Ground, the sealed tin. Gives me a headache smelling it!
Just like the Matrix you're about to take the red pill
Never will coffee taste the same..
Virtually all ground and bean coffee on the supermarket has been sat their for several months. The internet sites roast the day before and then ship, so you get the coffee in perfect condition (often it requires a day or two to finish degassing after the roast).
I, well the coffee machine to be precise, wouldn't rate Illy as fresh. Even freshly grinding the beans isn't as good. I have found one 'standard' bean that seems to be fresh but I've also found it can differ from bag to bag of the same type!
If only they had a "superfresh" range that was roasted the same week..
Yes there's a price difference, nobody can deny that (coffee is an imported luxury after all!), but have one try and then you'll understand the difference. You can then make up your own mind about the freshness!
I would try these coffees from hasbean. They're going to taste very different. Most online retailers will provide an option to grind before delivery:
Australian Skyberry (~£4) - this will completely define bombastic smell!! A mellow cup (and the one to try!)
https://www.hasbean.co.uk/products/Australia-Skyberry.html
Ethiopia Yirgacheffe (~4) - sharper acidic, bright
https://www.hasbean.co.uk/products/Ethiopia-Yirgacheffe.html
Bolivia Machacamarca (£5) - mellow, dark chocolate
https://www.hasbean.co.uk/products/Bolivia-Machacamarca-BV-Maria-and-Mario-Andrade-2009.html