99

Liquid Lightning Sugar-Free Energy Drink, 8.4-Ounce Cans (Pack of 24)

Amazon Price: (as of 12/02/2008)
List Price: $32.00

Previously Appreciated Coffee Doodads 

Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by

Useful? Helpful? 

Leave Some Beans About You 

want cream and sugar with that commentary?

You visited, and we'd like to hear from you. Pencils and spare napkins are off to the left of the check-out counter!