Starbucks
Flat White

Roaster Location: Seattle, Washington

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  Theo Chan, Managing Editor

  1854 roasts rated, avg score of 4.31

  4.50 - Average

  I lived in Australia for a year and drank a lot of flat whites.
  
  My gauge for a good one is whether it instantly triggers images for me of sitting by the Opera House - and Starbucks' Flat White does.
  
  Starbucks gets the milk just right - good quality control on their baristas. They definitely pull a darker shot which makes the coffee flavor show through - this won't be for everyone but I appreciate myself. One of the most consistent, well-executed flat whites you can get state side. As if someone went to Sydney, averaged them all out.
  
  A good flat white is characterized by a few key elements. Firstly, it starts with a well-extracted double shot of espresso. The espresso should be rich, smooth, and have a balanced flavor profile. The extraction should achieve a desirable combination of sweetness, acidity, and bitterness. I think the Starbucks blend is right for this.
  
  Next, the milk used in a flat white plays a crucial role. It should be steamed to a velvety texture, with dense and creamy microfoam - Starbucks get thsi right. The ideal milk temperature for a flat white is around 55-65C (130-150F), ensuring that it complements the espresso without overpowering it.
  
  When preparing a flat white, the milk and espresso are combined in a specific way. The barista carefully pours the milk over the espresso, aiming for a small amount of foam on top, known as the "white" in the drink's name. The milk and espresso should integrate smoothly, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Starbucks tends to have their baristas well trained on this.
  
  The final result of a good flat white is a beverage that showcases the nuances of the espresso while providing a velvety, slightly creamy texture. It should have a well-defined coffee flavor that is neither too weak nor too overpowering, and the milk should enhance and complement the espresso without overshadowing its distinct characteristics. I think you get that consistently with Starbucks.

  Cupping Method:Many times at Starbucks, but formally writing this up sitting at the Watertown, MA location

  Traits: consistent

  

  2 years ago · See more from Theo