So It Began...
To be fair, I must give Starbucks their due credit. They make the most incredible Hot Chocolate in the world.
When I first determined to try coffee, several gleefully offered to push me off the plank. After much delay and contemplation, I finally found myself in my first willing coffee experiment. A friend brewed some coffee in a French Press, and offered me a cup. It was a Starbucks roast of some kind, and I was warned that it was be weak. I reluctantly took it, wincing slightly at the confident smile on my friend’s face. She described that to taste coffee properly, one must slurp noisily, so as to add air to the liquid, letting it breathe. Only a small part of the cup was filled, with promises of much more available when I found within its depths the fulfillment of my coffee drinking desires. ‘Twas for nought.
It was disgusting. I am sure revolt spread across every crevice of my cringing face, because she quickly offered an explanation for my disgust. “It’s got kind of a burnt flavor,” she said, “that’s why it’s called Char-bucks.” And she wasn’t lying. I had just poured essence of burnt oak sweat socks into my mouth. I forced myself not to spit every last drop into the sink, and tried to consider the nuances of the famed Starbucks roast. I couldn’t find any. I suppose those who like to sip burnt wood would have been thoroughly engrossed in the experience. For me, it was simply gross.
To be fair, I must give Starbucks their due credit. They make the most incredible Hot Chocolate in the world. I know there is quite a bit of contention over this in the coffee-less world, but I must consistently award them that honor.
Since I have never enjoyed coffee, every coffee shop I have ever visited has had the opportunity to convince me of their Hot Chocolate superiority. Despite their very best attempts, with specialty chocolates from around the world, I must say that Starbucks original, non-fat, no-whip Hot Chocolate is to die for.
Knowing my strong opinions on the subject of chocolate will give you an understanding of where I am coming from. I love my chocolate rich, dark, and sophisticatedly uncomplicated. I had to ask myself: how can I love those qualities in chocolate, and yet hate thesamequalities in coffee?I don't like a lot of added sugar and cream. Let me taste the purity of the chocolate in a form as unadulterated as possible. I think our world would be much better served by medicinal chocolate shops on every corner than by other pharmaceuticals which shall remain (mostly) nameless.
Much more on the relationship between chocolate and coffee will most certainly follow in the future...
ORIGINAL COMMENTS
Kevin, May 18, 2011 at 7:51 AM
Way interesting blog-post!!
Unknown, May 18, 2011 at 4:55 PM
Ok, now we're talking!!! Chocolate is Awesome!! And to see what you find with coffee has my ears and taste buds WIDE open...
Incidentally, Starbucks does make one of the best Chai Teas I have ever had both hot and cold. But Chai's would be another blog... hhmmmmm....
Anonymous, May 19, 2011 at 9:48 AM
Rachel –
So I LOVE your blog!!!!! I admire your moxie for going on this adventure considering you don’t like coffee. At all.
So, I thought I’d chime in on this particular post. I prefer French press coffee because it tends to be less acidic. From what I understand, coffee filters often absorb a lot of the balancing oils from the coffee beans leaving the more acidic portions in your brew. With the French Press the oils remain in the coffee and the result is a much smoother cup of coffee.
Regarding Starbucks…. Well, it’s the McDonalds of the coffee world. We don’t drink it because it’s good, we drink it because it’s convenient. I actually prefer not to drink it. If I don’t have time to brew my own coffee at home, I’ll take good old fashioned gas station coffee any day over “Charbucks” (love that term).
I’d also like to throw out a suggestion for a coffee to try. My favorite blend to buy from a store is the Kaui Peaberry blend from World Market. If you try it, you’ll find that it’s smooth and nutty without a burnt charred taste. I would suggest using a French press for the best effect. Also, note that it only comes in whole bean form so you’ll need a grinder as well if you decide to try it. http://www.worldmarket.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4351043
Good luck on your quest! I hope you find coffee that you like at the end of your jouney.
Jeni Holdaway
