I kind of consider myself a minor coffee snob. I once bought locally roasted coffee but now settle for boutique coffees or coffee from Heine Bros. (is it roasted locally? I don't know but I love it.) I use a French press, one coffee scoop per cup, never allow the water to come to a full boil so as not to allow the oxygen to be lost from the water , and on and on and on with every ritual to make a great cup of coffee. Recently I stayed with my cousin to help with some family matters. I got up early to the smell of fresh coffee and I was treated to a wonderful cup of rich dark brew. I asked how he made it. It was Maxwell House made in a percolator, 2 scoops for 6 cups of water. HOW CAN THAT BE?! I had a second cup just to make sure I wasn't kidding myself. It was excellent coffee. I am flabbergasted.
How do you make a good cup of coffee? What am I missing here?