Jack: coffee no longer a black hole
Coffee no longer a dark hole
I confess: I love my coffee and I can be found in the line up of one of our region�s coffee stores at least twice a day. I prefer drip coffee or a shot of espresso. This means my habit costs about four bucks a day. Not a bank breaker.
Along comes a friend who is passionate about coffee. As the months pass, he convinces me I need a coffee grinder for home and a French Press coffee maker. Says he: anyone can make better coffee than what is served as most coffee shops.
He�s right. I�m now at the point where I can bring out the distinguishing flavours of the varietals. Bet you didn�t know some coffee beans have hints of chocolate. The Kenyan Peaberry I sampled yesterday boasted citrus overtones. Who knew this stuff is just like wine.
So here is the bottom line (this is a money blog, so there needs to be a bottom line): I�m still having two cups a day, but a third of them I make myself. I have invested $250 in a burr grinder and a French Press. Factoring in the beans I buy, I am saving $25 a month. The equipment is paid for in 10 months.
That�s all great, but the real story is I have learned so much about coffee and how best to prepare it. I have met baristas and coffee-loving folks who are sharing their knowledge and passion with me. The hands on approach is taking my appreciation for java to whole new level. Money can�t buy this experience and I have just a little more in my pocket.
