As a general guideline, it feels just right to finish your coffee within about 10 days after roasting (or defrosting, if it’s been frozen). Personally, I find that the flavor peaks around day 2 or 3, and by the two-week mark, it starts to feel a bit… lacking.
That said, coffee is still perfectly drinkable for about a month. But after two months? Yeah… it’s not great anymore.
Of course, depending on the variety, roast level, and brewing method, some coffees may actually benefit from a bit of aging—so this isn’t a hard rule by any means.
This is just my personal impression and the reason I set the “best before” date at one month.
There’s also some debate around freezing coffee beans, but if it looks like you won’t finish them within a month, I’d say freezing is a valid option—I cast my vote in favor of it.
Oxidized coffee beans (especially the coffee oils) don’t just taste bad—they’re not great for your body either.＾＾；
