I have recently scored a bargain on a Dedica Expresso machine (thanks to OzBargain) for my partner to use at home. I have no idea what coffee to buy him as I don't drink it myself.
I don't believe he is overly fussy (he drinks nescafe blend at the moment) but wanted to get him something special.
They will have to be pre ground beans as I didn't want to get the grinder yet.
Any contributions will be appreciated.
This is the correct answer.
Specifically the "Crompton Road" blend which is, i think, many ozbargainer's favourite.
A good coffee always starts with freshly ground beans.
What's with the neg? There is nothing wrong about this statement. I personally don't see the point of getting espresso machines if you are going to use pre ground coffee.
Freshly ground and roasted within the last month are essential for good coffee. The stale beans are still drinkable and a big improvement over instant, but if you want cafe quality coffee it must be fresh.
Ive never been disapointed by international roast.
A delight for the senses. You know you're in for a good time when you pop that lid.
Those fancy imported coffees
WARNING - may contain traces of flavour.
Aldi coffee is great value for money. Otherwise if you want something that looks a bit more special get him beans from his favourite coffee shop. Most coffee shops will sell the beans that they use as retail packs.
The single-origin Aldi coffees are the ones I like best for the money (whole beans) and get a Hario ceramic hand grinder to start with (got mine for under $40). If there's only 1 person drinking coffee it will more than suffice. Took like 2mins to grind enough for a double shot. Had that for 1 year before my wife and I started to have 5-6 coffees a day between us and getting an electrical grinder made more sense especially when doing stuff early in the morning and getting 1 coffee to drink + 1 coffee in a thermos for later.
Manna Beans in QLD and Sicilia Coffee in SA are a step above Aldi single-origin and more consistently good once you're ready to move to $25-$40 coffee. I've had an average Aldi "Peru" and a "Columbia" out of about 12 bags so not too bad considering it's under $15.
Have some fun, play the field, try all sorts. Everyone's taste is different so don't automatically be put off by negative reviews. Try and keep it fair trade if it's within your means.
Maybe an unpopular opinion but I think a good instant beats a crappy espresso. And I've had some better coffees with preground than freshly ground beans. The coffee "purists" will disagree. Who cares!
Folger's but make sure his sister isn't around
You'll need to get a grinder and then coffee beans. Aldi Lazzio Coffee Beans 1kg for $12 is great value. Occasionally try some other beans on special.
Currently got a coffee of the month subscription to the Coffee Company - what I've got so far has been okay but not great, but right now I can't afford the local beans I used to get.
Can anyone who has tried a few different beans comment on the Aldi coffee? I'd like to try it but it's a big ol' bag'o'beans if I might not like it, ya know?
I did not! Thanks mate.
Five Senses