So Who’s Coffee Is Better?

Consumer reports has just released the results of a coffee tasting test they recently conducted.  You can read the full story from the Seattle Times’ website.  A few interesting quotes:

“After sampling four leading brewed coffees for its March issue, the
magazine said McDonald’s premium roast coffee bested competing cups
from Burger King, Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks, the world’s largest
specialty coffee retailer.”

“The group tasted medium cups of coffee — no cream or sugar — at two
locations from each company in November. They rated McDonald’s premium
brand the best, calling it “decent and moderately strong” although
lacking “subtle top notes.”

How about that?  McDonalds’ coffee rated supreme.  I will agree that the new premium roast is good stuff.  It’s cheaper and it’s a good wake up coffee in the morning.  I’ve tried to cut down a bit on buying so much coffee but sitting in the shops is one of my pleasures not to mention an effective way to meet people I’m trying to reach for our new church plant.  Since I spend so much time in my adjacent offices (nee, coffee shops) here in Denver, I thought I’d rate my experiences as well and see if anyone wants to comment here.  The following are some quick, off the cuff comments but it’s late and I haven’t had my evening coffee yet!

Best Coffee: Peets coffee.
I have Steve Sjogren to blame here.  I tried Peets after reading his thoughts about them and have been hooked ever since.  Peets is largely a west coast chain with very few stores outside of the region but they recently began an expansion in Colorado that has led them to open three new stores recently, including one in my area.  They play classical music and have a unique atmosphere in their shops and without a doubt, it’s the best coffee I’ve ever had.  I think it has to do with their roasting method which is a bit darker than most but with a richer flavor.  I was buying it in the bags at my local Safeway until the shop itself opened up.  Now I own a french press and have my coffee ground in half-pound increments from Peets to brew at home.
Other notables: McDonalds Premium roast, Krispey Kreme’s “Smooth”, and Seattle’s Best’s “Henry’s Blend”.

Best Atmosphere: Caribou Coffee.
For a business meeting, the local Caribou shop is the best.  I host a pastor’s prayer group every other month and this is where I choose to go.  From the rustic but 5-star setup inside the shop, the great atmosphere with a fireplace, and plenty of comfortable seating, the shop is the best overall.
Other notables: Peets, Starbucks, and Seattle’s Best inside my local Borders book store.

Best Value: McDonalds Premium Roast.
Let’s face it…We pay for the atmosphere.  I, like you, love Starbucks and it’s awesome music selection and I will overpay for a solid cup of coffee just to sit and get things done with some great jazz playing in the background but the coffee McDonalds makes now is comparable in taste and quality (provided you don’t order all the specialty drinks - If you do, than obviously you have to go somewhere else other than McDonalds) to that brewed by Starbucks.  If I’m in a hurry to go somewhere on the road and I haven’t had time to brew my own at home, I stop in to the local McD’s for a cup of premium roast.  It’s smooth and wakes me up everytime!
Other notables: Krispey Kreme, Chick Fil-A (yes, they have good coffee too!), and Peets (they do have a pretty reasonable price for a simple cup of coffee compared to other high end shops).

Overall Favorite: Seattle’s Best inside my local Borders bookstore.
Seattle’s Best wins for me since I love books and bookshops.  My local Borders has a nice, spacious cafe and a good cup of coffee.  (Seattle Best is now owned by Starbucks).  I really liked the old Cafe Borders coffee better but can understand why Borders is getting out of the coffee business in their shops. I’ve tried many different blends but Henry’s Blend is a good overall cup and the tables lend themselves to some serious study.  The music selection is so-so depending on who’s making the choices but the extra benefit for me here is the ability to go grab a magazine or peruse the latest book choices after I’m done working.  This, for me, is the greatest benefit and the reason why I picked Seattle’s Best.
Other notables: Peets, Caribou Coffee, and Starbucks.

I might add, one thing that none of these shops offer that would be a clincher for me is free wi-fi internet.  There are a few local coffee shops around that I visit once in a while and I do so largely because I have some internet work to catch up on and I need a wi-fi hookup.  I refuse to pay the exorbitant rates charged by Starbucks and the others when I can go to my local Atlanta Bread Company, Chick Fil-A, or local coffee chain and get it for free.  If one of these shops (I’ve been begging Peets to get wi-fi) would install a free wi-fi connection, they might be surprised how much additional business it would generate for their stores.  I’m not alone in my thoughts here.  McDonalds has even started offering wi-fi in some locations near me, but they charge for it too.  That’s a shame because I could work in a McDonalds booth as well as I could at Starbucks.

So what do you think?  Do you have some thoughts to add about your local area?  I know this has very little to do with Church planting other than we get to meet some nice people to invite, but what do you prefer in the way of coffee and coffee shops?

Good night, I’m off to brew some Peets Ethiopian blend and hit the bed!