Christmas Blend rocks! I asked someone at Starbucks what was in that stuff, and they said it was mostly "aged Sumatran". I didn't know aging could improve coffee.

The first bag of Equal Exchange I ever bought, those many years ago, was also disappointing. But thorbol and I have had many bags since then, and we've liked most of them. You can get lots of varieties at Harvest, including French roast and Sumatran, which are my faves. I've found other kinds of fair trade coffee, but most are more expensive.

But your post is almost making us want to re-try Maxwell House!