If you're new to buying specialty coffee, here's how to make the right call:

1. Look for the roast date first. If it's not there, put the bag down. There are enough roasters who print it that you don't need to gamble.
2. Buy within 2–4 weeks of roasting. That's the sweet spot for flavor. Anything older is still drinkable, but you're losing the good stuff.
3. Check the packaging. A one-way valve and opaque material are signs the roaster cares about freshness. A clear plastic bag with a twist tie? Walk away.
4. Choose whole beans over ground. Even if you have to buy a grinder, it's worth it. Ground coffee loses its personality in hours.
5. Buy from roasters who date their bags. It's a small thing, but it tells you they're thinking about you, not just the shelf.

This isn't just about coffee. It's the same logic you should apply to any specialty food or merch. If a brand is proud of its product, it tells you when it was made.