Oh, you've gotta try a good local american roaster. Try Intelligensia, the coffeegeeks rave about them. Being an Aussie who hasn't travelled much, I don't know North American geography at all. Is Orange County/Newport Beach in Southern California? If so, I've heard good things about Kean Coffee.

The difference is that imported/mass produced stuff spends a few months in bags and being shipped, whereas this stuff is roasted a few days before being brewed. It's like going to an artisan bakery ... smells and tastes even better!

In former days, I used to buy my coffee beans green ie; unroasted, and I'd roast them myself in a little popcorn popper. The smell is amazing. Now that's fresh!