Starbucks and IT
There is nothing more critical to stable servers and good code than caffeine. And over the years, nothing has been more "caffeine" than the venerable Starbucks. I take great interest when I hear that their brewing methods have changed again. This time, it seems, is all about instant coffee.
About year ago all of their shops closed for a full day training. "Learn to brew the coffee," they said. The next day they open up everything was a new world.
I understand change. As I have turned over the years, I can no longer slurp down a venti mocha frap, while maintaining the ability to see my toes. No, these days it's all coffee -- black. And one thing I have learned from shedding the insulin shock inducing beverages of my youth, is that when you get rid of the sugar, you find out the truth about the drink. Is it smooth or bitter, is there taste at all, and many other interesting qualities.
When they re-opened their doors, with a brand new brew, I had to see what they had on tap. Pike's Place. I immediately sucked down a cup, and was seriously disappointed. As long as it's scalding hot, you can't taste the odd mixture of bitter and bland. The aroma is reminiscent of Folders, and in general my Krupps machine makes a better brew.
Yesterday I asked if they have anything on brew other than Pike's. They tell me they are trying out a new brew method that allows them to make a single cup. I don't ask more and just accept it. I'm waiting for some people to meet me, so whatever.
That was a regrettable decision. This new "brew" method makes the coffee bitter even when it's scalding hot. As it cools, the symphony of bitterness is joined by a chalky after taste, that slides into the realization that there are fine chunks of instant coffee still floating in my cup.
It takes me the next half hour of scrubbing my tongue against the pavement outside to alleviate the trauma to which my taste buds have just been exposed. And to add insult to injury, I got no more of a caffeine buzz than I would have from a glass of muddy water, with taste to match.
Thanks Starbucks for trying to personalize my coffee experience. I applaud the attempt, but seriously?