[gamble]

As an alternative, try cold-brewed (aka 'Toddy') coffee. Cold-brewing circumvents the freshness problem by brewing large batches of concentrate that can be stored in the fridge. Then simply mix the concentrate with boiling water for standard coffee, or with cold water to make true iced coffee. The results are notably less bitter than conventional coffee.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toddy_coffee

[ecuzzillo]

I don't know about circumventing the freshness problem, but I do know that if you introduce chicory to the brewing process and then add milk, it becomes fantastic. See iced coffee here:

http://www.bluebottlecoffee.net/coffee/preparation-guide/

That's also probably the best guide on the internet for coffee preparation, and one of the better places in the world to buy coffee in any form.