Gourmet Coffee Gifts: Tips for buying coffee beans for the coffee lover!

Wondering whether gourmet coffee gifts are your cup of tea (*ahem)? Many coffee drinkers just drink whatever's available in the local supermarket shelves, and don't explore what other gourmet coffee brands there may be.

So, when you give gourmet coffee gifts to your family, friends, and co-workers, you can open up a whole new world of coffee bean delights and a lifetime of enjoyment. If you are looking for Christmas coffee gifts, then take a look through this site, and see what's possible: from expensive coffee beans gifts, coffee gift sets, and even coffee gift baskets.

Affordable Luxury for Gifts

Gourmet coffee gifts aren't necessarily among the most expensive coffee but they are uncommon, since most people get their coffee from the shelves of their local grocery chain or big box store.  They may see bags of beans or ground coffee from other parts of the world but be reluctant to spend the slightly higher prices to try something that they may not like. 

They may even think that they will become trapped into liking something they cannot afford but that doesn't have to be true, either.  There are many coffees, both beans and ground that are affordably priced and yet are a world apart from what they normally drink.

If you decide that coffee beans are too tricky, why not look at other types of coffee gifts. Find out what coffee gifts (such as mugs, equipment, etc.) or gourmet coffee brands are available. Otherwise, keep reading and gain...

A little knowledge;...

Choosing gourmet coffee gifts is fun and well within any budget.  The only thing required is a little knowledge of the types of coffee available and the preferences of the person you are buying for. 

Light, medium or dark roast?

You will also need to decide what kind of roast that you want for your friend: there are many gradations of roasted beans, but if you know what they drink regularly, you may be able to match the type of roast. The basic roast grades are: light roast, medium roast, and dark roasts.

In general, I'd recommend a medium roast, unless I know that the person loves Italian style coffees (in that case, a darker roast) or downs Hawaiian coffee (I may choose a lighter roast). If you want to know what happens, one poster at Yahoo! Answers summarizes well:

As coffee roasts, sugar in the bean caramelizes and it loses some of it sweetness and distinctive flavor. So lighter roasts are sweeter, medium roasts are more complex, and dark roasts are more earthy and sometimes slightly bitter.

Once you know what they drink, you need to choose...

Beans or ground?

When you are choosing gourmet coffee gifts, first decide if you want beans or ground coffee.  Beans provide a fresher cup and fuller flavor than pre-ground coffees but require a grinder that the recipient may or may not have.  Of course, you could just buy a simple coffee grinder, and add that to the gourmet coffee gifts, too!

Also, if you are buying ground coffee, it won't necessarily keep so well, so give it sooner, and encourage your recipient to drink it within 10-14 days to get the best flavors. Why not throw in a nice looking coffee storage jar, too? It adds to the decor of the kitchen space, can be reused easily, and keeps those nice beans fresher and tastier!

A few coffee suggestions; ...

Once you decide the form of coffee that you'd like to give it's time to look at some of the coffees available, the types of roasts you can buy. If you are looking for more help, you can check out my how to buy coffee beans article.

Suggestion #1: Sumatra Coffee

Nearly everyone will enjoy gourmet coffee gifts of Sumatran coffee.  This wonderful treat brews up with an aroma that that delights the senses, evoking visions of warm earth and lush tropical flowers.  The first taste will astonish drinkers of “ordinary" coffee with its earthy smokiness, full body, floral undertones and clean finish. 

Sumatran coffee can be found nearly everywhere and some, of course, is better than others but even “bad" Sumatran coffee is a sensory treat that is not soon forgotten. Generally, Sumatran coffee is darker roasted, with a stronger aroma on opening the bag.

Suggestion #2: Kop Luak

Also from Sumatra, if you want to choose gourmet coffee gifts that are truly spectacular and one of a kind, you can give Kopi Luwak.  These are beans whose cherries are eaten by the Indonesian Civet and excreted to be gathered, sanitized and cleaned. 

The taste of this coffee is unequaled by any other coffee in the world and is a treat no one ever forgets.  If your budget is smaller, a good Free Trade Bolivian coffee with its sweet chocolaty taste and amazing bouquet can be just as indulgent.

Suggestion #3: Islands Coffee

If you want to spend a little (or a lot) more you can give gourmet coffee gifts of Blue Mountain Jamaican or Hawaiian Kona coffee.  Both cost about twice as much as "regular" coffee but there is no comparison.  Both of these are light to medium roasted coffees, and are pleasant alternatives to try because you can really taste the authentic flavors of the coffee beans.

One caveat: You should always make sure that it is listed as 100% pure coffee; without that designation you are usually buying a blend of different Arabica coffees with just a small amount of the real thing.

Suggestion #4: South American Coffee

While it's difficult to choose, perhaps you can focus on more traditional coffees from either Brazil or Colombia. Both produce quality coffee beans that please much of the coffee drinking world, including some of best known coffee brands, as well as some of the more luxurious brands.

You certainly won't go far wrong buying whole bean coffee from either of these regions. I'd suggest though that you stick to lesser known estates, specialty blends, and coffee brands that are just under the mainstream! You'll be onto a winner there!

Suggestion #5: Imported Brand Coffees

Gourmet coffee gifts are more about quality and taste than expense.  You can find delicious and enticing gourmet coffee gifts to fit any taste and budget that will open up a whole new world to your friends or loved ones, even in your local supermarket.

Just look along the top row of the coffees for brands such as illy coffee, Melitta, Lavazza, etc., and you will see some top quality European imported coffee brands that make good quality coffee for drinkers. Available as either ground or whole beans, these fancy packs will add a certain cachet to the gourmet coffee gifts you are planning!

...And some nice wrapping!

Voila! Your shopping is done! That wasn't so difficult, was it? Shopping for the coffee lover in your family or group of friends needn't be as much hassle as all that! Just make sure that you follow these tips, and you'll end up with something that's a treat for everyone!

But where do you get all those gifts?

That's the $64000 question, isn't it? Both online and offline retailers provide places to buy coffee gift baskets and gift sets, but which stores are the reliable ones?

Find out what coffee gifts (such as mugs, equipment, etc.) or gourmet coffee beans are available.

I hope also my article on coffee gift shops helps you choose which coffee gifts you need for your loved ones. It should save you a lot of unnecessary hassle during your stressful shopping season, especially if you are choosing coffee beans over other gifts.

And finally...

Wherever you are, remember "Only Coffee Beans Make Great Coffee"! And enjoy that cup of coffee!

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