New coffee drinker seeking advice.

[looland]

Hi folks,

Thanks for having me and it is great to be a part of the community,

I have only just started drinking coffee, and am hoping I can get some advice on how to drink the best coffee, and therefore perhaps become
a coffee snob like the rest of you!!!

I have only bought 2 enclosures of coffee thus far, being the nescafe blend 43, and moccona. After reading in here they are apparently inferior to brewing... or some other type / method of drinking coffee...

As there are a million coffee products out there for sale, and so many a rip off or not the real deal, I could research forever trying to find the best coffee for me to make at home. but I was hoping someone could put me on the right track here -saving me a bit of time!!! So which coffee is the best? most powerful? And what is the best way to make it? I understand opinions will differ... but are there any measurable standards that would allow one to assess what they are drinking? Perhaps ingrediants listed on the label?

Also, one potential downside of drinking coffee I have noticed so far, is the acids it releases in your stomach, which does affect the bowels. Is there perhaps a way around this? Maybe there are types of coffee which are lower in this acid content? Or maybe there is a way to counteract it?

thanks guys, looking forward to hearing from you.

[Journeyman]

Most of your questions don't have answers that DON'T depend on you and your taste. Most CS-ers seem to prefer espresso style which requires an investment in machines and grinder as ell as some time spent learning to do it right. All styles of making coffee will be better with fresh-ground beans so look at getting a grinder no matter which you try.

Find a good café and try the espresso/latté/cappuccino there and watch how they make the coffees. Cofee isn't really about how 'powerful' but about the taste.

Those belly problems are more likely from drinking instant than something real coffee causes, although it is possible you are caffeine sensitive. Doesn't mean you have to stay away from coffee though - my wife is sensitive and I get decaf beans from the local roaster for her. She loves her coffees...

[Rocky]

Hi Looland,
I am assuming that as a beginner in this great pursuit, you are wanting to get a foothold fairly cheaply and work up from there as you gain more knowledge and experience.
I am thinking that maybe a "Moka Pot" (stovetop pot) might be the way to get the best coffee at the cheapest outlay. (Google 'Moka Pot') or even 'Coffee Pot' to see some options.
Another 'budget' option is a 'French Press' - again - Google 'French Press'.
The most important factor however is the quality of the beans you use and this is more difficult as you wont be able to buy them in a Supermarket (stale and inferior)
You really need a bean supplier close to where you live so that you can buy in small amounts (250g max) and have them grind them for you as well (unless you want to spend money on a grinder)
My stomach is also sensitive to more 'acid' beans (perhaps associated with cheap beans and light roasts) which I avoid.
It would help to know where you live and whether you have noticed any coffee roasters or bean suppliers (other than Supermarkets) in your vicinity.

[madaxle]

Suggest you buy small bags of coffee beans 250g max from this website or your local coffee shop. get a hand grinder and make some coffee at home.
Don't buy coffee from the supermarket. It's crap and won't be any good.

And welcome to the new world of coffee!!!!

[richard_m_h]

If you don't go for a Moka pot, a pour over (google it) isn't a bad way to start. And a hand grinder. Hario Skerton works for me.

[LeroyC]

are there any measurable standards that would allow one to assess what they are drinking? .

No.


A common natural progression for at home coffee brewing would be:

- instant
- coffee bags
- drip filter (machine or pour over)
- stovetop coffee pot
- espresso machine

This is roughly the path I followed, with no real planning at any stage and it seems I'm not the only one. Just start somewhere, do some reading see how you go.

[CoffeeFever]

Hey Looland

Unfortunately as Journeyman advised, there isn't really a correct answer to your question as it comes down to personal preference.

My suggestion would be to explore various methods of brewing - drip, press, syphon, stove top. All of these methods are relatively inexpensive compared to buying a quality espresso machine. From there you will start to notice how different flavours evolve with different brew styles. You may even start to learn a little about the beans and their profiles. Also depending on your budget maybe look at an entry level espresso machine to get you started.

As LeroyC mentioned 'start somewhere & do some reading see how you go'. Enjoy the experience and give everything a shot (no pun intended).