Keep the bag. Keep the context.

Protect the coffee you have

The National Coffee Association recommends protecting coffee from air, moisture, heat and light. Its storage guide discusses suitable containers and buying quantities that fit use. There is no single freshness promise for every coffee and storage situation on this site.

Reference: National Coffee Association — Storage and shelf life ↗.

Keep source information nearby

Record what the packaging actually says, such as the coffee name, roast date when supplied, and the roaster’s instructions. An absent date should remain “not supplied”, not be estimated from the day you bought the bag.

Use a tasting timeline

Create a personal note when you open a bag and another when you next brew it. Record your recipe as well as your impression. Otherwise, a change in method can be mistaken for a change in the coffee itself.

Do not turn a preference into a claim

A taste descriptor is not a list of added ingredients, a health statement or a guarantee about caffeine. Consult the actual packaging for ingredients and allergen information. This journal does not sell drinks, display a café menu or claim a physical shop.