This post contains some affiliate links. Tinker Coffee Co. provided me with coffee beans, but all caffeinated thoughts and opinions are mine.
My coffee habits have changed quite a bit in the last year. I haven’t owned a traditional coffee pot for a few years now, as I’m the only coffee drinker in the family. Instead, I have a large, insulated French press, and my routine used to be to make a full batch of it (around 2 1/2 cups of coffee) every morning. But I found something interesting about this habit: it made me less productive! I have this thing where I prefer to sit and enjoy my coffee. And so I’d drag those cups out and either answer email or surf the web for too long. Because heaven forbid I get up and get moving if I still had coffee in my cup! At the same time, all that coffee with cream and sugar made me feel less than great by mid-morning. So one day I decided that the French press would be a once-a-week thing, saving it for Sundays when I linger over the paper.
Two years ago I participated in a Tassimo House Party and received a free Tassimo brewer. I’m happy to report that it’s still going strong, and it’s my brewing method of choice most days. I like it because it’s easy, quiet and quick – no need to grind beans at the crack of dawn or think about anything other than popping a disc in and waiting a minute or two for the coffee to brew. I can operate this machine in my sleep, and 99% of the time I’m barely awake when I’m operating it. (Coffee before talkie, right people?) The built-in bonus for me is that because the discs are more expensive than buying beans and I feel a little guilty about the environmental impact of using too many discs, I limit myself to one cup a day. Still, it’s not the best coffee I’ve ever had.
I treated myself last year to a ceramic coffee dripper and an electric kettle with a gooseneck spout so that I could make pour-over coffee from home. This is the ultimate coffee treat for me. Because it takes a little more time and concentration, I save this for when I want to simply sit, sip and savor really good coffee. (This is my favorite pour-over coffee tutorial, by the way.)
If I’m going to take the time to make a cup of pour-over coffee, I make sure I have excellent coffee beans in the house. This method really brings out the flavor in the beans, so if you’re starting with anything but the best, freshest beans you’ll likely be disappointed with the final product.
A few weeks ago a delightful package showed up at my door: two bags of premium coffee beans from Tinker Coffee Co. Tinker is a local coffee roaster right here in Indianapolis, specializing in finding the best coffee beans from around the world and roasting small batches of them locally.
Each bag they sell prominently features the origin and tasting notes of the coffee, as well as date it was roasted.
The website is very helpful, with suggestions on which brewing method best suits the coffee variety. If you’re local, you can take it one step further and attend a cupping class. There you’ll learn where coffee comes from, how it’s roasted, and participate in a coffee tasting. I think it would be a fun date night (if your significant other loved coffee, which sadly mine most definitely does not) or Girls’ Night Out.
I’m not sure I’ve ever had fresher coffee at my disposal, and it made a world of difference in the taste. I even drank a cup black with no sugar, which I NEVER do! It’s a lovely treat for myself, and one that I can feel good about indulging in.
If you’re local, check out the cupping class schedule. If you’d like to treat yourself or a coffee lover for the holidays, consider gifting a coffee subscription or a sampler of Tinker selections. Tinker Coffee Co. is offering Just Like The Number readers a special discount. Get 10% off your order between now and Friday, October 9, 2015 by using the code SIX at checkout.
If you’re a coffee drinker like myself, have your coffee habits changed over the years? What’s your favorite way to enjoy your coffee right now?
Brandon says
I did the Costa Rica pour over method (Google, imo. Wood stand with sock thing on it.) for awhile and then did a french press for awhile at work. I wasn’t impressed (lol puns) with the FP. I found it didn’t stay hot enough with brew time plus creamer and that it was silty, especially towards bottom of the cup.
I’ve moved on since then – you want an Aeropress. Easier/faster than FP and better tasting, plus it’s still good value – you just use whatever ground coffee you want.
You’re welcome.
Angie Six says
Mike is not going to be happy with you, Brandon! He’s forever grumbling that I have owned/tried every single coffee gadget out there. But now it appears I need an Aeropress! Sold.
aunt Suzy says
in love with your geeky coffee cup! I take my pour over on trips #guiltypleasure
Angie Six says
We were at a restaurant in Cleveland that served their mixed drinks in those beakers and I was smitten. Reminds me of my days in the lab.