Starbucks New Coffee Drinks: Taste Test

by Bill Sertl, Posted Mar 10th 2011 @ 11:00AM

starbucks cup with new logo Photo: Simon Q, Flickr

We already reported on Starbucks' new coffee, cappuccino and cakes, part of the company's 40-year anniversary celebration that kicks off today, but I've now actually tasted them-yesterday, at its store in Manhattan's Soho. And I can report that the brand-new Tribute blend had subtle berry notes, perhaps hinting of currant. One sip and it was obvious that the brew was low in acidity. But what really surprised me was the realization that Tribute, which is only being offered in a limited quantity, obviously had beans from all three of the world's major coffee-growing regions-Asia (Sumatra and, if I was correct, Papau New Guinea), Africa (Ethiopia) and South America (Colombia). That seemed unusual, and I sensed that this must be the first time Starbucks had ever done such a globe-spanning blend.

Okay, all of the above is true, but the only reason I know is because the guy who manages the New York stores told us, teaching us how to taste coffee at the same time-sniff, to catch the aroma, followed by a quick gulp, to check the acidity. (Be careful the coffee isn't too hot before you gulp.) On my own, though, I can honestly report that Tribute was really good. Really good coffee, man. I also liked the new Cocoa Cappuccino, with only 150 calories, which surprised me, because I'm no chocolate fan. (My idea of a sweet treat is a pretzel.) Even more amazing, I loved the Petites, pretty little confections that give dessert a good name, and with only 200 calories each themselves.

What has all of this got to do with you? Well, just this: If you head over to Starbucks between 2-5 p.m. local time today, tomorrow and Saturday and order any beverage you like, you will get a free Petite-maybe a Red Velvet Whoopie Pie or a Rocky Road Cake Pop. And if you have a cup of Tribute, you can check out those berry notes for yourself.

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Filed Under: Coffee Shops, Reviews
Tags: starbucks, starbucks anniversary

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Reader comments (Page 1 of 1)

3-11-2011 @9:34PM Hattie Crabtree said... I had the regular Venti hot mocha.It was ok but could have had a little more choc in it.I don't go to Starbucks often so was surprised when the lady said you can get a free dessert ( only like four to pick from ) so I got the little lemon square which was very good.
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3-11-2011 @10:02PM t said... I hate Starbucks, their bitter, floor sweeping burnt beans make me sick. They truly have the worst coffee in the world. I can't believe people suck that crap up. It is gross. They need to learn how to brew coffee that is drinkable.
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3-11-2011 @11:51PM Chef Allison said... I'm a pastry chef and I had to try the "red velvet" whoopie pie when I heard it was out.

IT IS DISGUSTING!!!! No flavor in the cake at all. NONE!!! The filling tastes like cream cheese powdered sugar and it was gritty. The only flavor I could find was the red strip icing. The cake is about 2" wide and 2" high. A one-biter, and you're charged 75 cents for this sucker. It costs about 12 cents to make.

The moron who came up with this "dessert" should have his tastes buds tested - and then be shot!!
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3-11-2011 @11:53PM Shannon said... I agree. This cake thing is nasty. Maybe YOU could come up with something better??

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3-12-2011 @2:32PM ellie said... Wow. I thought the Cocoa Cappuccino was terrible. I felt like I was drinking pure chemicals. But then again, if you think Starbucks coffee is good, "man", I really shouldn't expect a higher quality review. Come on! I thought this was supposed to be an honest food blog. Why not try reviewing places that aren't chains, but instead small-business coffee shops?
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3-14-2011 @2:06PM cathy said... If they really want to do something "special" for the 40th anniversary, how about they lower their prices for the consumers that have been keeping them in business for 40 years. Ever notice they never give away anything free in the morning-when they are most busy? http://newsy1.wordpress.com
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