Originally Posted by Clawhammer (Post 977976)

Definitely the Starbucks model. Dusty Ol Man is right that there is a fine line, and of course there is always subjective taste. I find any beans roasted to the point of being oily unpalatable (and also fouls up the grinder).

I am lucky enough to live in a city that has a great local roasting culture. Most of what I buy is roasted here in Portland (Stumptown, Blue Kangaroo) and probably not available nationally. Trader Joe's "Wake Up" blend is my go to for reasonably priced but flavorful coffee.

Originally Posted by Keysguy (Post 977997)

My wife and I are both coffee junkies and will only buy whole beans which we grind ourselves. We have even gone so far as buying green beans and roasted our own, blending several different types and roasting strategies.
Honestly, from a time and price perspective, the best store beans we've found are Sam's Club Members Mark French Roast and Breakfast Blend beans which we mix evenly before grinding.

If you've never watched it, 'Dangerous Grounds' was a very entertaining and educational TV series that was showcased on I think either Nat Geo or Travel channel several years ago. The show follows coffee guru Todd Carmichael as he travels the world in search of the perfectly grown coffee bean. Not sure if it's streaming anywhere but worth a watch if you find it.