illy is my hands down favorite coffee. My inlaws turned me onto it in Rome, years ago (it's what is served in most Roman espresso stands and restaurants). http://www.illyusa.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/index.html It's about $20-$35 per pound depending on the market. Personally, I won't use anything else for espresso... and an 8.8 ounce can of it ($11-$16) makes about 60 or so shots or dopio shots. So it's funny... because I do shots, I end up spending a LOT less than my family which does french press, and Even more than friends who do drip coffee. AKA, how I justify the expense
My favorite Starbucks coffee bean (I'm in seattle, after all) is Casa Cielo, although there are quite a few I like for different reasons. Starbucks has over 35 kinds of beans/coffee (about 10 of which are seasonal or limited), many of which are radically different, and are sourced from all over the world. Each region, of course, producing different kinds and qualities. Peaberry is another favorite (it's a quirk of certain beans, instead of splitting in two, it's a single. Creates a VERY different, almost chocolately or vanillin flavor. Milder and less bitter than normal beans of the same variety, but still as deep and complex.
My favorite ways to drink coffee (in order) are
- Espresso shots w sugar
- Turkish
- French Press
Cocktails
- Iced Vanilla Soy Lattes
- Caramel Macchiato
I don't drink a lot of coffee... it makes me too sleepy (adhd and the opposite caffeine reaction).