Blind Assessment:

Evaluated as espresso produced in a 30ml/1-ounce shot by a Verismo capsule espresso brewer with whole milk heated separately using a conventional steam wand, not with milk from the Verismo milk capsule. Scorched and astringent. Burned caramel, gently charred cedar, dark chocolate, a floral hint in the aroma. Leanish mouthfeel. A drying woody sensation dominated the flavor of the small cup, with hints of dark chocolate and rubber. Rich but very drying, slightly salty finish. In three parts whole milk displays a woody but sweet chocolate with a slight rubbery hint in the background.

Notes:

This espresso blend was produced by Starbucks for its Verismo pod system. It is the darkest roasted of the two non-decaf espresso pod selections offered for the Verismo system in July 2013. Visit www.starbucks.com for more information.

Who Should Drink It: Perhaps Starbucks will improve the freshness and delivery of this capsule version of its flagship espresso blend in the future, but based on this sample, consumers who enjoy the café version of Starbucks’ espresso will not find this pod version nearly as cleanly pungent and authoritatively roasty.