The secret is to let it sit for 15-16hrs., rather than the recommended 12, which did, indeed, result in wastage.

I am using Costa Rican, medium roast, French press (coarse) grind.

One third concentrate, two thirds water; heat in the microwave.

Deep, rich, strong, PERFECT!

Also, thanks for pointing out CoffeeReview.com. They’ve really got a ton of reviews!

Jon

So why buy one? If you have a parent or friend who has had to cut back or (shudder) eliminate their coffee consumption due to its acid content, this gizmo might be the best present you ever gave them. The staff of MS/NBC gave it a try back in 2005 and many of them liked it far better than the office brew.

And if you missed it in the news last week, there is a new study that shows that coffee reduces the risk of Alzheimers. If this disease has struck your family you know the importance of such information.

So. When you get stymied on what to get one Mom or Dad for the holidays, remember the Toddy as a viable option. Prices vary a few bucks on the Net; I got mine via the Net from CommunityCoffee down in Louisiana and for about five dollars less than some other vendors.

If the person you buy one for is familiar with grinding beans, you will need to educate them that the Toddy uses coarse ground coffee (available at any local coffee shop). Finely ground coffee will clog the filter.

And regardless of whether you get one of these things or not, hang the cost difference of good beans versus bad. I spent more last night on a Mexican dinner than I spend on coffee in a week and I do drink the good stuff.

For detailed information on coffee quality, I recently discovered a website titled “coffee reviewer.” I tested his ratings with five purchases: three highly rated, one middle ranking and one drain cleaner quality. He hit the mark on all five. The three highly rated were all different but all great, the middle one was bland but ok, and the drain cleaner tasted like, well, drain cleaner.

Final note: If you drink Folgers for its quality, eat at McDonald’s for great nutrition, drive a Buick just for the fun of it all and watch reality tv because you think it expands your mind, ignore everything I said.

And thanks, Jon, for providing good information on a range of topics and for this forum.

I can see what you’re saying but I didn’t feel that the cold brew system yielded “deeply flavored” coffee.

As for Starbucks I’m afraid I can barely choke down their American coffee. I find it intolerable, though their espresso and espresso drinks are OK (they ought to be better for the price.)

My preferred coffee is Armeno Coffee Roasters who’s motto is “Taste the bean, not the burn” and I believe they life up to it. I do lean toward their richer coffees and darker roasts but their coffee does not have the burnt flavor of Starbucks.

I’m glad you like the cold brew coffee. It seems like there are plenty of folks out there who do, but then again there are plenty of folks out there who like Starbucks as well. I guess I’m just the guy who doesn’t like either.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.