Coffee expertise needed

[dmclone]

I know nothing about coffee, I just drink what they give me for free at work. I do know that I'm not a fan of watered down coffee, I want something rich and with a kick.

If you were a newbie like me and you want to experiment with different beans, what would you recommend? Where is the best place in DSM to get beans? What should I be looking for? I'm assuming that I'm better off buying local rather than online?

 

[SplitIdentity]

I like my coffee like I like my women.




Ground up and in a cup.

 

[CapnCy]

I'm assuming work is just Folgers or something.

Before digging too deep into different kinds, I'd reccommend just buying some beans at the store and getting a grinder for home. Night and day difference of fresh vs ground.

I roast my own beans at home and have really enjoyed it as my next step of messing with coffee.

 

[cycloneG]

I know nothing about coffee, I just drink what they give me for free at work. I do know that I'm not a fan of watered down coffee, I want something rich and with a kick.

If you were a newbie like me and you want to experiment with different beans, what would you recommend? Where is the best place in DSM to get beans? What should I be looking for? I'm assuming that I'm better off buying local rather than online?

Find a place that roasts their own beans locally. The flavor of a roasted bean deteriorates over time.

A burr grinder gives a more consistent grind. Spice mills aren't terrible but a burr grinder will give you a better grind. Consistent grind size is key to avoiding over or under extraction during brewing.

Have you decided on how you're going to brew? A french press is best in my opinion but drip coffee makers will do an acceptable job.

Always use filtered water. A key contributor to bad coffee is bad water.

If using a drip coffee maker, try going with a mesh filter instead of paper filters.

 

[intrepid27]

I like my coffee like I like my women.




Ground up and in a cup.

I also like my coffee like I like my women.



Hot and full of liquor.

 

[cmjh10]

Throw it in the trash where it belongs

 

[Gunnerclone]

I know nothing about coffee, I just drink what they give me for free at work. I do know that I'm not a fan of watered down coffee, I want something rich and with a kick.

If you were a newbie like me and you want to experiment with different beans, what would you recommend? Where is the best place in DSM to get beans? What should I be looking for? I'm assuming that I'm better off buying local rather than online?

Zanzibar’s on Ingersoll. There is no competition in my mind in Des Moines.

 

[JM4CY]

French presses are nice but overkill and not necessary. Don’t have anyone tell you that you need one because you don’t.

 

[CloneFan4]

Are you drinking it for the taste or for the caffeine kick? I enjoy coffee but it serves the purpose of replacing my adderall prescription. Much healthier than an Rx or energy drink, while still keeping me focused at work.

 

[Cyclones_R_GR8]

French presses are nice but overkill and not necessary. Don’t have anyone tell you that you need one because you don’t.

The problem with a French press is it is a royal pain to clean.

When making coffee another important thing is do not use boiling water. It scalds the ground beans. Water temperature should be about 195.

 

[dmclone]

I bought a Ninja Coffee Bar. I'm sure it's considered the equivalent of buying a Honda Fit as a sports car but I wanted to start out with something my wife could use.

 

[Gunnerclone]

Also for super easy good coffee check out the AeroPress.

 

[BCClone]

I can no longer speak of coffee grinders after was told to enter it in urban dictionary.

 

[Walden4Prez]

Every morning of my life I wake up and begin the struggle of where my first cup is coming from. Did I setup the coffee maker the night before and set it to start? Are we out of coffee? ****, I have to run to Caseys!

On some small level it has to be similar to what a heroin addict goes through in the morning wondering when they will get their first taste before they get sick.

 

[CycoCyclone]

I use a Chemex with a burr grinder with beans roasted in the last 2 weeks, often Java Joes

 

[Entropy]

Also for super easy good coffee check out the AeroPress.

This.
Easy clean up, works like a big syringe.

I'm a big fan of locally roasted Sumatra beans. Earthy flavor, not overly bitter.

 

[jdcyclone19]

Cafe Diem in Ankeny. Locally owned and they roast their beans in store. They have the roaster out so you can actually see working if they are roasting beans that day.

If you want something super easy and quick, get a pour over set up.

 

[StClone]

Find a place that roasts their own beans locally. The flavor of a roasted bean deteriorates over time.

A burr grinder gives a more consistent grind. Spice mills aren't terrible but a burr grinder will give you a better grind. Consistent grind size is key to avoiding over or under extraction during brewing.

Have you decided on how you're going to brew? A french press is best in my opinion but drip coffee makers will do an acceptable job.

Always use filtered water. A key contributor to bad coffee is bad water.

If using a drip coffee maker, try going with a mesh filter instead of paper filters.

I agree with much of this but with one change. Contrary to what you have read, I place fresh roasted beans in an air tight glass jar in the freezer. Beans seem to keep well for a long time. Grind still frozen beans as needed if you don't have fresh roasted.

 

[cycloneG]

I agree with much of this but with one change. Contrary to what you have read, I place fresh roasted beans in an air tight glass jar in the freezer. Beans seem to keep well for a long time. Grind still frozen beans as needed if you don't have fresh roasted.

Do you thaw the beans completely before opening the container?

If not, humidity will condense on the beans when you open the container and start killing the flavor of the bean. Humidity is a flavor killer.

You can store coffee beans in a freezer but you need to follow some basic rules. The container needs to be absolutely air tight. Store the beans already portioned out so you don't have to deal with condensation.

 

[JimmyChitwood]

I like my coffee like I like my women.


Hot, black and easy going down.