I've finally got around to buying a new expresso machine and need some coffee recommendations. I've got an ever increasing pile of unliked and unwanted ground coffee building up in my kitchen because I keep buying stuff that I don't like I'm also after some decent decaff because I've discovered I can drink gallons of it and still sleep

If anyone fancies doing a coffee swap just let me know

 

The only de-caff I can recommend is Nescafe which I have been drinking for a long time and I quite like the taste. I only drink instant coffee though.

Les

 

get yourself to starbucks they have loads of different ones to choose from

 

Best I've found is "Good African Coffee", in the green packet - seems fairly widely available in supermarkets, you'll find it with the Fair Trade products.

 

I buy "Kenya Peaberry" beans in bulk online, best coffee I've tried aside from exotica such as "Jamaican Blue Mountain".

I used to use Coffee Select but they put their delivery charges up bigtime last time I used them. Last order I placed, I used Coffee Importers - South Coast Coffee Co - Kendricks who were very good.

Top tip, buy whole beans, only grind them before you use them. And it's probably worth buying a bean recommended for espresso machines if that's what you plan to use. Some beans are better used in cafetiere machines, espresso machines can scorch them and ruin the flavour.

 

No expert, but years ago a mate used to be seriously into coffee. He bought bags of various beans from all over and blended his own to suit his taste or mood. I remember if I called on a morning it would contain a lot of Java for strength to give you a kick start, on an evening he used French for smoothness. My knowledge ends there, but it was interesting trying them. There must be a book about it !

 

 

Yorkshire Tea

 

I dont like Coffee, but im never out of the shop getting Kenco Brazilian for the folks

 

Thanks John and Neil for your valued input

I'm grateful to everyone else for their input too, please keep the suggestions coming

 

Some of the nicest I've tried...

Malongo

Trying to find examples of the packaging and gubbins is a PITA though.... And trying to buy it in the UK...

Colombian - Smooth
La boutique des Cafés Malongo


Grand Reserva - Strong, more complex.
Boutique Malongo : Art de la Dégustation

Single plantation stuff...
Boutique Malongo : Art de la Dégustation
Boutique Malongo : Art de la Dégustation


J.

 

I hope you`re still using that spoon rinsing tip I gave you

 

I am actually

 

Jamaican Blue Mountain.
Expensive compared to 'normal' coffee, but just about the best you'll ever taste.

I've just had some whole beans delivered and the taste is exemplary.

Coffee Select

You can also get JBM in the Whittards tea/coffee shops now.

 

I use an espresso machine and after trying all sorts of beans, have settled on Lavazza red.
I gather you grind your own beans. It's half the fun!
Tescos do good size bags of Lavazza.
As far as I am concerned, there is no such thing as a good decaf coffee - they all taste like ****.
If I want a decaf drink, I go for tea.
Hope this helps

 

I've got a bean grinder yes

 

I like Illy. Gonna have to try some of this JBM stuff everyone keeps on about especially if Whittards sell it now so I dont end up paying loads in p&p.

Simon

 

Dont be a big poof, get some Nescafe down you and stop fannying about with Coffee machines. Everyones such an expert these days, we have a contractor at work that spends half the day pissing about making Coffee, the rest waste all their wages in Starbucks and moan they are skint, ok its nice but £2.50 compared to free, no wonder they get through a tenner a day.

 

The brand is a bit tree hugger but this is the best decaf we've had and a we've tried a lot!
(add 20% to the recommended dose)

Cafedirect - largest UK Fairtrade hot drinks company, ethical products Cafedirect coffees, Teadirect teas and Cocodirect hot chocolate

Try these for beans:
coffee shop - the bean shop - the best gourmet coffee beans

 

Ersatz

 

J4CKO - telling it like it is

 

I have tried loads of different beans and find Sainsburys continental blend coffee beans are the best for everyday use. It's a brown pack with purple on it. Watch out as the beans and ground are in similar packs.

 

I've had much better.

 

illy

 

I use Quality Coffees and Teas by the Roast and Post Coffee Co.

They have always been good for me.

PS I know nothing about coffee.

 

Not sure you can get this for a coffee machine, but Jamaican Blue Mountain is rather nice, so is the price, worth it tho.

 

I'm with a few of the others - illy

Whilst I drink quite a lot of the 'leaded' (from Costco - about £7 for two tins) the decaf is actually very good - and you struggle to tell the difference... good crema, good taste, etc. As a rule I hate decaf (especially instant!), but illy decaf is different - it's drinkable.

Try a tin, either "red" (leaded) or "green" (decaf) - you won't regret it!

 

Thanks people

 

Jamaican blue mountain is the only way forward. Very pricey but worth every pound

 

I buy ground from lidl for the office.

Cracking stuff for the money!!