3 Tips for Brewing a Great Cup of Coffee

Your timing could not be more ideal, considering America's current coffee boom. Quality coffee beans--sourced ethically from specific growers (terroir is as important for beans as it is for grapes) and expertly roasted by artisanal roasters--have never been easier to find. But just as crucial as who sources and roasts the beans is how you buy, grind, and brew them.

1. Buy whole beans (rather than preground) with a "roasted on" date. Yes, coffee beans (like spices and dried beans) have a limited shelf life. Look for beans roasted within a month of the purchase date. Also, get only as much as you think you'll use in a week, and store the beans in an airtight jar--not in the freezer.

2. Grind the beans--preferably with a burr grinder (as opposed to one with a blade) for a uniform grind--just before brewing. As those in the coffee business say, once coffee is ground, you measure its freshness in seconds, not hours, days, or weeks.

3. Use a French press or a hand-drip filter cone for the best cup of coffee. Keep in mind that the cleaner and better-tasting the water you use, the more delicious your coffee will be. Now, with the help of a good thermos, you'll have excellent coffee and save money to boot.