Starter Coffee

[AndrewWiggin]

On a thread in The Speakeasy I asked about what to drink with a cigar. Instead of whisky or any other alcohol, some had recommended I try coffee instead.

So, what is a good coffee to drink with my pipe or cigar?

Keep in mind: I don't drink coffee, and in fact really don't like the taste (I know it's an acquired taste).

I think I'll need something pretty light to start off with.

Thanks!

 

[tsmba]

I'd say choose a good coffee shop and try some of their brews. If you aren't a coffee drinker, buying brewers and beans to start is an expensive proposition.

 

[Jasonian]

The poor soul lives in Dallas. There aren't many good options in that area.

I would suggest buying online. I'd like to start you out by pointing you in the direction of Counter Culture Coffee. Their flavor descriptions are generally pretty accurate. Read through the descriptions of their different coffees. Find one that appeals to you, and try it out.

This assumes that you have a coffee grinder. If you do not, then get one. (even if it's a cheap one. fresh-ground is better than pre-ground, even if that means stomping on the beans with the heal of your boot)

What sort of brewing options do you have available?

 

[brady]

I think the most important part of picking a drink to go along with my pipe is to actually enjoy the drink in the first place.

If you want to develop a taste for coffee then by all means continue but if you are just looking to experience the combination of cigar/pipe and coffee I would move on to the next drink.

On to the question. I like any of the Ethiopian beans brewed with a french press to complement my pipe.

 

[Jasonian]

I tend to avoid the pipe and coffee combination, personally. I tend to find flavor conflicts, rather than enhancements.

Cigar and coffee can complement well, but it depends on the combination.

Of course, I tend to prefer a good beer or martini with a cigar, and bourbon with a pipe. (albeit, those are rare times, but those are my general preferences)

I do find tea to compliment a pipe well from time to time. Depends on the tobacco and the tea.

 

[AndrewWiggin]

Well I would like to enjoy my cigars with a drink and have been told that coffee works well. I've also had a lot of good recommendations for alcohol, but I want to actually try out some coffee too.

Right now all I've got is a French Press. A friend of mine works at Starbucks, which I don't really like but she has a lot of coffee materials (grinder, free coffee, etc.). I was planning on bumming off of her until I decide if I want to continue.

I've read some French Press how-tos and don't understand the roasting part. At what point are the beans roasted and do you do that yourself? Also, what's a good burr grinder that wouldn't break the bank, should I wish to continue?

 

[Glassonion]

"All" you've got is a french press? Unless you're looking to make some espresso drinks, I fully believe that a french press is the single best way to make coffee. Just make sure you use the right temperature water (just below boiling) and remember to stir the grinds and water before you let it sit for 2-3 minutes.

As for the roasting, most people don't roast their own beans. That is usually done by the place you buy the coffee from. Some people do roast at home, but it tends to require more time/effort/equipment than most are willing to put in. I would recommend trying to find a local coffee roaster/shop that can provide you with a good mild-medium body blend of something that is fairly fresh. There is nothing like a good cup of coffee that was roasted 2 days ago. I would suggest only buying enough coffee to last you for a week or so, especially if you don't have a grinder yet. Tell the coffee shop that you need it ground for a french press (it will be quite a bit coarser than for a drip coffee maker) and it will keep fresh for about a week. You can get away with storing it longer if you have a grinder at home.

As for a burr grinder, I am hoping to get this one pretty soon. It is the least expensive one that doesn't get absolutely abysmal reviews for reliability and quality.

Good luck!

 

[Hayslip]

Seriously consider Dunkin' Donuts coffee. I'm not even kidding. You can get it at just about any grocery store, and It is a good starter coffee until you can move onto stronger and more flavorful coffee. Don't knock it until you try it!

 

[AndrewWiggin]

Seriously consider Dunkin' Donuts coffee. I'm not even kidding. You can get it at just about any grocery store, and It is a good starter coffee until you can move onto stronger and more flavorful coffee. Don't knock it until you try it!

So you've told me... Didn't I tell you I can't brew coffee? I only have a French Press, and I'd assume buying Dunkin' Donuts coffee will be finely crushed, which I've read isn't good for a French Press.

 

[Jasonian]

So you've told me... Didn't I tell you I can't brew coffee? I only have a French Press, and I'd assume buying Dunkin' Donuts coffee will be finely crushed, which I've read isn't good for a French Press.

It's a myth. You can brew it just fine. In fact, I tend to use an espresso grind for my french press brews.

The grind particle size dictates the dwell time, and not a whole lot else.

Shoot for about 3 or 3.5 minutes. You'll be fine.

That having been said, freshly ground is far better.