I was given a free packet of the Starbucks VIA "Italian Roast" recently and was really hesitant to try it. In fact, I just put it in my cupboard for "emergency" purposes. See, I have a cup of coffee in the morning before work... so I was thinking that it'd come in handy on a day that I was running late. Well, last week the opportunity arose to try it out. I have an instant hot water dispenser at home so I just tore open the package of Starbucks Via and added hot water. I also added milk and sugar (I know you really don't need the details, but I'm a detail oriented guy). Anyways, I took a sip and actually did a double take. I thought perhaps I was losing my mind because the instant coffee actually tasted good! I mean, it was kind of a revelation because I've never had instant coffee that I've actually enjoyed. I was drinking it merely to "wake up" and hadn't even thought that it may actually be a delicious experience... but it was. There was no weird "after-taste" at all!
Now, I'm not a Starbucks "Fan Boy" or anything. I actually very rarely go to Starbucks. I prefer to brew my own Coffee and my favorites are "Peets Coffee" and "Seattles Best". With that said, this stuff is pretty damn good for "Instant" Coffee. I mean, I don't think you would even be able to tell that it was instant. The only other similar product out there is "Nescafe Taster's Choice" packets of instant coffee. I recieved free samples of these to review too, and I honestly have to say that it tasted like a big cup of "crappola"! I mean, it had the worst aftertaste... a familiar instant coffee trait. So that's why I think this product from Starbucks deserves some recognition. The only negative I can say about this product is that it's pretty darn expensive for "instant" coffee at about a buck a packet. One packet makes a cup of coffee. Then again, this would be amazing to have on a camping trip.
Pros:
-Good tasting coffee with No bad After-taste. Beats other instant coffee... hands down!
-small powdered packets are perfect for travel... just add water. one pack, per cup.
Cons:
-Expensive... nearly a buck a cup
Conclusion:
As a "freeze-drying" technician... I'm happy that they finally got their formula right. I know first-hand how complex this process can be. This coffee is a product of "freeze-dried" perfection :)
Note: I haven't seen this product at regular grocery stores yet. I've only seen it on Amazon.com but I'm guessing it's also available at any Starbucks Coffee. If anyone can verify this, please post in comments. Thanks!
