For me coffee has to be black, no sugar. Darker roasts are best for me. Freshly ground is the way to go, but it doesn't have to be. The good stuff doesn't really taste bitter to me. It's kind of mellow, robust, even a little sweet. Never worry about too much caffeine. I'd have to grind up NoDoz and snort it it before I'd have a problem with that. 20 oz of coffee in the morning is all I need for the day, but I could go more than that. Sometimes add in one or two 16oz sugar free or lo carb Monster energy drinks. Get five or six hours of good sleep per nite during the week. Sleep in on the weekends. Repeat...