Subscription beans vs. locally roasted beans: All of these subscription services produce killer coffee beans, and they all taste delicious. But none of them tastes better than locally roasted coffee. To get the most flavorful coffee that will have a direct impact on your community, it’s best to seek out local coffee roasters – whether it’s a coffee shop in the same city, state or geographic region. Coffee tastes best immediately after roasting. The longer it stays on the shelf or in the delivery truck, the less flavorful it will become. Additionally, ordering coffee locally minimizes the environmental impact of shipping goods from across the country (or across the continent). The best way to do this is to go to your local coffee shop and see what kind of coffee they serve. (They can even bake and sell their own!)
How we tested and how you should: To test these subscriptions, we brewed each bag in a variety of ways to see which beans worked best for each brewing method. It’s worth doing the same if you have access to a variety of brewing methods, especially if you’re opting for a subscription that offers a lot of variety. A roast that makes great espresso doesn’t necessarily make the best pour-over coffee. In the same vein, take notes on what you like and don’t like. Several of these services have really nice websites where you can record your notes and tag your coffees. Take advantage of these features, because you’re likely to forget. With these subscriptions, the coffee never stops being delivered, which is both a blessing and a curse. If you need more tips, be sure to check out our guide to making better coffee at home.
Let’s destigmatize decaf: Coffee lovers are fickle and like to dunk on people who drink decaf. But there’s a catch: decaf coffee can be good. Yes, the decaffeination process changes the flavor, and yes, you often lose the dainty floral notes. It’s unfair that people can’t drink coffee, period, and talking about decaf coffee can also be discriminatory towards people with disabilities. Drinking caffeinated coffee throughout the day can seriously impact sleep, and some people cannot tolerate caffeine for medical reasons or simply don’t like the way it makes them feel or how it interacts with certain medications. Coffee is for everyone! There is such a thing as Good Decaf, and many of our favorite services offer decaf options. Even if you’re a caffeine addict, you’ll still enjoy a cup of decaf in the evening—it’s especially good in blended espresso drinks, where the typically bold chocolate and smoky notes can really liven up a mocha. Even in a French press or pour-over context, decaf (or a blend of decaf and caffeinated beans) is a good choice for your afternoon coffee. You don’t have to worry about afternoon jitters or insomnia.
