orphanespresso wrote:My biggest objection isn't even the cost, per se. It's the added resources used for packaging that is an unnecessary waste.

Amen.

I wouldn't buy any of this stuff for precisely that reason. Just as - everything being equal - I'd prefer to buy beans that are packaged in recycled/recyclable/biodegradable packaging.

But in my opinion what we are also seeing here is the extent to which "third wave" coffee has now become a superficialised "fashion accessory"....

In principal there is nothing wrong, and probably a lot right, with luxury packaging for luxury goods. Expect to see more of this as record-high green coffee prices reflect real shortages and push retail pricing to a "new normal."

There was an excellent discussion this week between Peter Giuliano of Counter Culture and Mark Inman of Taylor Maid on the need for elite (my word) roasters and retailers to differentiate premium coffees in this new market: http://portafilter.net/. Portafilter.net Podcast #102 (second half of podcast).

I would have no problem paying $1-$2 for a nice tin that I could use for all sorts of things, much less the collector aspect of it. However, for example, the "special" jar that Stumptown is marketing with their Hairbender adds $18 to the cost. This is a pretty expensive jar!!