My highly-anticipated Coffee Fool delivery arrived Friday, and three days later than it was expected to arrive, but I suppose I can credit the busy holiday week for the sluggish mail system. By the time I got into my kitchen I was very eager to have at it.
It ships in a plastic, air-tight baggy, zip-lockable to keep the fresh in. Once I had it out of its shipping box, I read the packaging through and through. There weren’t many surprises, although one thing did jump out at me: Coffee Fool recommends freezing your coffee to help keep it fresh. I’ve heard it told both ways, and it seems that’s always been a big question, to freeze or not to freeze? But this is the first time I’ve heard a creditable source give any advisement. Once I had the bag open I have to say I was surprised by the aroma. It filled the whole house almost, and was wonderfully fragrant. I’ve always loved the smell of coffee, maybe even more than the taste, but opening this bag of coffee unleashed a lot more aroma than what you usually get with coffee, gourmet or otherwise, and if anything it was even more pleasingly aromatic.
The instructions were simple: One tablespoon of ground coffee for every six ounces of water. So I whipped out the ol’ burr mill and ground enough for six tablespoons, added 36 oz of water to the old Sunbeam coffee maker and switched it on.
Normally I like my coffee strong and black, with just a bit of sugar to soften the blow. I’ve gotten into the habit of purchasing dark-roast coffee, which, according to Coffee Fool, means burnt coffee. Coffee Fool proclaims they only roast their beans to medium or “American” roast, so I was surprised, when the coffee was ready, at how dark it was. And when I poured my first cup I was equally surprised at how rich it was.
Is this coffee superior to all others? I wouldn’t say that. I wouldn’t say it’s much better than what you can get at Starbucks or at a local coffee shop (which is where I usually get mine). I would say it’s superior to anything you can get at a grocery store, vastly superior to anything pre-ground. Don’t ask me about instant. I don’t even qualify instant as coffee. Instant coffee is to coffee what “orange-flavored drink” is to orange juice.
Now, one very important thing to keep in mind is this: I purchased the lowest-end brand of coffee available on Coffee Fool, their Columbian Supremo. Coffee Fool has a lot of coffee, and if this is their most ordinary, I am very intrigued and willing to sample some of their more premium brands. So: I’m moving up the coffee ladder at Coffee Fool, I’ll let you know how it goes.
If you liked that post, then try these...
The Miraculous Coffee Entry on October 16th, 2007
The Answer to Great Coffee? on November 16th, 2007
November 25th, 2007 at 8:31 pm
If it’s going to be your prefered drink, might as well spend the money on it to get the good stuff. After suffering through college beer and thinking I didn’t like it I found real ales, which I do enjoy. I’ve tried hard drink, and other than good wine, I can’t stomach most of it. So if I want to drink alcohol, it’s going to be beer. I don’t skimp on it. I also do drink it that often.
But of coffee is going to be the beverage of choice on a daily basis, it’s better to enjoy it.
November 25th, 2007 at 8:35 pm
Thanks for the update Bro. I am still holding out for your opinions on the higher grade stuff. Since this first go-round was not much better than Starbucks, I’m not sold yet.
Lemme know…
AL
November 25th, 2007 at 10:32 pm
Steve: Right on. The problem with me is the bar is set pretty high when it comes to coffee. I like coffee, but it has to be primo stuff for me to stay interested. As for beer, I’m there with you again. I love Guinness Stout and quite a few of the upper shelf ales, too. I wish I could be so refined that I could say I enjoy a good scotch or whiskey, but damn that stuff just makes my eyes water and my guts burn. … This is a subject I can ramble on and on about, so I’d better stop now :-)
Al: I’ll finish this batch off in a few weeks, maybe a month, and then I’ll get some of the finer stuff and let you know how it turns out.
April 7th, 2008 at 1:15 am
I’ve ordered from Coffee Fool a number of times. They suggest that their coffee has a sweet aftertaste, unlike most other brands.
They’re right. I love the stuff, and haven’t found anything to match it. Even Starbucks tastes burnt.
It’s a bit spendy, but I’m sold.
April 7th, 2008 at 7:55 am
JoeBob: Now that I’ve been using it for awhile, I’m inclined to agree with you. I just got my latest shipment (Hawaiian Kauai blend) and it might be the best coffee I’ve ever had. I’m going to treat myself to the Jamaican Blue Mountain one of these days just to see what all the hubbub is about.
August 16th, 2008 at 9:42 am
I’ve been ordering Coffee Fool for about a year now. I usually order the less expensive roasts, like Nicaraguan, Mexican, etc. I’ve sampled almost all of the 100% pure blends so far, and Colombian has actually been my least favorite. If you’re still sampling flavors, I’d suggest the Tanzanian (which does have the “zing” that they advertise), or the Hawaiian Kauai blend, which is probably the best tasting coffee I can remember having (just like Matt).
August 20th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
I haven’t had the Tanzanian yet…so I’m thinking it’s going to be next. Thanks for the suggestion!
August 29th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
This coffee is the best I have ever had. It is the best part of my morning. Keep up the great work and remember those who are counting on you each and every morning. This coffee is great over ice too! Thank you. Joan B