So I think I have the French press thing down to a semi-science.....though I'm not sure I'm doing it right (obviously, personal tastes vary).

16 oz filtered water brought to near boiling.
1/2 cup beans, coarse ground
30 seconds for 'bloom'
8 minutes brewing

So far I've tried "Silencer Smooth" and "Beyond Black". The goal is to find something I like black, no cream or sugar. SS seemed kinda weak, even after switching brew time from 4 minutes to 8. BB is (still on that bag) too bitter for me straight, so I've been adding creamer.

What should I try next? I'm looking at the medium blends now. Coffee, or Die? Caffeine and Hate? What do you all like?

I've never gotten the hang of the French press thing. I just use an AeroPress and Silencer Smooth coffee. To me, the water temp is the biggest factor in bitterness. I found that my taste buds are happiest when the water is 185-195ish. No bitter finish there for me and the coffee is plenty strong.


Of the medium roasts, I liked both C&H and Just Black. Coffee or Die is about the only one I haven't tried so I can't help there.

Stick with it, they have something for everyone. You just gotta find something that suits you best.

I'm to a point where my coffee is just about perfect. I also use a French Press.
Additionally:
1) weigh your coffee AND your water - do not go by volume
2) I find 16.5 to 1 > water to coffee ratio is ideal although most believe anywhere from 16 to 17 to 1 is fine
3) also agree with the bloom and but I generally don't wait eight minutes but only four
4) LASTLY the quality of the water is vital.
Never use straight tap water.
Use filtered water or what I use is distilled water with third wave water additive for the perfect water.
5) I also pour through a strainer which cleans all the top-grain crap from getting back in.

YMMV

Gunship was a good roast but it's light as well. I can drink Sniper's Hide (no longer available), Silencer Smooth and Gunship black.

Tony.

Personally I’ve been drinking Just Black for the past 7 months. I started on the lite blends and moved up from there and settled on Just Black. I’ve been extremely pleased with it although I’m probably not doing it any justice by just using it in a coffee maker.