International Rank: #105 out of 1059
Ranking is based on a combination of reviews and popularity on CoffeeRoast.com
United States Rank: #68 out of 579
Ranking is based on a combination of reviews and popularity on CoffeeRoast.com
California Rank: #11 out of 100
Ranking is based on a combination of reviews and popularity on CoffeeRoast.com

Peet's Coffee & Tea

Flag of United States Emeryville, California
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4.32(11)

11 ratings
Ratings here are based on aggregated user reviews of individual roasts from Peet's Coffee & Tea.
5 star
18%
4 star
63%
3 star
18%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%

Peet's Coffee is a specialty coffee roaster and retailer founded in Berkeley, California, in 1966. Known for its strong, dark-roasted beans, Peet's has a dedicated following and locations across the U.S.

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Peet's Coffee & Tea is a coffee roaster from Emeryville, MA United States. We have 67 cataloged roasts with 11 total reviews with a score of 4.32.

64 roasts

Name Roast Level Bean Source
- Brazil
Medium Nicaragua
Dark International Blend
French Americas Blend
Dark International Blend
Medium African Blend
Dark Americas Blend
- -
Medium Americas Blend
Dark International Blend
Light International Blend
Dark International Blend
Dark -
Dark Jamaica
- Americas
Dark Mexico
- Americas Blend
- Americas Blend
- Americas
- International Blend
- International Blend
- Africa/Arabia, Americas
- Americas Blend
- International Blend
- International Blend
Dark -
- International Blend
Dark Africa/Arabia, Americas, Indo-Pacific
Light Roast International Blend
Light Roast Africa/Arabia, Americas
Light Roast Brazil
- Brazil
- Brazil
- Brazil
Dark Americas Blend
- International Blend
Dark Americas Blend
Dark International Blend
Dark Americas
Dark Americas Blend
Dark Americas Blend
Dark Americas Blend
Dark Americas Blend
Dark Americas Blend
Dark Americas Blend
Dark International Blend
Dark Indonesia
Dark Indonesia
Dark International Blend
Dark Kenya
Dark African Blend
Dark Americas Blend
Dark Indonesia
Dark International Blend
Dark Asian Blend
Dark African Blend
Dark Indonesia
Dark Indonesia
Dark Americas Blend
Dark Americas Blend
Dark -
Dark -
Dark -
Dark -

Top Reviews(12)

  • Theo Chan, Managing Editor

    1364 roasts rated, avg score of 4.29

    5.00 - Average

    Best

    Cupping Method:Hot

    1 year ago · See more from Theo
  • Patricia Driscoll

    1 roasts rated, avg score of 5.00

    5.00 - Average

    5.00 - Aroma

    5.00 - Value

    5.00 - Finish

    5.00 - Flavor

    5.00 - Acidity

    5.00 - Balance

    It truly has notes of chocolate, caramel and toasted nuts. Does not need sweetener. I like it with a little milk. My all time favorite.

    Cupping Method:I have it every Tuesday and Thursday at Lifetime Fitness coffee hour for Aurora members, aka "Senior Citizens."

    3 weeks ago · See more from Patricia
  • Sporked Reviews

    28 roasts rated, avg score of 3.91

    5.00 - Average

    This review is from Sporked. Since their scoring aligns closely with ours, and they are a trusted review site, we've added these to help people pick their coffee. See the link below for their full write-up.
    3 months ago · See more from Sporked · Social link
  • Theo Chan, Managing Editor

    1364 roasts rated, avg score of 4.29

    4.50 - Average

    great

    Cupping Method:good

    1 year ago · See more from Theo
  • Theo Chan, Managing Editor

    1364 roasts rated, avg score of 4.29

    4.50 - Average

    4.50 - Aroma

    4.50 - Value

    4.50 - Finish

    4.50 - Flavor

    4.50 - Acidity

    4.50 - Balance

    This is a really good cup of French roast coffee, especially given the circumstances here. I'm at the car dealership getting a flat tire repaired, and they have an Encore 29 automatic bean-to-cup machine with Peet's.

    I think this Peet's French Roast has an exceptionally smooth texture and pleasing mouthfeel, making it a favored choice among those who prefer darker roasts. The French roast, in particular, is highlighted for striking a balance that appeals to certain tastes. The flavor profile of this Peet's roast is notably chocolatey, complemented by an appropriate level of smokiness. It is intensely bittersweet, the good way, similar to the qualities found in high-quality chocolate. That is driven by a really nice natural sweetness present in the beans.

    For me, coffee offers a unique and satisfying sensory experience, especially for those who appreciate the nuanced characteristics of darker roasted blends.

    Cupping Method:Encore 29 automatic bean-to-cup machine

    1 year ago · See more from Theo
  • Theo Chan, Managing Editor

    1364 roasts rated, avg score of 4.29

    4.50 - Average

    4.50 - Aroma

    4.50 - Flavor

    4.00 - Acidity

    4.50 - Balance

    A decaf espresso that I personally think its more balanced and tasty than the regular version. That can happen as the decaf process can slightly concentrate the sugars and take out a bit of the bitterness. I think the regular Major Dickason tastes a bit burned/bitter. The Decaf has a bit more natural sweetness to go with a wide variety of flavor here, spice, smoke, blackberry. Smells awesome.

    A very smooth crema with big-time persistence. This is a very good dark roast decaf espresso.

    Cupping Method:Doppio at the Peet's in Lexington, MA. Barista confirmed it was Major Dickason Decaf.

    8 months ago · See more from Theo
  • Theo Chan, Managing Editor

    1364 roasts rated, avg score of 4.29

    4.50 - Average

    5.00 - Aroma

    4.50 - Finish

    4.50 - Flavor

    4.50 - Acidity

    4.50 - Balance

    A lovely town near me, Lexington, MA has a Peets that has very good service and is a nice place to work. Its also a town I cant believe doesnt have a sleek 3rd wave pourover type place (RIP Ride Studio Cafe Lex).

    In any case, had a double espresso here on a cold rainy day and it hit the spot. Great crema, nutty, toasty, a little spice, nice mouthfeel. A very good dark roast espresso. I guess Peets wouldnt have been here all these years if they didnt have a good espresso as a base for their drinks.
    1 year ago · See more from Theo
  • Theo Chan, Managing Editor

    1364 roasts rated, avg score of 4.29

    4.50 - Average

    4.50 - Value

    4.50 - Finish

    4.00 - Flavor

    5.00 - Acidity

    4.50 - Balance

    The latest in a series of editorial reviews I'm doing on some of the bigger specialty coffee franchises.

    ------

    Peet's House Cold Brew has carved out a commendable space in the cold brew coffee market, confidently giving other industry stalwarts a run. Going head-to-head with the highly regarded Starbucks cold brew, Peet's version impresses and surpasses, demonstrating a thoughtfully curated balance of flavors that stands out.

    The House Cold Brew delivers a bold tapestry of flavors that delight the palate. Chocolate and caramel weave through the brew with a nuttiness that subtly accentuates the overall profile. Peet's offers a pleasing natural sweetness without an overload of acidity, creating an impressive balance. The cold brew drinks smoothly and leaves a pleasant aftertaste, tilting towards the medium roast - a deviation from Peet's usual preference for darker brews but a welcome change.

    The backbone of this delicious brew is Peet's Baridi Blend. This blend features East African beans, chosen explicitly for their suitability for cold brewing. The freshly ground beans are steeped overnight in the cold, filtered water, resulting in a drink that eschews bitterness and acidity in favor of sweetness and smoothness.

    Comparing Peet's House Cold Brew to Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew, the competition is fierce, and choosing a winner comes down to personal preference. Starbucks' Nitro variant has a distinctive creaminess and texture brought about by the infusion of nitrogen, giving it a slight edge over the non-nitro offerings. However, in terms of a traditional cold brew, Peet's House Cold Brew steals the show with its delicate balance and complexity of flavors.

    From me, Peet's House Cold Brew earns a well-deserved 4.5 out of 5 stars. It's an exquisite option for cold brew lovers seeking something outside the box. Its refreshing taste profile, coupled with the meticulously crafted brewing process, make it a standout choice. Whether you're a cold brew fan or a casual iced coffee sipper, Peet's House Cold Brew is a brew you must not miss.

    Cupping Method:In store at Peet's! How lovely to have cold brew in a glass at a cafe rather than in a plastic cup in the car!

    1 year ago · See more from Theo
  • Theo Chan, Managing Editor

    1364 roasts rated, avg score of 4.29

    4.00 - Average

    Pretty good. Has some depth and is pretty smooth. Not a lot of distinguishing characteristics to take it to the next level but very solid. I like it a little more than Major Dickinson.

    Cupping Method:K-cup

    1 year ago · See more from Theo
  • Theo Chan, Managing Editor

    1364 roasts rated, avg score of 4.29

    4.00 - Average

    We shared a Havana Cappuccino from Peet's Coffee on a chilly, rainy September day. This unique beverage, characterized by its use of sweetened condensed milk, offers a rich and creamy sweetness.

    Beginning with a base of bold dark Peets Espresso Forte, sweetened condensed milk is added before being layered with steamed milk and foam, reminiscent of a traditional cappuccino. The milk in our drink was perfectly foamed, and the aromatic cinnamon complemented it beautifully.

    Although it packed 240 calories, the comfort and ambiance it provided made it a worthwhile indulgence for us. We found it to be a delightful treat, perfect for making a gloomy day feel a bit warmer.

    Cupping Method:At Peet's in Lexington, MA

    1 year ago · See more from Theo

Editor's Overview

TLDR: my general verdict on Peet’s is it’s good if you go in the store and get it.

Peet's Coffee is a specialty coffee roaster and retailer that has played a significant role in the American coffee culture, particularly in pioneering the craft coffee movement. Founded by Alfred Peet in Berkeley, California 1966, the company introduced a darker, more decadent roast than was commonly consumed at the time. This became the brand's hallmark and was instrumental in influencing the third wave of American coffee culture.

Early Years and Influence

Alfred Peet was born in the Netherlands and was exposed to coffee roasting from a young age, as his father ran a small coffee roastery. After World War II, Peet moved to San Francisco and was disappointed by the quality of coffee in the United States. This led him to open his first shop in Berkeley. This location sold roasted coffee beans and served as a place for social interaction and education about quality coffee. The shop rapidly gained popularity for its unique dark roasts and fresh beans.

Expanding Influence
The brand was particularly influential on the founders of Starbucks, Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker, who were initially supplied by Peet's before starting to roast their beans. They considered Alfred Peet a mentor and were deeply influenced by his approach to coffee roasting.

Growth and Acquisitions
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Peet's expanded beyond Berkeley, opening more locations and eventually going public in 2001. In 2012, the company was acquired by JAB Holding Company, a German conglomerate that owns other coffee brands like Keurig and Caribou Coffee. Despite the acquisition, Peet's continues to operate as an individual brand, maintaining its distinct coffee roasting and retailing style. Peet's has expanded to have hundreds of locations across the United States, along with a robust packaged goods business that includes grocery store sales and a subscription service. It also introduced ready-to-drink cold brews and other beverages, maintaining its commitment to high-quality coffee while adapting to changing consumer tastes.

Legacy
Peet's Coffee remains a staple in American coffee culture and is often credited with setting the stage for the specialty coffee movement in the United States. Its commitment to quality, from bean sourcing to roasting techniques, has made it a beloved brand for coffee enthusiasts across the nation.

Our Take
Peet's offers consistency, variety, and convenience for coffee drinkers across a number of channels and formats.
Peet's hasn't really bridged over to the 3rd wave movement, though it offers a few country-origin options.

-Ted Chan, Managing Editor
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