Starbucks
Flat White
Seattle, Washington
4.50(1)
The precise combination of steamed whole milk with smooth ristretto shots of espresso results in a flavor that strikes a harmonious balance, neither too strong nor too creamy. The resulting taste is just right, offering a pleasing and enjoyable experience.
Show moreReviews(1)
4.50(1)
Latest Reviews and Tasting Notes
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Theodore (Ted) Chan, Managing Editor1106 roasts rated, avg score of 4.28
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
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Best Rated Roasts of Starbucks
Starbucks is a coffee roaster from Seattle, WA United States. We have 98 cataloged roasts with 59 total reviews with a score of 4.03.
| Name | Roast Level | Bean Source |
|---|---|---|
|
4.75(2) |
Light | International Blend |
|
5.00(1) |
- | - |
|
5.00(1) |
- | - |
|
5.00(1) |
- | - |
|
4.50(2) |
Dark | International Blend |
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