TWU by Jeff Rehmar | December 19, 2024

The French Press That Changed Everything

Jeff Rehmar
December 19, 2024

When Tori and I got married in February, we received a French press from our registry (thanks Hayes family)! It was one of those gifts we thought would be nice to have but didn’t realize how much we’d end up loving it . Fast forward to today—it’s my go-to way to start the morning.

The French press makes every cup feel intentional. It reminds me of the coffee we had in Melbourne on our honeymoon, where we visited 19 coffee shops in 12 days (yes, really). That trip sparked a mission: find great beans, support small roasters, and enjoy the process of making coffee just as much as drinking it.

Why Supporting Local Roasters Matters

Big-brand coffee is everywhere, but there’s something special about buying from a small roaster that pours their heart into every bag of beans. Thanks to online shopping, even the tiniest coffee shops now deliver straight to your door.

That said, I get that not everyone has time or money to splurge on boutique beans. One of the coffees I recommend below is from a major brand, and there’s a reason it made the list: affordability and convenience.

So, whether you’re looking for something local or just a reliable option for your daily brew, here are 5 coffee beans worth trying:

The Ultimate Coffee Bean Power Rankings

1. North Fork Coffee (McCall, ID)

Score: 9/10
Price: $15
What You Need to Know: A small-town Idaho roaster making big waves. Their beans are smooth, balanced, and perfect for a French press.

North Fork captures the essence of what makes small roasters special: thoughtful, consistent, and full of character. If you’re new to French press coffee, this is the bean to start with.

Try North Fork Coffee

2. Klatch Coffee (Rancho Cucamonga, CA)

Score: 8/10
Price: $20
What You Need to Know: Award-winning beans with bold, rich flavors. Perfect for anyone who takes their coffee seriously.

Klatch is one of those roasters that has been quietly excelling since the ‘90s. Their Belle Espresso blend is my go-to—it’s strong, smooth, and ideal for both espresso and French press lovers.

Check Out Klatch

3. Mameya Coffee (Japan & California)

Score: 7/10
Price: $22
What You Need to Know: Roasted fresh to order while you watch. Unbeatable freshness and a must-try for coffee enthusiasts.

Mameya is all about the experience. Each order is roasted just for you! The freshness and flavor are excellent!

Learn More

4. Bohemian Roastery (Bend, OR)

Score: 6/10
Price: $18
What You Need to Know: Wood-roasted beans with a unique, smoky flavor. Great for adventurous coffee drinkers.

Bohemian Roastery stands out for its unique wood-fired roasting process. It’s bold, earthy, and unlike anything you’ll find from a traditional roaster. If you’re feeling curious, it’s worth a shot.

Shop Bohemian Roastery

5. SF Bay Decaf French Roast K-Cups

Score: 6/10
Price: $21 for 36-count
What You Need to Know: Big name, big convenience. Decaf, dark roast, and perfect for those who like quick and easy.

SF Bay isn’t local—it’s a big name you’ll find on Amazon, at Costco, or in your grocery store. But sometimes convenience matters, and this decaf French roast delivers. It’s rich, dark, and perfect for those who need a hassle-free option.

Grab SF Bay Decaf

Decaf Isn’t Boring (If You Choose the Right One)

Why focus on decaf? Simple: it’s what I drink. I love dark, bold coffee, but I skip the caffeine most of the time. I focus on getting a good night’s sleep. That means finding good decaf is critical, and it’s harder than it should be.

Here’s a quick guide to decaf processing methods:

Chemical Process: Cheap and quick but often sacrifices flavor and its not healthy.
Ethyl Acetate (EA): Uses sugarcane-derived solvents for a sweeter taste. A lot of decaf beans are from Columbia due to the EA process being done there.
Swiss Water Process: 100% chemical-free and my personal favorite for retaining flavor. This is done in Vancouver, BC.

Here’s a picture of Tori and Katie from last week’s newsletter. Their friendship is a reminder that even small decisions—like where to live or what college to attned—can shape your life in meaningful ways.

Weekly Book Recommendation: “Hell Yeah or No” by Derek Sivers

This week’s pick is my favorite quick read I read this year: “Hell Yeah or No” by Derek Sivers.

Derek is a musician turned entrepreneur who founded CD Baby and revolutionized the indie music industry. Now, he’s a thinker and writer focused on living intentionally. I discovered Derek through a Andrew Wilkinson’s podcast, and he’s one of those rare people who takes the time to reply to emails—genuine and inspiring.

This book is a collection of essays about simplifying your life, focusing on what truly matters, and learning to say “no” to things that don’t serve you.

Get it on Amazon
Disclaimer: I don’t make money from this link, just sharing a great read.

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My 3 Favorite Coffee YouTubers

James Hoffmann: The godfather of coffee nerdery. If you want to know why your espresso tastes like sadness or how to brew the perfect cup, James has you covered. His videos are like a PhD in coffee, but without the student loans.
Watch Here
MorganDrinksCoffee (Morgan Eckroth): Imagine a barista who’s also your super-talented, slightly quirky best friend. That’s Morgan. She’s a world champion barista who makes coffee feel fun, not intimidating. Bonus: her videos are endlessly bingeable.
Explore MorganDrinksCoffee
Caitlin Campbell Coffee: Caitlin’s the cool coffee-loving friend you didn’t know you needed. Her channel is packed with relatable brewing tips, adventures, and all the caffeinated vibes. Warning: You might end up buying way more coffee gear after watching her videos.
Check Out Caitlin Campbell Coffee

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