Just found another hobby!

[teoulennon]

Being the novelty seeker that I am, especially in hobbies that make use of my palate, I've always just stumbled upon new things to get into. Well I just discovered coffee! I'm a big fan of beer, cigars, wine, cheese, and tea but never thought of getting into coffee.

Anyway, today I was at the mall and decided to stop by starbucks just for the hell of it. I had heard that French press was the best way to make coffee, so I said I'd like a French press of decaf coffee (I'm a health nut and used to be addicted to coke products) she said "what kind?" I was surprised! I got to pick from diff varieties and chose the house blend.

Long story short, I thoroughly enjoyed it! I drank some black, then added some milk just to see what it would taste like. I can see how cigars would be an amazing pair! I think I'll be ordering a French press tomorrow!

Is there any particular brand/type coffee (decaf) you guys reccommend?

[Tarks]

Get yourself some Kona coffee. IMO, the best coffee out there.

[teoulennon]

wow thats expensive! Of course I'm comparing that to starbucks and ritual coffee, a couple of the only roasters I know. Roughly how many cups of coffee would you say you you can get out of 1lb of coffee beans?

[Tarks]

Ya, it's pricey shat but definitely worth every penny. I have no clue. Could be a fun contest though! lol. I'm going to guess 500 cups.

[Mister Moo]

Homeroasted decaf was the best I ever had; store brands I've tried were very disappointing by comparison.

You are roasting your own coffee by now, right?

[teoulennon]

I first read your post and thought "yea, right", thinking it would be too much of a hassle for someone just getting into it. But after watching a few youtube videos and what not, I think green beans might be the first ones I order!

Is there any particular brand you recommend or place to order from? sweet maria?

[Sigarz]

I think Im still at the cremosa/white owl stage of coffee drinking, dont get me wrong I LOVE great coffee but in general my daily cup comes from dunkin donuts coffee grounds or maxwell house. cheap stuff. always need something else to pour money into right?... lol

[Sigarz]

Originally Posted by teoulennon

I first read your post and thought "yea, right", thinking it would be too much of a hassle for someone just getting into it. But after watching a few youtube videos and what not, I think green beans might be the first ones I order!

Is there any particular brand you recommend or place to order from? sweet maria?

John your Avatar gives me nightmares!

[Cigary]

Originally Posted by Tarks

Get yourself some Kona coffee. IMO, the best coffee out there.

One of the chief reasons the wife and I go to Maui every year,,,for coffee and for me to smoke cigars on the beach at the Westin Villas.

[teoulennon]

Originally Posted by Sigarz

John your Avatar gives me nightmares!

HEY! Don't talk about mah woman like that! (She's very sensitive) Isn't she beautiful?!

[The Postman]

Welcome to another slope brother. Its another great hobby you can learn about in five minutes and spend a lifetime exploring!!

[Bigtotoro]

Not a drinker myself, but the wife is. She leaves it up to me to do the research and seek it out for her. Kona Extra Fancy is her favorite so far.

[MrJerry]

Originally Posted by teoulennon

wow thats expensive! Of course I'm comparing that to starbucks and ritual coffee, a couple of the only roasters I know. Roughly how many cups of coffee would you say you you can get out of 1lb of coffee beans?

You should get 60-80 8oz cups per pound...it does depend on the amount of beans you start with.

[Mister Moo]

Originally Posted by teoulennon

I first read your post and thought "yea, right", thinking it would be too much of a hassle for someone just getting into it. But after watching a few youtube videos and what not, I think green beans might be the first ones I order!

Is there any particular brand you recommend or place to order from? sweet maria?

If you are going to get a roaster to learn with, the Fresh Roast is well regarded; people get one and use them for years. If volume becomes an issue you can make a change down the roast. The IRoast is nice, but pricer. And there are always old reliable popcorn air poppers but they can be hit or miss.

As far as beans, it's hard to do better for getting started than with the Costa Rican hardbean for sale at www.ccmcoffee.com at $3.80/lb. It's a larger bean, easy to roast and makes a very fine brew. All in all it's a cheap sport, cheaper than $12.00 x 12-ounces at Starbucks, that offers a lifetime of great pleasure and high quality.

[Jumes]

I order all my beans from Sweet Maria's. Good selection and nice descriptions to give you a good idea of what to expect. They also offer samplers so you can get beans from a variety of areas to see what you like. Moo makes a very good point regarding using a less expensive bean to learn roasting. Regarding the Kona, unless you are very careful it is sometimes hard to get a good Kona that will live up to it's price. Make sure you spend your hard earned money with a reliable supplier. I love a good Kona or rare Jamaican Blue Mountain when reliable and the funds allow. I also enjoy Sumatra Sidikalang or Mexico Organic Nayarit Dry-Process. Lots of varieties to experiment with, just like cigars.