Coffee is our passion but it might not be yours. Many people have questions about gourmet coffee. Below is a list of answers to the most frequently asked questions we receive.
Q: I have tried regular coffee and found it to be an unpleasant and bitter taste. Is there something here for me?
A: There is a significant difference between the average brewed (usually "instant") coffees and gourmet coffee. If you do not like the "instant" variety, try a couple of our gourmet coffees. Many people who find coffee bitter enjoy both our flavored coffees and non-flavored coffees. There are also lighter coffees available. We have a large selection to choose from. You are bound to find something you like!
Q: How do I tell if I am buying fresh coffee?
A: The aroma! If the beans or grounds do not have a rich, "full bean" aroma, they are old! Another way to tell is if you don't see bubbles in the grounds while brewing. Fresh coffee gives off Carbon Dioxide (CO2) gases causing bubbles to appear in the filter basket. During roasting, CO2 is created within the coffee beans and protects them from oxidation. As the gas content of the bean decreases, the oppotunity for oxidation to occur increases, affecting the flavor. Oxidation occurs much quicker when the coffee is ground compared to whole beans because there is more surface area exposed to air. The Coffee Barrel offers only the freshest coffee possible.
Q: What is the difference between regular coffee and gourmet coffee?
A: The type of bean used. Coffee is the fruit/red berry of an evergreen tree. Each evergreen tree yields about 2,000 berries per year - just enough for a pound of coffee! The fruit is hand-picked when ripe and each berry, which contains two kernels or "beans" each, are separated, dried, graded, and shipped to roasters warehouses. The two most widely grown species of coffee beans are the Arabica and Robusta beans. Arabica beans have a lighter, more delicately balanced flavor, half the caffeine, less acids, and no bitterness associated with the lower quality and cheaper Robusta bean. The Arabica beans constitute 75% of the World's coffee production, but only the top 10% have fine enough characteristics to meet specialty/gourmet coffee standards. Robusta beans are used as a filler bean for canned and instant coffees. The Coffee Barrel offers only fine gourmet coffees made from the highest grade Arabica coffee beans from around the world.
Q: I have recently purchased some gourmet coffee. How many scoops should I use?
A: This is always a hard question to answer. While everyone has different tastes, here is a guide to go by when using our coffees: Use 1 Tablespoon of grounds per 8 ounces of water, adjusting the amount to your personal taste. If you prefer strong coffee, you should purchase a darker roasted bean instead of adding more coffee that was specifically roasted for a lighter taste. If you don't like strong coffee, purchase lighter roasts. You use 25% to 50% less coffee when brewing our coffee compared to grocery store, instant, or other coffees!
Q: How should I store my coffee?
A: Whenever possible, prefer storing your coffee in whole bean form. This keeps the coffee fresher longer and reduces the oxidation rate. For dark roasts, store the coffee in air-tight containers in a cool, dry place. For all other types, store the coffee in air-tight containers in the freezer.
Q: What is Chai?
A: Chai is a generic word for tea in many parts of the world. In the United States, it means a sweet, exotic mix of milk, tea, and spices designed to replicate the tea that is served throughout India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Tibet. Traditional Chai is a mix of sweet and savory spices such as clove, cinnamon, cardamom, star anise, peppercorn, ginger, and sometimes fennel. These are ground and boiled in water. Black tea (sometimes substituted) is added to the mixture and steeped. Milk (cow, goat, or buffalo) and honey (or other sweetener) is added to bring out the robust flavor of the spices. The most popular addition to Chai in the U.S. is the taste of sweet, creamy vanilla! There are many varieties of Chai and can be served hot or cold and can be substituted for the morning cup of coffee. Chai has the added benefit of containing significantly less caffeine. The Coffee Barrel has several different Chai teas to choose from. Try something exotic - add Chai to your order!
Q: I was asked for my CVV2/CVC2 code on your purchase page. What is this?
A: In order to process payments with Visa and Mastercard credit cards, we now need an additional element: The CVV2 or CVC2 security code. This is a 3-digit code that is found on the back of your credit card. The CVV2 is a security feature that verifies you are in possession of the actual card. If there are more than three digits, the CVV is the last three digits - the other numbers are the same as the ones on the front of the card.
Q: What is "Fair Trade"?
A: "Fair Trade" coffees are grown and processed by cooperatives run by small, family farmers which earn a guaranteed price for their beans. They, in turn, must meet the criteria of fair labor conditions for all people working on the farm - freedom of association for farmers and workers, democratic decision making processes, and follow the environmental standards that restrict the use of agrochemicals and foster sustainability. This is an effort to improve the lives of the workers, their families, and the country in which they live.
Q: What are Organic Coffees?
A: The organic label is regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture, which requires proof that the product is produced without the use of synthetic chemicals. The producer must also show a plan that addresses issues of biodiversity, watershed management and the creation of buffer zones to prevent and cross contamination in growing or processing of the coffee.
Q: What are "Bird Friendly" Coffees?
A: Bird friendly coffees are those that abide by the standard set by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center of the National Zoo. This standard is an effort to prevent deforestation and the decline of both bio-diversity and migratory bird populations. Coffees that are bird friendly are usually grown in soil that is synthetic pesticide and fertilizer free.