Coffee Lovers

From Peets Coffee (I'm on their email list):

Panama Esmeralda Geisha

On May 29th, 2007, just ten sacks of Panama Esmeralda Geisha were sold for the highest price ever paid at an international coffee auction, an astounding $130 per pound wholesale. Characterized by an unforgettable jasmine-like fragrance and pristine citrus clarity, this coffee has garnered 10 first place awards in the last 4 years. As the first and still primary buyer of this unparalleled coffee, Peet's is able to sell it at the same price as last year.

Panama Esmeralda Geisha is available only in limited quantities, and roasted to order on selected days during the summer and fall. Pre-order today for the first roast date of July 18th.

You'll see why this coffee has won such acclaim as soon as you open the bag. The fragrance — variously described as smelling like jasmine, citrus blossoms and bergamot — is extraordinary. We'll leave you to decide which, but there's no question that the bright, sweet citric acidity, and delicate flavor nuances will remain in your memory long after you've drained the last precious cup.

OK, I admit that I love coffee, but can someone really pick up nuances like this from java?? More importantly...would any of you be willing to pay $24.95 for 1/2 lb. of the stuff?

I have to admit I was tempted, but I'm not going to play into it. Must...resist.

[David M. Bueker]

Tempting. Very tempting. But no I can hold out. I love Peet's stuff, but that's more than a good bottle of wine.

Yes.

And yes.

Yes, there are people who can tell the difference, and can pick up the most impressive panorama of aromas and flavors. You just can't tell which ones they are, or differntiate them from the marketing folks with old English majors.

And yes, there are people who are willing to pay that much for coffee. The world is rife with them.

Is coffee really different from wine, in that regard?

As for me, David said it: tempted, but I'll pass on this one.

Hmmm. My impression of Peet's coffee is that everything they put out is roasted to the point that it tastes more or less the same. Maybe that's just me, but it would certainly prevent me from paying that much for their coffee.