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CreepyPie
71
Oct 24, 2017
I hate coffee. Every time I try to drink it, no matter who or how they made it, I just cannot handle the bitterness. I much prefer chocolate milk over coffee.
But here's the thing: I need energy. In the afternoon, I often find myself drowsy and have to resort to energy formulas to get some pep back (Currently using Gfuel and it works well for me).
So here's my question for you: How can I get into drinking coffee? Should I even bother, or would I be better off drinking some alternative or doing something else entirely?
SidEvolution
25
Oct 24, 2017
CreepyPieI was the same way until the beginning of this year. Preface: I have both GAD and GERD (anxiety and acid reflux) so regardless where I wanted to get my energy boost from, I could only have a bit of it.
I first tried energy drinks but the cons to it were too overwhelming to justify keeping to them (expensive, sugary, high acidity). I decided to try coffee.
The toughest part of coffee is when you first start learning to brew. You have to figure out what you like. A beans flavor profile can vary so much. - Origin (geographical location) - Age pre-roast - Roast method (cinnamon roast all the way to italian roast) - Age post-roast (time from roast until brew) - Ground or Whole Bean ( whole bean keeps the flavor significantly more intact) - Method of grinding - brew method -- water temperature -- water (minerals, etc) -- brew time -- pressure and I'm sure im missing parts to it.
BUT don't let this overwhelm you
Once you find what you like, oh it is just amazing
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FancyRedFox
94
Oct 24, 2017
CreepyPieLook for a shop that roasts their own coffee, and try to find a Light Roast! Dark roasted coffee is by far the more commonly found type (generally speaking.) Dark roasts are characterized by their bitterness, which is what many people assume coffee just tastes like. Lighter roasted coffee, as long as it is of fair quality will be characterized by it's sweetness and complexity of flavor. You can certainly have a bitter light roast if you over extract the coffee, but I highly recommend you try a few different kinds! Dark roasts will generally have similar characteristics because the original bean flavors are literally being cooked out of the coffee, but in lighter roasts you will find flavors related more to the region the coffee comes from and the way it was processed.
A224H
4
Oct 24, 2017
FancyRedFoxAs an alternative to the bean, you could also try a different method. Aeropress, pour overs, drip, and French press can all make the same beans taste different. You can also try cold brew or nitro coffee for a different take.
row1
12
Oct 24, 2017
CreepyPieThe way coffee is prepared heavily influences the bitterness. If you hate the bitterness, I'd try cold brew. The cold and long brewing process isn't as harsh on the beans, so the flavor will likewise be less harsh. If cold coffee isn't your thing, using a french press or pour over brewing method will taste different than a typical drip brewing method. Ideally, you want to find methods to extract the caffeine and flavors from the bean without doing it too quickly.
takeshi
37
Oct 24, 2017
CreepyPieYou probably just haven't had truly good coffee but I'd also second the comments suggesting cold brew.
TRSUPERG
22
Oct 24, 2017
row1Cold Brew and make with cream and sugar. Can add flavord syrups (eg, Monin brand). If you like it hot, just microwave it. That's what I do for guests b/c I don't even own a coffee maker.
sethpandah
4
Oct 24, 2017
CreepyPieGet yourself something really sweet, like a frappuccino. The way I got into coffee (and I HATED bitter coffee) was making it almost as sweet as chocolate milk. And then easing my way into darker coffee until I can almost drink my coffee just plain. I'm no expert, but from a young, inexperienced coffee drinker, this is how I did it.
CreepyPieConsider trying a high quality cold press coffee (not Starbucks). Coffee that is truly brewed at room or refrigerator temperature is way less bitter. And tastes amazing.
You-zoo
2
Oct 24, 2017
CreepyPieI would recommend trying a lighter roast brewed using a pour over method. I got into coffee by purchasing some lighter roast beans on a whim from a local roaster and was instantly smitten by the wine -like characteristics of the brew!
teesui
5
Oct 24, 2017
CreepyPieI'd recommend trying cold brew coffee (even the one from Starbucks would work, either the "regular" or nitro cold brew)
but don't fret! Coffee just doesn't sit well in some people's stomachs. in that case, maybe try tea?
MikeMD
1100
Oct 24, 2017
CreepyPieI would ecco what others have said: start with great beans and a proper grind, good water, then an aeropress for hot coffee and try cold brew as well. Both seem to be really great for making a cup of coffee that isn't too bitter
jugtree
82
Oct 24, 2017
CreepyPie@CreepyPie I can see that my esteemed MD posting mates here have some great ideas. I too had though coffee to be bitter and didn't give it much of a chance until one night years ago, before enegery drinks were a thing, though "I need a coffee to keep me awake". So I proceeded to grab a cup of whatever was being served at the event I was attending, and poured what I thought was milk and spooned in some (read 'lots') of sugar into my cup. I was blown away at how smooth this cup tasted, but quickly realized it was the cream, not milk, which took my cup of generic joe to great heights. That was some 20+ years ago, and only recently have I become precious (read "sometimes snobby") about my coffee, it's origin, brew method etc. I am still a milk and touch of sugar type of guy, and there is lots of be said about how the coffee is brewed (cold, hot, fast slow, drip, press, blah blah), it's origin, etc etc. I brew about 5 different ways at home, have a dedicated travel brewing rig, know where the Tim Horton's (Oh Canada!) and Starbucks of the world sit on my preferance list. But to build it down for you, try and start with a coffee with 2-3 cream and 2-3 sugars (possibly more) and you will hopefully find a flavour you will like.
Once you're in a good spot with that, then have a look at doing some cold/hot brew at home, pick up an Aeropress ($30-40), hand held grinder ($40-60 and a good quality locally roasted coffee bean, and get to work on brewing at home. You can swap out the aeropress with a filter holder and filters for pot over brewing too.
Drip, press, pourer coffee has much more caffeine than espresso based drinks, so take note if you are inclined to PSL it this festive season.
I love my chocolate milk, and recognize I've offered you an entry into coffee with lots of fat and sugar. But you will find over time the you can back off the volumes of both as your palate gets tuned into the coffee you like.
aGuyAtMD
12
Oct 27, 2017
CreepyPieCaffeine pills. After an hour of research, I've settled on buying from Piping Rock. Their pills break easily in half, which you will probably want - I take a quarter of a pill most times. (Place on flat surface, press on opposite sides of the pill with your thumbs.)
There are times I want coffee, and times I want caffeine. And If I want caffeine when I don't want coffee, I would much rather spend a penny or two on a pill than on a drink I don't want.
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