The global chain, known to many for its Frappuccinos or frozen drinks, has a total of 18 “exotic, rare and exquisite” coffees under its new Starbucks Reserve line in the United States.
For now, however, Filipinos get to enjoy only four blends -- (Finca Nuevo Mexico, Sun-Dried Ethiopia Yirgacheffe, Sumatra Blue Batak and Peaberry Zambia Terranova Estate) -- at two Starbucks branches in Metro Manila, namely Tomas Morato and 8 Forbestown.
Branches at Keyland Centre, Central Square and Signa in Makati, which will open soon, will also offer Reserve products.
Starbucks Philippines marketing head Keith Cole said the Reserve coffees will be available in limited quantities – specifically, only 100 250-gram bags per blend are currently sold per branch.
“Every three weeks, we will have additional coffees, but that depends on the availability,” Cole told ABS-CBNnews.com.
“We’re targeting the serious coffee drinkers. Not really the Frappuccino customers, but those who really drink coffee,” he added. “Those who are looking for a more sophisticated and more elevated experience when it comes to improving their cup of coffee.”
While the Philippines is a coffee-drinking nation, Cole noted that not a lot of Filipinos are “educated” when it comes to their cup of joe.
“When it comes to here in the Philippines, we’re not yet that educated… Akala ng marami, ‘ay, mapait lang ‘yan eh.’ There are a lot of factors that affect the flavor of coffee, just like wine. Starbucks Reserve took inspiration from wine and applied it to coffee,” he explained.
Aside from coffee, the Starbucks Reserve line also includes a variety of breads and pastries such as scones and muffins.
Here’s what to expect from the four Starbucks Reserve coffee blends in the Philippines, which ABS-CBNnews.com sampled during a media event:
Finca Nuevo Mexico
Origin: El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve, Sierra Madre de Chiapas mountains, Mexico
Price: P130 for a cup, P595 for a 250-gram bag of beans
Tasting notes: Toasty, nutty aroma with flavors of candied orange peel and sugar. Medium flavor intensity, low body, high acidity.
Best enjoyed with: Chocolate muffins or scones
Sun-dried Ethiopia Yirgacheffe
Origin: Aricha Village, Yirgacheffe, Ethiopia
Price: P150 for a cup, P795 for a 250-gram bag of beans
Tasting notes: Strawberry and cherry flavors with a dark chocolate aftertaste. Medium flavor intensity.
Best enjoyed with: Blueberry scones. Can be served cold or over ice.
Sumatra Blue Batak
Origin: Lintong region, Sumatra, Indonesia
Price: P130 for a cup, P595 for a 250-gram of beans
Tasting notes: Smooth and earthy with a bit of spiciness and herbal flavor. Medium flavor intensity, full body, low acidity.
Best enjoyed with: Cheese scone or butter croissant
Peaberry Zambia Terranova Estate
Origin: Terranova Estate, Zambia
Price: P150 for a cup, P795 for a 250-gram of beans
Tasting notes: Apple and vanilla flavors with a cocoa aftertaste. Medium body and acidity.
Best enjoyed with: Scones. Can be served cold or over ice.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
