I Love Coffee, But...

[MountainDon]

... but it doesn't like me as much as it used to.    For some time I've limited myself to one cup a day most days. Brewing one cup is a bother. Brewing more and saving it for the next day is ugly. Instant coffee would be convenient, but they've pretty much been disappointing to downright bad.

I have discovered the solution! Others may be interested so here it is.

Cafe Bustelo Instant Espresso. Yes, instant.    I came across a review of a couple dozen instants online a short time ago. The absolutely raved about it. To quote...

"Sip or skip? Sip and sip and sip again
Pass for brewed? Easily
Tasting Notes: We had to buy a second jar because our colleagues kept stopping by to "borrow" spoonfuls once word got out. It kicked the kiester of our office kitchen's major label brew with a rich, bold flavor comparable to its non-instant incarnation. As much as we dug VIA, Bustelo's more friendly per-serving price makes this the tip-top cup."

Their second rated was a Starbucks instant; Via. I tried it but at near a buck a cup I thought it too dear.

The difficult part was finding some Cafe Bustelo. It is not carried by the chains as a rule. Wal-Mart did carry the ground variety. Then the internet again came to the rescue. First I found it on ebay. But the shipping cost was outrageous, plus maybe the vendor wouldn't have it when I wanted some again. Then I found Java Cabana.  http://www.javacabana.com/   I bought a $2.75 two ounce jar to try, and great news; they ship that free by UPS ground. It came yesterday and I've ordered more in the 8 ounce jar for $7.70.

[Redoverfarm]

Coffee. I think I would be a total loss without it. I probably drink more than I should.  Don have you looked into the little one cup makers.  I know they are probably expensive but they are convienent.  Just put a preloaded container(similar to creamer cups) in add water and in 1 minute it is done. I had an oppurtunity to try one not long ago and it was good.  They have a multitude of flavors and varities to choose from. No pot to wash as they dump it into your cup rather than a pot.

[peternap]

I'm with you John. I have to have it. When I changed my diet I started drinking Decaf. That lasted 3 weeks. I don't drink as much now...but it is 100% pure high test

If anyone wants to lose weight, get diabetes. I had to buy new pants again yesterday. I lost 6 inches off my waist and all my old ones were falling down. I looked like a rap singer holding them up. Had to use bungie cords

But the coffee stays!!!

[pagan]

I've never had a cup of coffee in my life, so the need/requirement/addiction some people have for it baffles me.

[diyfrank]

I make half decaf and half regular in a 5 cup drip.  If I make a pot in the evening it's decaf. I can't tell any difference.
I've tried different instant coffees and I think the key is the temperature of the water that makes it good or bad.
I've quit drinking it at times, but I miss the taste. I try to stay away from caffeine as much as I can, It make me feel old and sore.   

[considerations]

I like this idea, I've not pursued it, but its on the list of future experiments. 

DIY coffee concentrate..touted to have less acid, all of the caffeine.

pitcher
12- cups water (adjustable)
1 lb coffee

Put the water and the coffee in the pitcher.
leave it to soak for 24 hours.

Remove the grounds from the liquid by pouring through a filter.

Using the concentrate to make coffee seems to work out to about 1 part concentrate to 3 parts water, its a taste thing.

The concentrate keeps in the fridge for about 2 weeks.

[MountainDon]

Sounds like an experiment to be pursued, considerations.