You know it’s good when you have to chew.
When it comes to the perfect cup of coffee, the school’s of thought are as varied as the number of buffalo chips on the prairie. Some like a light roast, with mellow flavor and high acidity. If you enjoy this type of brew, stop reading. Now. This is not for you. If you like your java with a kick that gets you through to the middle of next week, you have found a safe place to land among your people.
The American west was dominated by cowboys. Well, the livestock was, anyway. On the plains where the cattle grazed, hardships were many, and luxuries were few (if at all). A breed of man was initiated into what would be considered a modern day ‘rough-neck.’ Taking challenges head on (a bull by the horns, anyone?) and slowing down for nothing. You get the idea. These guys were tough as nails.
What do tough guys do to start their day? First, they piss in the river and get a bucket of water (from upstream, of course). Next, they throw a log on the smouldering fire, and fill a tin pot with the water. They add a copious amount of coffee grounds with their hands. The water is brought to a boil by the flames of the fire, and allowed to bubble for a few minutes. A glorious pot of cowboy coffee has been brewed. Cowboys would fill their cups and guzzle the brew, grounds and all. That, is how to start the day with a perfect cup of coffee.
So we continue the tradition of the American cowboy. Fill it, scoop it, heat it, drink it, chew it.