Coffee Review: Starbucks Coffee's Pike Place Roast

Background: There is probably more to say about Pike Place Roast (not pronounced 'Pike's Place' or 'Pike's peak') than any other of Starbucks' coffees. It is a Latin American blend created in 2007 and marketed as a coffee that represents Starbucks' history. Starbucks originally opened in 1971 as a wholesale coffee stand located within Seattle's famed Pike Place Fish Market. Over the past few decades, Starbucks has evolved to become a ubiquitous luxury coffee brand for the masses. Pike Place Roast, in reality, represents the future of Starbucks more than its past--being a milder blend more conducive to the average American palate. In 2007, Pike Place replaced the House Blend as the in-store house coffee in all of Starbucks' retail outlets. If you go to Starbucks and ask for a cup of coffee, chances are that Pike Place Roast is what you are going to get. There have been mixed reactions amidst the customers of Starbucks as to the quality of Pike Place Roast. Some customers complain that Starbucks is selling out while others insist that it is about time Starbucks has a coffee that is 'drinkable' for everyone. If you are used to drinking mass-market pre-packaged blend coffee brands such as Folgers or Maxwell House, you are probably looking for something along the lines of Pike Place Roast when you visit a local cafe.

Tasting: Aroma*; very little scent except for a slight roastiness before it cools. Acidity***; balanced bite on the middle sides of the tongue. Body**; virtually no weight, slides of the tongue cleanly without lingering. Flavor***; clear notes of mixed nuts accented with very faint butter cocoa.

I would recommend Pike Place Roast to the casual coffee drinker. Just want a 'cup of Joe?' Pike Place is for you. There is nothing exceptional in it, but it is a smooth cup amenable to virtually any palate.