Like highlights and coffee, there are a few things a recession just can’t touch. I foolishly had been thinking that buying discount beans at Market Basket (anything around $7 or under an lb) was making me solvent. When in fact inferior morning pick-me-ups was bringing me down. When I came across a display of Zachary Dean’s Beans , roasted in Littleton, for $9.99 a lbs. the other day, I had a economic dilemma on my hands. I really wanted to give this brand a go. Under the guise of research, I put America’s Son, a medium roast, in my basket and moved on. But then a few steps away a deal on Peet’s Coffee— $7.89 a pound — gave me pause. Major Dickason’s blend no less. That’s a pretty good deal, I’ll put Zach back. But I really had to know if these beans were as different as Kevin, the roaster, said they were. According to the bag, he started roasting beans on his grill when the commercial crap no longer would suffice. I feel his pain. What’s $2 anyway? Life’s too short to drink cheap beer, but you don’t knock one back everyday (not speaking for everyone). So there I was at 8 p.m. grinding up a batch and coming up big. The gamble paid off. From the texture (thick) to the color (earthy chestnut) to the taste (like none other coffee out there) I was hooked, line and sinker. This co. has only been around a few months, with beans avail. mere weeks, but the cashier at Donelans said they have been flying.
Have you cut back on beans? And if so has it pissed you off?
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My everyday brew is either dark sumatran or french roast from Trader Joe's. It's a pretty good deal (although it's no longer a full pound). My favorite local coffee is A & E Roastery (www.aeroastery.com) in Amherst, NH.
Posted by Jeff from NH | March 2, 2009 9:29 PM
Posted on March 2, 2009 21:29
I got hooked on Peet's in college as we had one on campus. However, they don't carry the whole bean Peets at the Maahkit Bahskit and I don't want to go to Hannafords or Stop & Shop for that one item ( and/or edible meat or veggies ;-) ). So, I've been getting the Equal Exchange Dark Roast at Brew'd and have been very happy with it.
Posted by Corey | March 3, 2009 11:06 AM
Posted on March 3, 2009 11:06
Actually I love Equal Exchange's Mind, Body, Soul and its nice price. Anyone been to the new EE cafe near North Station?
Posted by GG | March 3, 2009 11:15 AM
Posted on March 3, 2009 11:15
I'm a big fan of anything from A&E Coffee Roasters on 101A in Amherst, their tea and coffee is wonderful. (The toasted almond makes an awesome iced team in the summer.) If I'm craving a flavored blend, which is rare, I like the Butterscotch Toffee by Speeder & Earl's, they are based out of Vermont. I usually pick up a bag at Cooking Matters on Main street in Nashua.
Posted by LostInLowell | March 3, 2009 1:01 PM
Posted on March 3, 2009 13:01
Since I'm plugging all my favorite spots, I should also mention Batian Peak in Billerica. They have great coffee and tea and a great story. Check 'em out at http://www.batianpeak.net/
Posted by LostInLowell | March 3, 2009 1:09 PM
Posted on March 3, 2009 13:09
Huh, I haven't tried that blend. I try to go for the dark ones (I get Midnight Sun), but Mind, Body, Soul sounds interesting. They describe them all on their site it looks (http://www.equalexchange.coop/coffee-blends) and apparently, they are Massachusetts based?
No, I haven't been to that cafe. Is it anywhere near Trinity Financial's new development down there? (http://www.trinityfinancial.com/sub/avenir.html). These are the people doing the HCD in Lowell. Always thought the Bulfinch Triangle looks like home :-P
Posted by Corey | March 3, 2009 1:11 PM
Posted on March 3, 2009 13:11
When I do drink coffee at home I buy the Allegro beans from whole foods. Very good, but very expensive :( But I only drink coffee at home once a week so a bag lasts a while!
Posted by Cait | March 3, 2009 9:00 PM
Posted on March 3, 2009 21:00
Cait,
Where do you store the beans? Although they definitely lose flavor much slower than ground coffee, I find that after a few weeks my coffee just doesn't taste as good.
Posted by Corey | March 4, 2009 10:32 AM
Posted on March 4, 2009 10:32
For the freshest coffee only store one weeks worth of beans in an airtight container on your counter top. Despite popular misconception never store your coffee beans in the freezer (or batteries for that matter!) Grind only per use and your coffee should always be fresh!
Posted by Frequent Diner | March 4, 2009 12:38 PM
Posted on March 4, 2009 12:38
My husband is a fan of Peets, but is always looking for something new. I'll keep my eyes open for these beans. :)
Or maybe not, since we live in CA. Dang.
Posted by J | March 19, 2009 1:27 PM
Posted on March 19, 2009 13:27