There is nothing more necessary—or more cherished—to a college student than a nice kick of caffeine to get through the day. And now that fall has arrived, what better way to fuel up than with a delicious cup of coffee?
The richness, the flavor and the feelings associated with a good ol’ cup of joe make it quite popular with students. This coffee community is represented by the true aficionados, the coffee addicts who appreciate the deeper side of the brew.
One such enthusiast is senior Jasmine Smith, who has coffee down to an art.
“When you are able to make that perfect cup with just the right amount of beans and just the right amount of cream, the taste of it all is perfection,” Smith said.
Not only is coffee appreciated through this delicate balance of flavors, it’s appreciated through the many ways one can acquire it.
Corey Kundert, resident director of West Hall, roasts his own coffee.
A technique acquired and inspired from a friend back home in Indiana, Kundert’s hobby has led him to purchase high quality beans from California.
“It’s so interesting to me that something that is so universal is also so diverse,” Kundert said. “There are so many ways to drink it, and making coffee is like making something that is a little handmade.”
To Kundert, the process isn’t a solitary undertaking.
“Making coffee is a communal process,” Kundert said. “I never make it alone. Guys from the wing make it with me, so it’s a lot of fun.”
Those who aren’t adept at the science of roasting can skip that step and head straight to brewing, which can take on many forms.
The method of choice for Sam Martin, a professor at Northwestern, is though a French press.
“I drink French press coffee because there’s no filter,” Martin said. “It’s the most eco-friendly coffee.”
For these coffee lovers, roasting and brewing is time well spent. But like any person who appreciates coffee, trying out the local coffee shop is a must.
Junior Ann Calsbeek sees these very places in her future.
“I love going to coffee shops,” Calsbeek said. “I hope to own one someday, so I’m always looking for ideas.”
Many coffee lovers appreciate The Old Factory, a coffee shop in Orange City. It’s a place visited by Kundert and others at NW.
“I love the Old Factory,” Kundert said. “They really know their coffee, and seeing them do their stuff is really amazing.”
Kundert is an avid coffee shop customer.
“The atmosphere of coffee shops is amazing,” Kundert said. “Coffee is a communal activity, and to bring it back to its roots, to bring it back to the people, you can do that in a coffee shop.”
The time is just as important as the place when it comes to coffee. When is coffee most necessary for these enthusiasts?
“I think coffee is best in the morning, but I can enjoy it at any hour,” Calsbeek said.
For the addicts out there who can’t go a day without awakening their senses to the aroma of fresh coffee, it’s no surprise they have positive words about drinking coffee.
“It’s peaceful,” Martin said. “I usually drink the first cup in the morning while everything is still.”
“Coffee makes me feel warm and cozy,” Calsbeek said. “It’s my ultimate comfort food.”
