Starbucks
Melange Nordique / True North Blend

Roaster Location: Seattle, Washington

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  Theo Chan, Managing Editor

  1351 roasts rated, avg score of 4.29

  3.50 - Average

  4.00 - Aroma

  3.50 - Finish

  3.50 - Flavor

  3.50 - Acidity

  4.00 - Balance

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  Tried the Melanage Nordique / True North Blend at the Montreal airport.
  
  When it comes to Starbucks coffee, one peculiar characteristic that stands out is the notably high temperature at which they brew their coffee. This method is not only a potential safety concern but also seems to impact the flavor profile by extracting more bitter notes.
  
  The coffee bag (pictured) from Starbucks describes the flavor notes as milk chocolate and nuts. However, my experience differed slightly. Once the coffee cooled down a bit, I detected more dark chocolate and walnuts. Specifically, the walnut flavor had a raw quality to it, contributing to a slight bitterness that was not entirely unpleasant. Overall, the coffee was relatively simple and smooth, lacking complexity but remaining drinkable.
  
  A comparison can be made with Starbucks' Green Apron blend, which is categorized as a blonde roast. Despite being labeled as a blonde roast, Green Apron is sweeter and shares some flavor similarities with the aforementioned blend. However, it's important to note that Starbucks' definition of a blonde roast is more akin to a medium roast in the third wave coffee world, far from what is traditionally considered a blonde or light roast.
  
  In terms of roast level and taste, I found this Starbucks blend comparable to two other coffees I tried earlier this week: one from Cafe Charlevoix, an artisan roaster from northern Quebec, and Lavazza Qualita Rossa. When brewed as a filter coffee, the Starbucks blend surpassed Lavazza in terms of smoothness and ease of drinking, though it did not match the sweetness and depth of flavor found in the artisan roast from Cafe Charlevoix.
  
  In conclusion, while Starbucks' hot brewing temperature may contribute to some bitterness, the coffee remains smooth and relatively simple. It offers a familiar, if not entirely accurate, flavor profile that can be compared to other medium roasts, providing a dependable and easily accessible coffee experience.

  Cupping Method:At Starbucks kiosk at Montreal Airport

  Traits: chocolate grapefruit walnut

  

  4 months ago · See more from Theo