What I’m Drinking: Starbucks VIA Columbia

Starbucks Instant Coffee

Today, I’m trying the new Starbucks VIA, Ready Brew Columbia Coffee.

A few weeks ago, via Twitter and the Starbucks website, they were giving away free samples. You know me and free samples, I couldn’t pass it up.

I couldn’t wait for it to get there. The sample arrived last week and inside were samples of their Columbia flavor and the Italian Roast.

I couldn’t wait to give it a test drive. The instructions were very simple. Pour instant coffee into cup, add hot water, stir and enjoy. It’s perfect for when you need only a cup of coffee or you’re stuck at work late one night.

But how does it taste?

To start with, the smell is very pleasant. It doesn’t smell like instant coffee. It doesn’t smell like it’s burnt. It actually smells like fresh brewed coffee.

I decided to try the Columbia brew first, since I’ve been drinking it all week from a pound of ground coffee that I bought at the grocery store.

I have to say, the Instant Brew actually tasted better. It’s definitely not the best cup of coffee that I’ve ever had, but it’s way better than any instant coffee that I’ve ever tried.

The only thing that I didn’t like about it was the after taste. I enjoy the initial taste sensation, but with the after taste, it does have a hint of a burnt taste.

Overall, a smooth, rich flavor. It’s supposed to have a “nutty” or walnut flavor, but being allergic to walnuts and never tasted them, I can’t tell you if that’s what it does indeed taste like, but I can tell you that I did like the taste.

It’s definitely something that I could see myself buying for when I’m in need instant coffee.

If you’re looking to try it for yourself, you can find it online at the Starbucks site or at select locations in Seattle, Chicago and London. Online, the price isn’t bad either, only $9.95 for 12 servings. That’s less than a dollar a cup. You definitely won’t find coffee that cheap freshly made at the Starbucks store.

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