Dca wrote:Ensign Re-read wrote: quote="MaxxQ"]
I guess that makes me really rare - I was in the Air Force. Couldn't stand coffee before I went in, and came out still hating the stuff. Nary a drop passed my lips.
Oddly enough, when it was my turn to run the squadron snack bar, my coffee got quite a bit of praise. Don't know what I was doing different - I just followed the instructions on the can and kept the coffee maker and pots clean.
You may be surprised to find out how many people do not EITHER follow instructions OR keep the pots clean.
That.
I don't think it's possible to f**k up a pot of coffee as badly as has been demonstrated by getting the proportions of coffee to water wrong, i.e. Not following the directions. It's either weak (boo) or ... Coffee.
You may have noticed the difference between a fresh pot and one that's sat around hot for a couple of hours? Oxidation is not your friend. Especially with the oils left on the brewing gear, when the next pot is made. Skip the lather and rinse to the repeat, and some nasty stuff gets leached out of the innards into the next pot.
But I've always wondered, given the simplicity of cleanliness and the vitriol that military coffee gets, if they brew with something other than actual coffee. Although it might be possible if you grind it fine and then set it out to dry for a few months. That might do it.
I'm sure Mac has the principles down cold.[/quote]
You are overlooking the quality of the coffee also. When I was in the USN we had cans of coffee in 15lbs and 30lbs cans that IIRC cost 20-25$ and 45$ a can respectively. This when a 3lbs can of the cheep in store brand cost $5-8 and the more expensive name brands cost $9-12.