Paid $45 for a 2lb bag of Hawaiian coffee and it tasted like burnt popcorn

I got it from a small roaster in Portland that had amazing reviews. Drank it black like I always do and it was just harsh and ashy. Tried it in a french press, pour over, even cold brew. Same result every time. Guess I learned that paying more doesn't always mean better coffee. Anyone else get burned by a hyped up roast lately?

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1 Comment

quinnm909h ago

Hold on, you might be on to something but not quite there. Hawaiian coffee is often overrated because people assume the price tag means quality, but it's more about the region and how it's processed. A lot of the "Hawaiian" beans sold by small roasters are actually from Kona or other specific areas, and if they're roasted dark to mask defects, that burnt popcorn taste makes total sense lol. I've found even good Kona can taste like ash if it's overroasted, so it might not be the beans fault but the roaster's style. It's a bummer when reviews don't match the experience though, $45 is a lot to spend on something that ends up in the trash.