K-Cup of the Week: Caribou Blend

Each week I review a new delicious K-Cup on an "official" coffee grading system that emphasizes four critical categories:  (1) Aroma; (2) Strength; (3) Taste; (4) Marketing Tactics that Forced Me to Force My Office to Purchase Said K-Cup.  I conclude each review with an Overall grade.   This week Caribou Coffee's Caribou Blend. 

Aroma:  6

As you know, I have been smelling a variety of K-Cups as of late.  It may just be that my sense of smell is dwindling, however, Caribou Blend does not have the powerful aroma that other K-Cups I have reviewed permeate. 

Strength:  6

 This is an easy going medium roast coffee.  If you are looking to take your day next-level, I suggest drinking another K-Cup.  I usually give this K-Cup to clients when they eagerly ask for a cup of coffee so they feel they are getting "value" out of their visit to our office.   Some attorneys may prefer to meet with their clients while they are having an "out of body experience" due to a cup of Black Tiger.

Taste:  7

I enjoy the taste of Caribou Blend.  The coffee is smooth, without an aftertaste that some bolder coffees produce.  

Marketing Tactics that Forced Me to Force My Office to Purchase Said K-Cup:  8

I like buying K-Cups from coffee retailers that I am unable to frequent regularly (i.e., Peet's Coffee and Tea).  Caribou Coffee is no exception.  

Overall:  7

Although I am a fan of bolder coffees, I like Caribou Blend.  If you are looking for an easy drinking coffee, or if you need a good "regular" cup of coffee the office, I recommend Caribou Blend. 

K-Cup of the Week: Lavazza Classico

Each week I review a new delicious K-Cup on an "official" coffee grading system that emphasizes four critical categories:  (1) Aroma; (2) Strength; (3) Taste; (4) Marketing Tactics that Forced Me to Force My Office to Purchase Said K-Cup.  I will conclude each review with an Overall grade. This week I review a blend from Italian coffee institution, Lavazza:  Classico.

Aroma:  9

Classico's richness permeates nicely into the office air (which generally smells like the elderly and paper).  If you happen to spill some Classico on yourself, have no fear, this roast doubles as a nice perfume. 

Strength:  7

Classico is a medium roast, which generally translates to a medium strength coffee.  If you are looking for a caffeine jolt, you may want to try something stronger (a la Black Tiger).  

Taste:  8

I really enjoy the richness of Classico.  The taste brings me back to the good ol' days of brewing an entire pot of coffee for myself.  

Marketing Tactics that Forced Me to Force My Office to Purchase Said K-Cup:  8

Anytime I see the word "New" slapped on a K-Cup box, I am immediately intrigued.  The newness coupled with the international flavor forced this purchase.

Overall:  8

Classico is an excellent daily coffee, especially on a weekend morning.  

K-Cup of the Week: Major Dickason's Blend

Each week I review a new delicious K-Cup on an "official" coffee grading system that emphasizes four critical categories:  (1) Aroma; (2) Strength; (3) Taste; (4) Marketing Tactics that Forced Me to Force My Office to Purchase Said K-Cup.  I will conclude each review with an Overall grade. This week I review a blend from west coast institution, Peet's Coffee and Tea:  Major Dickason's Blend.

Aroma:  9

Let me first start off by saying, why Peet?!  Why no stores in South Florida?!  I love flying to the West Coast and stopping off at a Peet's Coffee and Tea location.  I love the coffee and the smell really draws you in.  Dropping a K-Cup into your Keurig (although not nearly the same experience as being at the store) provides the similar aromatics of a rich coffee roast.  

Strength:  8

If you have read my earlier K-Cup of the Week entries, you know that I like my coffee strong (See Black Tiger and revv®).  For example, I had two Black Tigers yesterday morning and thought I transformed into a samurai ninja.  Peet's is strong, but not as strong as the tiger herself or revv® -- which may be a good thing -- for society. 

Taste:  10

I salute you Major Dickason.  You are smooth and consistently one of the best tasting K-Cups I have ever had.  Thank you, sir. 

Marketing Tactics that Forced Me to Force My Office to Purchase Said K-Cup:  10

First, its Peet's Coffee and Tea.  Second, the blend was named after loyal customer Key Dickason.  The Major himself walked up to the original Peet's and brought his own blend to the store.  Mr. Peet "tinkered" with the blend and there you have it, the Major's blend was born.  A great story; a great coffee.       

Overall:  10

If you are looking for a reliable, great tasting dark roast, look no further, than Major Dickason's Blend from Peet's Coffee and Tea.  

K-Cup of the Week: Black Tiger

If you read my first blog post, you already know that I drink a ridiculous amount of coffee.   Each week I review a new delicious K-cup on an "official" coffee grading system that emphasizes four critical categories:  (1) Aroma; (2) Strength; (3) Taste; (4) Marketing Tactics that Forced Me to Force My Office to Purchase Said K-Cup.  I will conclude each review with an Overall grade.  This week -- Coffee People's Black Tiger. 

Aroma:  6

Black Tiger is not an aromatic coffee -- at least not to the point of making others in the office think they are in a coffee shop.  

 Strength:  9

This kitty purrs.  Black Tiger is an "extra bold" blend that will make you believe you are ready to out run a tiger.  As Dr. Seuss once said, "one cup, and your up."

Taste:  8

The Black Tiger sure does have a bite.  I drink my coffee black, like the tiger herself.  Therefore, the taste is likely stronger than when it is diluted with a gallon of milk (as many so-called coffee drinkers prefer to drink their coffee).  

Marketing Tactics that Forced Me to Force My Office to Purchase Said K-Cup: 9

With a name like Black Tiger, you know the coffee has to be good.  My only question is why the tiger looks like a typical tiger, and not an actual black tiger. 

Overall:  9

This is one of my go-to K-cups.  If you need a real pick-me-up, try Black Tiger.