If you want a flavor sensation and consider yourself somewhat adventurous, then by all means try some Kopi Luwak. This coffee, the most expensive in the world, is made from coffee beans that have passed through, and been transformed by, the digestive system of a wild civet (a weasel relative).

Exposed coffee, whether ground or in bean form, will eventually lose its flavor, so you should store it in a dark, cool, airtight place. Don't store it in the refrigerator, however, because it does have a tendency to absorb odors -- and you don't want garlic-flavored coffee.

One way to effectively store coffee is to freeze it: the freezing process maintains the flavor integrity indefinitely. This is especially effective for unground beans. When you remove the beans from the freezer, don't worry about thawing them; you can grind them right away.