I Still Hate Pike Place Blend/Roast

Maybe it is time for me to find a real coffee place. I like the convenience of Starbucks, but when I can’t buy coffee any more, it is time to find a place that serves COFFEE. I wrote about this issue back in April when Pike Place Blend/Roast came out. I was upset, but I got over my sullen thoughts because I had a choice with other coffees for sale.

August 20, 2008, I don’t have a choice any more. My favorite Starbucks stores don’t serve Verona, House Blend, Cafe Estima, Brazil, Espresso Roast, and what happened to Yukon? What happened to serving Coffee? I don’t go to Starbucks for an egg sandwich or a Vivanno surprise. This summer, all our Starbucks have been serving is Pike Place Blend/Roast as their main and decaf coffees. There are NO other choices in the morning. Even when the carafes are changed on the half, real coffee isn’t being produced. It is replaced with a new batch of Folgers. That is, when somebody walks in the door and asks for a medium coffee, they will get a grande cup of Pike Place Swill. I am not sure what Starbucks was thinking when they decided to replace their fine coffees with the ubiquitous Pike.

A Sean Opinion Dynamics Poll found these favorite quotes that are worth documenting:

“Let's forget the fact that I personally don't like Pikes Place blend (which tastes slightly better than a cup of coffee you might get a greasy-spoon diner) at all, but rather, consider the rational necessary to come to the conclusion that pulling the rug out from underneath millions upon millions of loyal customer is a good idea, in an attempt to lure away new customers from Dunkin Donuts and McDonalds. The marketing geniuses behind New Coke would be proud.”

“It is not good coffee, it is not anything special, and it’s just marketed to seem that way. If Pike is meant to bring the chain "back to where it all started,” how come it waited 37 years to sell it? It is safe to say that I am disgruntled.”

“The new "everyday" coffee blend that's supposed to rescue Starbucks is more likely to sink it. The only way Pike Place Roast could save Starbucks would be to force it down the noses of competitors until they drowned.”

“Pike Place is supposedly "smoother" and "friendlier" and "fresh." So, what were all those other blends - stale?”

“It's metallic on the tongue, like supermarket brands favored by Fat Americans stuffing themselves on T.J. Cinnamons. It tastes under-roasted and cheap, although it costs you just as much as the bolder blends.”

“Pike Place is precisely the kind of limp brew that has long ruled American taste. It's just what I - like millions of others - came to Starbucks to escape.”

Do I need to say more? Yes in fact I do! I am converting to the coffee club at Mystic Monk Coffee. I am going to advertise for them here:

Welcome to Mystic Monk Coffee! Roasted to perfection, full of taste and flavor, we guarantee that in each bag of Mystic Monk Coffee you will find a delicious, consistently smooth and rich taste. Whether you are a coffee connoisseur or simply a friend of monks, our own unique monastic roasts are certain to please and delight. Each bag of coffee is roasted and prepared for you in a hidden, cloistered monastery where each roast is the work of perfection and a labor of love.