Why doesn't Dunkin Donut coffee taste the same at home?

by Mario
(Centerport, NY USA)

QUESTION:

Why does store-bought coffee smell and taste better at their location than at my home? I use a French press coffee maker. I bought the grinds at the same location as I buy the coffee in a cup.

ANSWER:

Interesting question! I think there may be two reasons.

The first, and probably biggest reason, is the influence of the aroma and atmosphere in a coffee shop. There's something about the strong aroma of fresh-brewed coffee that just permeates the whole place. The environment of coffee-making, donuts and people likely combine to make the coffee taste a little bit better.

It's probably the same deal at Starbucks. You can buy their coffee too, and make it at home. But I bet it tastes better in a Starbucks store.

The second reason may be that the coffee beans being used in the store are almost certainly fresher. By the time you get that can of ground coffee home, it's probably quite a bit older, and a little staler, than the coffee used in the store.

As for your coffee maker, a French press is an excellent way to make coffee. So I don't think you would have a problem with the brewing process itself.