How to Make Great Coffee

Anyone who loves coffee knows one thing, what a bad cup tastes like. I was always a coffee drinker, even as a teenager. I think I started because dad drank it and well who doesn't want to be like dad. However, over the years from the late nights at college to the overnights in the Army I have become something of a connoisseur. Here are some tips to help you achieve near perfection:

I can guarantee you will NEVER have a great cup of instant coffee. I don't understand instant coffee. IInstant coffe tastes like brown wood water regardless of brand or cost. I know, I know, sometimes you are in a rush, or camping or your pot is broken. My advice, make time to brew coffee, take a generator to the woods, buy a reserve pot or drink hot orange juice with your bagel.

Use a French press. It is without question the best way to get great fresh full-flavored coffee even from cheaper beans. A French press is a tall cylinder usually with stainless steel lid and pump. French presses make the riches coffee hands down. If you prefer you coffee less strong, an automatic-drip maker is a good second choice. Stay clear however of that old percolator (sorry grandma). Percolators boil grinds destroying coffee flavor. Don't worry about price. You can get a good 3-7 cup French press between $20-$40 depending on brand.

All filters are not created equal. Would you make iced tea with a bag dipped in bleach? Stay away from chlorine-bleached filters (the white ones). Use natural filters which cost about the same but without leaving unwanted taste. If you want to be "eco-friendly", opt for a reusable gold filter. Just be aware that you will have more sediment in the bottom of your pot.

The correct amount, grind and storage are as important (if not more so) than the bean. Use about 2 tablespoons per 6-ounces of water. If you use a flat bottom filter go for a medium grind; for cone-shaped use a finer grind. A coarse grind is best for the French press. Forget what you have heard. Don't store coffee in a freezer. Also, steer clear of the refrigerator unless you want "onion" flavored coffee. Buy only what you need for a week and by all means either buy whole beans and grind them at home or use the supermarket grinder. If your supermarket doesn't have in-store grinders, switch supermarkets.

The second most important ingredient in coffee is water particularly if, like me, you drink your coffee black. If your tap water taste good enough to drink, use it. If not, try filtered water and make sure it is very cold. Stay away from distilled water it is great for cleaning you pot, but lacks minerals which help with coffee flavor. If you have taken my suggestion and purchased a French press the water should be hot, but not boiling.

Finally, remember you are drinking coffee not wine. Coffee, like bad news, doesn't get better with time. Coffee doesn't stay fresh long after it is brewed. Try and drink your coffee within 20 minutes. If you need to extend the time to a few hours store coffee in a vacuum sealed container. Even double-strength coffee only stays fresh a few hours uncovered.

Happy brewing.