Monday Musings on Coffee

I watched one of those "Rossen Reports" by Jeff Rossen on The Today Show this morning on cheap versus expensive coffee.

And while the "taste test" showed the majority of blind testers preferred the "cheap deli coffee" to the expensive gourmet stuff, there are more than a few variables that one must consider.  I don't know about the delis where you live, but deli coffee can vary in price.

I've always said that it's not price which determines good coffee.  However, there are plenty of factors that go into price that will enhance or take away from your drinking enjoyment.

For one thing, it starts with the bean.  Which leads us to "fair trade," and that whole big discussion.

There's also "brewing method" which has a lot to do with the end result.  More about that soon when I unveil my new coffeemaker.

Not to mention freshness and storage of coffee.

Water.  Filtered versus non-filtered.

Holding times.  A freshly brewed pot versus one that's been on the burner for hours.

I am not trying to invalidate the conclusions of the Today Show's "study," but want to emphasize that you can't judge a cup by its price.  There are a lot of variables involved.

And lastly, let's face it there are people who drink coffee and there are people like us, who LOVE coffee.

Bottoms up.