Let me start this off by giving props to Starbucks for changing the coffee game in America and introducing millions of people to the joys of espresso, lattes, and cappuccinos. I’ll be honest and tell you that the first latte I had was from a Starbucks. Was it good? I have no idea, but I do know I had another and then another and then an espresso and on and on till I discovered that small independent shops offer a higher quality and more interesting product. In this way Starbucks was a gateway drug to bigger and better things.
However, If I could teach people one thing about coffee it would be that you shouldn’t be wasting your time at Starbucks. EVER! I know it’s easy and convenient (how can it not be with 11,000 stores in the US) but if you care about how your coffee tastes you would make the effort to find a independent shop that cares about the coffee their creating. Starbucks coffee drinks are strong but with a very bitter and burnt taste. Now there is nothing wrong with strong coffee, but it should taste nice and smooth. The most likely reason for the bitter/burnt taste is that Starbucks roasts their beans at a higher temperature then most roasters in order to produce large quantities of beans in a short time. After all they have to not only supply 16,000+ stores worldwide, they also supply multiple retail outlets with an unimaginable amount of their whole beans.
Another thing that affects the taste of a drink is the “love” that is put into making it. Now I have an advantage over Starbucks here, in the sense that I have a vested interest in every drink that I make for a customer. Starbucks can’t say that. They can’t make one of their hourly Baristas care about their job and the drinks that their making for you. I’m sure there are some who do care, but for the most part they are just waiting out the clock till they can go home and that affects how well crafted the drink they are making tastes.
So in summary, life is too short for bad coffee, Starbucks is evil, and you should come find me and get some very good, well crafted, freshly roasted, not burnt or bitter, lovingly made coffee!
