I used to drink coffee every morning as a kid.  That has been more than two decades ago.  I can tell you for sure, I know the difference between a bad cup of coffee and a cup of coffee that grabs you like the face of a lover.

Brewing coffee is not for everyone.  Some people can have a brewer, grinder, a shelf of mugs, the best coffee money can buy, and still will not brew their own coffee.  It is an art, and some people would rather buy their art rather than attempt to pick up a new craft.

Everyone can pick a great coffee though.  Whether you are ordering coffee from a restaurant, or like DiVinci skillfully creating a masterpiece each morning, you can find great beans, and drink great coffee.

Trial and error are going to play a huge part in deciding what you like.  How to brew it, and where to buy it are also going to be factors.  Ask yourself the following 5 questions.

1. Where do I primarily shop?

Your neighborhood grocery store is a great place to start.  Get a few “sample” bags with a couple ounces of coffee to try out of the bulk section.  Make sure you write the blend name on the bag, or you will be sorry!  Grind each blend to the same semi-course level and brew with a french press.  French presses can be found almost everywhere and cost between $10.00 and $50.00 (Yes, I am aware some cost a couple hundred, but why get carried away?)

Make the taste test fun, by adding a couple of friends for a “blind” tasting.  Don’t flavor the coffee at this point, you want to taste the coffee for quality before you commit to a large quantity.

2. Am I willing to go out of my way, or shop on line?

I HIGHLY advise shopping on line.  Many small companies ship coffee  all over the country, cost less than retail at a local shop, and arrive at your door.  If you join a coffee of the month club, such as the one at Nectar of Life Coffee company, you will get two bags of coffee each month for one low price.  Their selection is excellent, and you cannot beat the quality of the Ethiopia Sidamo.  Best of all is Nectar of Life’s commitment to Fair Trade and organic certification.  You can visit them at www.nectaroflife.com.

3. Do I have the money to invest in a few key pieces of equipment?

First, check around.  Stores like Ross, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Burlington Coat Factory all have unbeatable prices when they have stock in coffee related pieces.  You will need a grinder, a French Press, and a couple of mugs.  That is it.  The whole thing should be around $50.00.  French Press coffee is strong like espresso, and one cup in the morning ensures that you don’t have the remainder of a pot of coffee from a standard coffee brewer going to waste.

4. Do I have time to brew coffee?

If you do not have time at all to brew coffee (French press can be done in about 5 minutes) head to a drive through.  After trying McDonald’s coffee, even the new version, my advise is keep driving.  Unless you are going to ask for double syrup, the coffee is just wrong.  And if you are over age 20, you don’t need that much sugar in an entire week.

Starbucks fared better than ‘ol Mc Donald, but still fell short.  The beans are characteristically burned and while that may be okay for the syrupy crowd, the black coffee and Americana group, is going to cry foul.

5. What flavor characteristics do I like to taste in my coffee?

Some like nutty, berry, or chocolate flavor notes in their coffee; while others like citrus, green bean, and woody flavors.  I like the former.  My favorite coffees are great with a touch of cream and no sugar.  They can stand out with flavored syrups, but don’t require them in order to stomach the entire cup.

The most important thing in picking a coffee is for you to decide what you like.  Don’t follow the crowd or choose coffee just because it is there.  Life is far to short to drink putrid coffee.  Like most other fantastic experiences you will have to practice, and with time, you will create your very own morning magic!