Liking "bold" coffee makes me more bias than most. But this brew is probably in my top three flavored coffees. Not overly powerful like some bold flavors and no bitter after taste. Very smooth and flavorful for this coffee lover.
I love a strong cup of coffee and this is it with out any bitter aftertaste and I can brew at the 12 ounce setting and still have a nice strong cup! If you don't like strong coffee, don't try it. I like it a bit better than dark magic, personal preference. So if you are searching for a strong cup without any bitterness this is for you. Of course everyone's taste buds are different, this is great for me.
I LOVE THIS FRENCH ROAST BY STARBUCKS. WE TRIED ALL THE DIFFERENT FLAVORS EACH WEEK WHEN WE WENT SHOPPING AND WE KEPT COMING BACK TO THIS ONE.I GET UP AT 4:45 EVERY MORNING AND GET READY TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL FOR A 12-16 HOUR SHIFT AND THIS GETS ME READY FOR THE DAY. ON MY DAYS OFF IT IS A JOY TO SIT IN BED WATCHING THE MORNING NEWS SNUGGLING WITH MY FAMILY AND DRINKING THIS COFFEE. ONE WORD...AWESOME!
My first choice is always a strong coffee. I look for the up front pleasing nutty, dark, deep flavor and if it's there I can always forgive a little bitterness in the aftertaste. This coffee delivers a flat, almost rubbery tasting, initial flavor and then hits big only in the bitter finish. Even after I gave it several sips to settle down, I found the flavor to be boring at best and that aftertaste is still there. I'm very disappointed with ths one, especially given the premium price I paid for the brand name. Don't waste your money.
Cons: Not Enough Flavor, Unappealing Or Flat Aroma, Unpleasant Aftertaste, Unpleasant Flavor