have you tried starbucks instant coffee?

nynor · 01-31-2010, 01:43 PM

damn, its good.

Porsche-O-Phile · Porsche-O-Phile's Garage

Really?

I'd have figured Starbucks (typically kinda' mediocre) plus instant (typically mediocre at best) would've made for a so-so coffee but if you're endorsing it maybe I'll pick up a package and try it out.

nynor · 01-31-2010, 02:20 PM

i was totally skeptical, in fact i called BS. someone at work had some and i was BLOWN away.

i gave some to my wife, and she said "nice, you got the coffee just right." i then informed her it was instant and her jaw literally dropped.

do not follow the instructions on the packet, use about 12 ounces of water, not 8. it is WAY too strong if you only use 8 ounces, IMO.

gr8fl4porsche · gr8fl4porsche's Garage

Thanks for the tip. I will try it tomorrow and post my review.

Talewinds · Talewinds's Garage

I'm a backpacker who can survive in the wild with nothing but a pocketknife and coffee. I whined mercilessly while on the trail for a mere two days last fall after forgetting the coffee.
I typically take a product called Java Juice, a packet of liquid coffee extract. It's made from the Arabica variety of beans which I typically detest, but out on the trail I'd take anything.

I switched to the Starbucks instant last year when it hit test-market.
Out on the trail it makes for DAMNED GOOD coffee.

Normy · 01-31-2010, 03:59 PM

There is no such thing as "instant coffee". The more proper name is "A coffee-like substance".

-My mom, a few years ago, when I was flying around the globe on a monthly basis, asked me to look for the discontinued instant coffee product known as "Maxim". This was a German product, and of course...it was the most effective of all. Well, this product was discontinued around the world apparently, and I couldn't find it in Brussels, Cologne, or even Hong Kong.

Mom loved Maxim! That stuff tasted like crap, but one time me and Billy Bishop from across the street made a cup of it from the tea-kettle on the stove when we were 10. We put two teaspoons of Maxim in a cup of hot water, and each of us drank half. I remember I was so wired I was shaking! I think that a lot of instant coffee drinkers are more into the caffeine than into the taste.

My morning cup? Lately I've been drinking Cafe DuMonde, in the yellow metal container. For years I've been drinking "Chock full O'Nuts" Hazelnut bean, rendered in my own grinder, but in the past few weeks the chickory in the Cafe Du Monde has been appealing.

N!

imcarthur · imcarthur's Garage

I tried a sample in a store. It's still instant & not real bean. I drink coffee black & strong. Maybe in an absolute emergency . . .

Ian

JavaBrewer · JavaBrewer's Garage

I recently forgot to buy coffee so we were forced to try the free-be SB instant packets we had lying around. The SB instant is the best instant coffee I have had...but I'm not drinking it again if I can avoid it. We're coffee snobs and prefer fresh espresso with hot water and a touch of whole milk.

Dantilla · 01-31-2010, 04:58 PM

I haven't tried it.

My wife did, and said it was awful. After reading some of the praise here, maybe I'll try it so I actually have an opinion of my own.

nynor · 01-31-2010, 05:14 PM

ya gotta go 12 ounces on the water. 8 ounces and it is just too strong, way too strong for me.

Talewinds · Talewinds's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Normy

There is no such thing as "instant coffee". The more proper name is "A coffee-like substance".

-My mom, a few years ago, when I was flying around the globe on a monthly basis, asked me to look for the discontinued instant coffee product known as "Maxim". This was a German product, and of course...it was the most effective of all. Well, this product was discontinued around the world apparently, and I couldn't find it in Brussels, Cologne, or even Hong Kong.

Mom loved Maxim! That stuff tasted like crap, but one time me and Billy Bishop from across the street made a cup of it from the tea-kettle on the stove when we were 10. We put two teaspoons of Maxim in a cup of hot water, and each of us drank half. I remember I was so wired I was shaking! I think that a lot of instant coffee drinkers are more into the caffeine than into the taste.

My morning cup? Lately I've been drinking Cafe DuMonde, in the yellow metal container. For years I've been drinking "Chock full O'Nuts" Hazelnut bean, rendered in my own grinder, but in the past few weeks the chickory in the Cafe Du Monde has been appealing.

N!

You shot your attempt at coffee snobbery in the foot when you uttered the word Chicory.

NutmegCarrera · NutmegCarrera's Garage

I've been "using" the SB for a couple of months now.
Pretty good stuff. I thought it was "real bean" - and is microground.
Our coffee at work is lousy, and we happen to have a hot water on demand spigot. Bingo! Ten bucks saves me a few trips per week to my favorite (privately owned) coffee shop. Nothing wrong with keeping a few bucks in your pocket for a change.
+1 on the 12oz, too.

gassy · 01-31-2010, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Normy

There is no such thing as "instant coffee". The more proper name is "A coffee-like substance".

-My mom, a few years ago, when I was flying around the globe on a monthly basis, asked me to look for the discontinued instant coffee product known as "Maxim". This was a German product, and of course...it was the most effective of all. Well, this product was discontinued around the world apparently, and I couldn't find it in Brussels, Cologne, or even Hong Kong.

Mom loved Maxim! That stuff tasted like crap, but one time me and Billy Bishop from across the street made a cup of it from the tea-kettle on the stove when we were 10. We put two teaspoons of Maxim in a cup of hot water, and each of us drank half. I remember I was so wired I was shaking! I think that a lot of instant coffee drinkers are more into the caffeine than into the taste.

My morning cup? Lately I've been drinking Cafe DuMonde, in the yellow metal container. For years I've been drinking "Chock full O'Nuts" Hazelnut bean, rendered in my own grinder, but in the past few weeks the chickory in the Cafe Du Monde has been appealing.

N!

You can get Maxim on eBay--

Maxim Original Coffee Mix - 100pks - eBay (item 230412348923 end time Feb-12-10 07:40:47 PST)

Oracle · 01-31-2010, 08:01 PM

I didn't like it at all. My wife tried it and thought it was okay but nothing close to the real deal from the store

dd74 · 01-31-2010, 10:06 PM

I've had a packet in front of me since Oct. of last year. I wonder if it's still good?

Capt. Crunch · 01-31-2010, 10:46 PM

It actually tastes really good. It turned me on to the idea and I bought the keurig! Its totally the way to go!

Keurig At Work

dd74 · 01-31-2010, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capt. Crunch

It actually tastes really good. It turned me on to the idea and I bought the keurig! Its totally the way to go!

Keurig At Work

You should try a French press with freshly ground espresso beans. You won't be disappointed.

campbellcj · 01-31-2010, 11:05 PM

It's not bad IMO and a good option while traveling or camping in particular. We always grind and brew at home though - lately a lot of Peets.

HardDrive · 01-31-2010, 11:56 PM

Starbucks VIA is ok in a pinch. Funny this got posted. I woke up 2 days ago, and realized I had no expresso in the house. I had a couple packs of Starbucks sitting around. Not to shabby. It does brew up strong in 8 oz, but I like it that way.

Superman · 02-01-2010, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dantilla

I haven't tried it.

My wife did, and said it was awful. After reading some of the praise here, maybe I'll try it so I actually have an opinion of my own.

I suspect perhaps she was reacting to the coffee's "edgy-ness." I prefer the french-roast edge, and am fairly impressed by this stuff. Best instant coffee in the world, without a doubt.