Blind Assessment

Evaluated at proportions of 5 grams of instant coffee powder mixed with 8.5 ounces (250 ml) of hot water. Caramelly, cocoa-toned. Fresh fir, cocoa, salted caramel, roasted hazelnut, a hint of lily-like flowers in aroma and cup. Structure is sweet yet brisk, with a salty edge. Lean but smooth in mouthfeel. Flowers and cocoa in the short finish, fading to salty wood in the long.

Notes

This coffee tied for the fifth-highest rating overall in a tasting of “instant” or soluble coffees for Coffee Review’s September 2018 tasting report. This is an instant Via version of the medium-roasted or “Blonde” Veranda Blend, which Starbucks describes as “mellow & soft.” It is apparently aimed at those who prefer a brisker, more delicate cup than presented by Starbucks’ more typical darker-roasted offerings. Visit www.starbucks.com for more information.  

Bottom Line

We enjoyed the caramel, nut and cocoa and the relative cleanness of the cup, though a salt-toned wood lurked.

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