A new year, an historical presidency, a theme of change and several crises already on the horizon should inspire all to make this a year of shaking things up, not just business as usual. What better way to begin than to start with your morning cup. The good news is that all of these coffees are affordable enough to try at least once, if not on a regular basis.

To get the full experience of a new coffee, buy whole bean if you can and grind it fresh. Smell the beans and/or the grinds. After brewing, swirl a bit on your tongue before adding your fixings. Note what you taste. Does it have a citrusy or acidic taste? Or is it more of a chocolaty or burnt sugar taste? Knowing what you like will help you to choose your future coffees with ease. Also keep in mind that like wine, pairing your coffee with the right food or dessert can make all of the difference.

1-Starbucks

Caffè Verona®-This is one of my favorites. At $9.95, you can surely afford to try this at least once.

https://www.starbucks.com/ourcoffees/menuboard.asp?category%5fname=coffee+menu+board

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2-Dunkin Donuts

Dunkin Donuts has French Vanilla for just $5.99 per pound.

https://www.dunkindonuts.com/shoponline/Product.aspx?CategoryId=COFF&GroupId=FV

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3-Gevalia

Royal Vinter Coffee
”An unusual blend of Arabica beans from Colombia, Central America and East Africa, plus a dash of aged beans from Indonesia. This medium-dark roast coffee, with its full body and woody flavor notes creates a rich, distinctive flavor. Available in 8 oz. whole bean or ground, regular or decaffeinated.”
Whole Bean Reg $8.50

https://www.gevalia.com/Gevalia/coffee/gourmet-coffee-maker.aspx?product_id=843&category=Seasonal%20Flavors
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4-Peets

Arabian Mocha-Java

”The world's most famous coffee blend; full-bodied, bittersweet chocolate overtones enhance Mocha-Java's rich, complex flavors.”

https://www.peets.com/shop/coffee_detail.asp?id=49&cid=1000132

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5-Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe’s brand Sumatra Arabica

One of my favorites, I found a Trader Joe’s brand Sumatra Arabica which is labeled Organic Fair Trade whole bean coffee of a medium dark roast which smelled heavenly, and had it coarsely ground. According to the label, “It features hints of caramel and chocolate finish.” You didn’t need to say more to convince me to try it.

https://traderjoes.com/locations.asp
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6-Green Island Coffee Company

Alto Grande

Brought to my attention by fellow coffee aficionado, Tommy Solomon, this is a favorite of the pope. I personally put my stamp of deliciousness on this one.

https://www.gicco.com/altogrande.htm
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7-Seattle’s Best

Almond Roca

Chocolate, buttery toffee and roasted almonds? I am checking flights for this one!

https://seattlesbest.com/#/coffee/blends/

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8-Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

Crème Brulée , a flavored coffee described as “a creamy aroma with caramel and buttery vanilla flavor”, sounds like a great way to lure me out of bed on a dark and frosty morning. These guys are in the running to become my new favorite store. I may have to move.

https://www.coffeebean.com/Exceptional-Coffee-C40.aspx

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9-Sweet Unity Farms Coffee

Described by the New York Times as the Cabernet of Coffee, I can personally attest to its goodness.

Additional Benefit: Buy Coffee. Help 765 coffee farmers. It’s that simple.

https://UpCountryInternational.net/

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10-Caribou Coffee

La Minita Peaberry

What makes this coffee so special is the peaberry. A normal coffee cherry develops two seeds; however, seven percent of coffee cherries -- the peaberries -- only develop one seed, concentrating the coffee's pure flavors. This dense bean produces a pure and delicate sweetness, and is one of the finest in the world.

https://www.cariboucoffee.com/asp/shop/detail.asp?c=1&p=65

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Here are two coffees that were created to honor our 44th President, Barack Obama:

11-Oren's Daily Roast

"Blend 44"
Product # 455

Price: $ 16.79 /lb.

Just in time for Inauguration Day, we are honoring America’s 44th president and his heritage with a specialty coffee blend dubbed “Blend 44: Beans You Can Believe In.”

Blend 44 is inspired by President-elect Barack Obama’s Kenyan and Hawaiian (Kona) roots, while paying homage to his lively years at Harvard Law (Ethiopian Harrar beans), and his full-bodied years at Occidental College in Los Angeles (La Minita, Spanish for “Little Gold Mine”). The blend also includes two Colombian coffee bean varieties representing the richness of Obama’s study at NYC’s Columbia University and the lushness and pride in his family’s new District of Columbia (DC) address. The 40 percent Colombian blend offers a full-bodied, sweet, huge aroma.

https://www.orensdailyroast.com/shopProduct.aspx?Product_Id=455

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12-Kona Joe Coffee

The Barack O Blend

“The presidential blend honors Hawaii and Kenya, two of the great coffee-growing regions in the world,” deepa Alban said in a statement. “It also is a way to honor Barack Obama’s personal story, which goes from Hawaii to Indonesia and back again, and now reaches all the way to the White House. It’s a way to recognize his place in history.”

https://www.konajoe.com