Good coffee starts with fresh beans.
The type of bean is up to each individuals preference. The experts say that it should be with in the week, but I have found the coffee bean to be forgiving of time provided it is stored ion an airtight container and preferably in the refridgerator. My personal preferenc is for the kona bean from the foot of Mauna Loa in Hawaii. This bean has a mild, low acidity, almost sweet flavor. It is important to grind your own beans, but if for some reason you must have your coffee preground, be sure to have it ground in the store and store it in an airtight container.