Few people that I have met have ever tasted how coffee was really meant to be. All I ask is that you try it just once. I’ve seen those who adamantly hate any coffee become intoxicated by just the scent of proper coffee steeping in a french press. If you’re stuck on flavored big-chain coffee for your caffeine fix, you’re going to be in for a big shock.
I have to admit, I used to own Starbucks stock. Perhaps I secretly wished I could recover all the money I was spending. Add up your Starbucks bill and you might be suprised - around here, plain Starbucks is about $2 for a “Grande,” which measures in at 16 ounces. The average person drinks two of these a day. To keep the math simple, assume 300 coffee-days/year at two Starbucks/day at $2/Starbucks and you end up with $1200 - twice that if you order lattes instead of plain coffee.
At those prices, you could drink the most expensive coffee in the world, exotic Kopi Luwak of Bucket List fame, at $100 per pound, which prices out at about $3.50 per 16 ounce “grande” cup. A standard one pound bag of coffee will make about ten batches in a 1.5 liter french press. And that french press, at 51 ounces, is about three “grande” coffees. Let’s see, $15/pound of typical boutique coffee, $1.50 per pot, $0.50 per grande. Compared to $2 - $4 most people pay for the inconvienience and lousy quality of the product in most coffee chains (I mean, how much training do you think Johnny really got to become a barrista?) On an annual basis, the savings add up to $900 after taxes (so maybe $1500 in real dollars, depending on your tax bracket) and twice that if you are a latte sort of person or an addict.
Yes, you need a french press, a coffee grinder and your standard dorm room hot pot, at $200 in damages, to get started. But you’ll break even in two months. That’s better than any hedge fund. Even my $30/pound 100% Kona, shipped straight from Hawaii is a bargain.
Directions for using a french press are all over the internet but the illustrations here are particularly useful. Don’t get hung up on the amount of coffee to use - your mileage will vary - adjust to suit your tastes.
The big bonus? Good coffee needs no cream or calorie-laden “flavors” to make it palatable. Jenny will smile upon you.
Coffee is a wonderful beverage that clears the mind and fuels productivity. I drink far too much of it and usually will fork over for the good stuff.
My personal best…Graffeo followed by Starbucks and then Peet’s (sorry April). I have often thought about marketing my own blend…Conservative Coffee, with the proceeds going to support conservative causes.
Yeah, very little beats a really great cup of coffee to get things going.
Steve
Christian,
I love the Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee the best, but I usually drink QuikTrip on the go at $1 for 20oz.
I was at a rest in South Beach a few years back at one of the Art Deco hotels and the after-dinner coffee list had this Sumatran coffee for $45. One of the guys at the table ordered it, and they came out with this gold embossed scroll signed by the Sumatran warlord in charge of that tree and a lineage with signoff at each stage of the journey (like a chain of custody).
It smelled great.
Seize the Day,
Rob
Personal Asset Protection For Small Business Owners
Have You Covered Your Assets?
I used to do a lot of work in Jamaica - Blue Mountain is everywhere. I even got to go up an pick some raw beans. For the very best 100% Kona I have found try this http://www.roastmaster.com/. Picked locally and roasted in the store. Best evea!
Christian,
Although I’m not a coffee drinker, your post makes me curious about this Kopi Luwak coffee. I would love to try some.
Health, Fitness — Darryl Pace
My favorite is bad ass coffee in the french press. You are right, no sweetener ever needed.
No bad ass in Minnesota so I have to drink the local stuff in my press. Still not bad.
Bob Kaufer
If you MOVE like the Tin Man, you will THINK like the Scarecrow and FEEL like the Lion
I always loved the smell of coffee but hated the taste…..until I discovered HAZELNUT. (and I don’t like Starbucks) Yes, hazelnut decaf extra light with cream, no sugar —– heaven!
Lisa McLellan, Child Care Expert - Babysitters, Nannies, and Au-pairs
Christian,
Melbourne city in Australia is the Coffee Capital here. So many Melbourians love coffee. Cafes are everywhere. Cafe culture is here.
I do enjoy a good cup of coffee from time to time. Never like instant coffee. Heard that Arabian beans are the best.
The only thing now bother me iscoffee has caffeine which stimulates adrenaline production and hence supresses immune system.
John Ho
Understanding Personalities for Better Influence & Persuasion
Christian, I can appreciate your article as I am sitting in a coffeehouse. I have to agree with Rob about Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee. It is the best I ever had. Although maybe it also had something to do with my mood while sitting on the beach in Jamaica Mark glaciermarketing.wordpress.com
Hey Lisa,
Have to agree with John about Melbourne being the coffee capital here in Australia!! But nothing quite like Europe to sample the coffee culture at its finest!
And for me just a shot of caramel in that skinny chino = Heaven on a stick!
Duane
Learn Winning Persuasion Techniques that Work Like Magic by Tapping Into the Psychology of the Mind with Persuasion Expert Duane Cunningham!
Enjoyed your post… I’m afraid I am one of those Starbucks people….. although when I’m there, it’s usually about 0530 in the morning and I’m either writing or reading
Thanks
JC JC
Oh man! I LOVE the smell of freshly ground coffee beans!
That and warm freshly baked bread are my favourite smells in the world.
(Oddly enough I also enjoy the smell of gasoline, but that’s a story for another time!)
I’m just going to love reading your posts Christian. My mouth was watering even before I clicked on the link!
Keep writing!
JJ Jalopy
Life Coaching and Home Business Advice with JJ Jalopy
Hey Christian,
Nothing better than real coffee. I grew up drinking cowboy coffee working on ranches in Oregon. For the record “cowboy coffee” is dark as night, strong as love, pure as an angel,and hot as Hell! and best made on an open campfire.
Don
It’s easy to see why consumers like Starbucks so much. It’s a simple indulgence, backed by the stimulant high of caffeine and, for most, the unconscious maternalistic associations of warm milk.
From what I read, the stimulant qualities of the caffeine are actually an illusion too; if you’re habituated to it, you don’t get the stimulant effect that a non-used would.
I too worked out what I could easily spend on Starbucks coffee a couple of years ago and quickly decided that the cumulative cost was rediculous.
I enjoy making my own, but I do miss that steamed frothy milk thing that the big Italian machines do so well!
I look forward to learning more from your posts…
Philip
[Consumer Behaviour Expert]
Don,
A simple rule to remember… Everything tastes better cooked over a campfire.
I think it’s in our genes.
Rob
Nothing like coffee…mm…mmm.
I agree with Don, “cowboy coffee” hits the spot. Think I’ll have another cup right now.
Lynn
http://www.Warriorofsuccess.com
French press and Peets coffee is FANTASTIC indeed.
Although, as a Dating Coach, I recommend to singles who have met via internet dating sites to meet in a classy bar (The Four Seasons etc) and NOT at a coffee shop. Even The Four Seasons for a cup of coffee is perfectly fine. ADULT venue.
All the best,
April Braswell
Online Dating Coach, Dating Expert
I love the smell of freshly ground coffee on a sunday morning with croissants!!!
Expert in Medical Hypnosis,Success Thinking and Practical Parenting
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