Calling all coffee snobs...

[ThunderNocked]

I just realized that I forgot to leave a review of the different coffee options I tried while hunting this last fall. So here it goes...
I hunted roughly 30 days this fall, and wanted to taste test as many of the options you guys recommended as possible. I was able to sample 10 different brands/styles and the results are as follows:
INSTANT COFFEE
Black Rifle Instant Coffee Packs: My favorite instant option. Not sure if it's because of the brand, and knowing that I'm supporting a great company, but I really enjoyed it. I double the dose each morning (pour two bags in hot water), and it seemed to make it taste just right and achieve the desired affect. Additionally, during warm afternoons I mixed in a bag with ice cold creek water and it mixed well for an iced coffee. 2 thumbs up for BRCC.
Starbucks VIA Instant Coffee: My #2 pick. It was a toss up between this option and the BRCC option, but I think most of us on here (including myself) would rather give their money to anyone other than Starbucks. As much as I despise this company, they make a great instant coffee that was equally convenient as it was delicious.
Dark Timber Vapor Packs: I sampled the Mount Baker Mocha Vapor Pack, and it was really good. If you are the type that enjoys a sweet coffee over black, than this would be your go to. To be honest it tasted more like hot cocoa, but still achieved the desired affects (energy and GI movement). This is another great company that supports outdoor conservation.
Verve Instant Espresso: These tasted great, but the cost is all I could think about while drinking it. A 6 pack cost $15, making it a pretty pricey back country coffee. The flavor was smooth, and it did not leave behind that classic instant coffee film in your mouth. If these were cheaper they would be a contender for the top spot on my list.
Cafe Bustelo Instant: This was not a terrible option, but not the best either. The powder mixed well and had a good, strong flavor. I actually preferred it iced on warm afternoons. I think the best feature is that you can use the bright yellow can to zero in your rifle.
Medaglia Doro: I was pretty surprised with this one. I forget who mentioned it on this thread, but I had never heard of it before. I was so used to doubling the dose of the other brands that the first time I made this it was way too strong. Just follow the recommended serving size for a tasty and strong cup of instant coffee.
Folgers Instant Coffee: I tried out the instant coffee bags, and it wasn't the best part of waking up for me. It left a nasty flavor in my mouth. Maybe I let it steep for too long in my hot water, but I wasn't willing to give it another shot.
Tasters Choice Instant Coffee: I have a negative bias against this one. When I am out working on wildland fires we are given sack lunches to eat over the course of a 24 hour work period... and in that "sack nasty" we are given tasters choice packets of coffee. Maybe I'm just too much of a coffee snob, but these things are impossible to drink by themselves. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I used to add a packet of Carnation Breakfast Essentials. However, that was before I became picky over my coffee.
OTHER OPTIONS
Pre-made espresso shots: This was at the recommendation of another member on here, and it was solid advice! On a few of my hunts I would get some espresso shots made before leaving the house. I then poured those shots into a small, reusable liquid pouch (check out amazon and get the kit that has the funnel included). When afternoon coffee time came around, I boiled up some water and poured the espresso into my cup... perfect americana. This isn't an instant coffee that you can take into an extended hunt, but it is perfect for 1 or 2 days. Plus, you have the luxury of bringing high quality espresso on the hunt.
Beans, Grinder, Pour-over: This is by far my favorite of all the options. I only use this method when I'm not too concerned about weight... which is rare. I own a Hario V2 and an old hand grinder. Before you go hating on me, think about the reasons you love bowhunting... and some of those reasons are why I like having my backcountry coffee in this fashion.

In closing, my love of coffee has grown in these last few months. I purchased a roaster and upgraded my home espresso and brewing set up. If there are any of you HT'ers that would like to try some of my roasts, feel free to reach out. Thanks for reading!


**Full disclosure: The only morning I didn't drink coffee while hunting was the morning I shot my biggest buck. I spotted him the night before, and with limited supplies (no coffee) I camped on the side of the mountain only a few hundred yards away. So, maybe I need to stop screwing around with coffee while I am hunting??

Agree 100% on Black Rifle, Starbucks and Folgers. I haven't tried the others. I'll have to check out the Dark Timbers.
With your Hario - do you bring filters? When we go into Moose Camp - we can generally spare a couple of pounds because we take quads in like 20 miles to set up base/moose camp. I could run a rig like that probably too. I'm not really a coffee snob, the wife is, but it is starting to affect me. I can't start to tell the difference between good and bad coffee finally. HA.

 

[jlong17]

Agree 100% on Black Rifle, Starbucks and Folgers. I haven't tried the others. I'll have to check out the Dark Timbers.
With your Hario - do you bring filters? When we go into Moose Camp - we can generally spare a couple of pounds because we take quads in like 20 miles to set up base/moose camp. I could run a rig like that probably too. I'm not really a coffee snob, the wife is, but it is starting to affect me. I can't start to tell the difference between good and bad coffee finally. HA.

Ya, I bring filters in with me. Here’s a little pro tip: If you’re a face paint kinda guy, rub your face with the used filter to your desired affect Additionally the filters strain noodles fairly well and once dried out, I use it to start my fires.

 

[Outlaw99]

I’m not a coffee snob at all. I’ll drink anything as long as it’s coffee, it’s hot, and it’s black. Just cause I’ll drink it, doesn’t mean it’s good however. so far, this is by far the best instant I’ve had. I rank it above black rifle and starbucks instant. https://tiogarise.com/

 

[Coopsdaddy]

Starbucks!

 

[silasd]

What is the best instant coffee?
I'm going to leave the beans, hand grinder, and aeropress in the truck this year. I consume 2 cups daily, especially when in the backcountry. I'm wondering what you folks do to get your fix?

Put me down as Team Starbucks Via. Strong and easy. Got me through all my Army deployments. When I hunt I make a via in the thermos cup, pour water in my instant oatmeal and hit the trail. Couple hours later I stop for this as my hot breakfast.