Coffee

The perfect cup of coffee

This post is going to be a little different than the normal format. Why? Because I’m not stating a well thought out opinion, I’m asking for one! It has come to my attention that I am out of the good coffee loop! Oh, so what do I do? What do I do? Where will I go? Well, that’s why I’m coming to YOU, dear faithful readers. What are your favorite coffee roasters and why? What coffee makes you excited? And heck, are there coffees I should totally stay away from? What coffees are like drinking sulfuric acid? What coffees are, well, you get my drift.

Before everyone lists the shops and roasters everyone I already know about, let me list a few that I know about:

  • Starbucks – they used to be excellent. It’s OK if there’s nothing else around.
  • Stumptown Coffee Roasters – again, they used to be good, and they still are I guess. But I’ve noticed a major slip in quality recently. I think they’re on the Starbucks path.
  • Dutch Brothers – worst. coffee. ever.
  • Pete’s – not the best, not the worst. I do have to say they’ve stayed consistent at least.
  • Portland Coffee Roasters – Pretty decent. I would rate them somewhere in between Pete’s and Stumptown.
  • Blue Gardenia – They very well might be the best coffee out there right now, but there’s only a few places one can get their coffees.
  • Folgers, Maxwell House, et al -coffees that use robusta beans are worst than Dutch Brothers!
  • Trader Joe’s – Decent coffee, limited selection though. And not used at any coffee shops
  • Panache – Let’s just say they’re a half point above Dutch Brothers.
  • Illy – a little too mass-produced. But it’s decent espresso.
  • Longbottom – ew. Ick. Gross.
  • Seattle’s Best Worst – I think you can guess my opinion here.

There’s a few others I know, but trying to think of every name of every coffee is a bit of a daunting task. So have at it! Give me your opinion, dear readers! What are your favorite coffees and where do I get them?

I'm Aaron, and I am the owner of this site.

9 Comments

  • Lindy

    And how many times have you been to Dutch Bros? Maybe you just got something made by an inexperienced barista because I love Dutch Bros and drink it almost exclusively. I do admit the coffee has an earthy taste but that’s why I like it- not burnt like Starbucks. You are right, I didn’t like this blog very much at all. That’s ok- we can still be friends and have different opinions.

    • Aaron

      I’ve been there four times within the last two years. Not a lot, but four times where it’s just crap. Granted, I get strait americanos or lattes, but one shouldn’t have to sweeten up coffee to make it good.

  • Lindy

    You should try a signature drink like the kahlua kicker or the annihilator… I ask for then 2% because those are both breve drinks. Also, if you like white chocolate, do not order a mocha. Mocha at Dutch Bros means chocolate milk instead of milk or half and half. I like to order a white latte.

  • Nathan

    Where the hell is Coffee People? Did they leave Portland, or something? Granted it’s been 6 years since I’ve lived in Portland, but back in the day they were the best.

    • Aaron

      Coffee People was bought by Starbucks, and before that, they were bought by Deidriche. You still can get Black Tiger Espresso at one shop in Beaverton, and there’s a shop in NE called Jim and Patty’s which is run by, well, Jim and Patty (ie the people who started coffee people), but ultimately, CP is history. I cried a little when it happened actually.

  • Heather

    Are you sure Starbucks bought Coffee people? I thought Starbucks just bought the old store locations, or took over the leases. Coffee people is still at the airport right?