Rave of the Week - Via: Starbucks Instant Coffee

The wife and I went to the Baltimore area this past week to visit some family, and what a great time we had! First, I have to admit that the sincerity and kindness of the locals of Jarrettsville, MD blew me away. Those guys were bending over backwards for us at every turn, and they didn't seem to be doing it begrudgingly.

It was one of these unexpected acts of kindness that offered me the opportunity to sample Starbucks' new instant coffee, Via. Erynn and I stopped in to a local grocery store for a few items, which also happened to have a Starbucks. I was pretty much set on what I wanted...a Pumpkin Spice Latte (because they're AWESOME!) Erynn was a little undecided, but opted for the mint flavored hot chocolate. The guy behind the register asked if she'd ever tried the premium hot chocolates, and since she hadn't, he upgraded her for free. Awesome. Then, he turned to me and asked if I like instant coffee. Now, usually I don't, but I'll try most new things at least once. So, he included a sample of their new instant coffee.

Here's my impression:
It comes in at least two different roasts, and I opted for the bold. It was pretty true to it's name in that it had a smooth, bold flavor. It didn't have too much of the hallmark weird foam that usually comes with instant coffees. And neither did it have too much of the weird smudge at the bottom of the cup that you sometimes find with other instant brands. The coffee grounds themselves appeared to be a super-fine grind of regular coffee, and not some strange processed, air puffed concoction. Overall, I'd have to say that it is definitely a product I'd take with me if I were traveling or camping. It would also be good for the occasional coffee fix at work when no other options are available. As to price, it's a little on the high side at around $10 for a box of 12 servings. But, if it's just for the occasions when you can't get good coffee elsewhere, I'd probably spring for it. You can check it out here.