how do you get to know a coffee/region?

[badperson]

Do you like to buy lots of samplers? Or do you like to get one bean, roast it a bunch of different ways, then move on to another?

I go the 8lb sampler with my roaster...it's not impossible that I will get an espresso machine in a couple months, where I would get another 8lb sampler...

but I think after that my strategy will be to get 5lb bags of different coffees and roast a bunch of different ways....get good at the difference between city, city+ etc. I got a good book, so that will be fun to read.
bp

[endlesscycles]

Breadth and depth of knowledge are equally valuable.
Roast multiple profiles in one sitting and compare results directly.

[BoldJava]

Cup with others. Many, many times with any, many coffee aficionados. Compare origins, sample from around the globe. Buy some of SM's and dig and scrum through the cup to find that which he describes.

B|Java

[barrista]

Just keep trying new ones. I like to switch my orders in 2lbs per origins, giving me one room to go with ~6-7 roasts (I-roast), change the roast profile and temp ramps on a few, and try them. I generally bring some of the best & worst into the office, and keep the rest at home

[tucker85]

When I'm experimenting with different roasts or different coffees I prefer the 2 pound bags. It gives me enough coffee to try several roasts and drink the coffee long enough to get to know it. If I like it I can always buy more. Also when I'm playing with different roast levels I try to buy a coffee that Tom says is good through all the roast levels C+ - FC+.