Starbucks Veranda Blend

Looking for a light and mellow coffee to enjoy over conversation with friends? Starbucks® Veranda Blend™ is the perfect coffee for an unhurried weekend morning, or for any time you’re in the mood to savor a coffee that’s full of flavor but not too bold.

Starbucks introduced Veranda Blend along with several other light or “blonde” roast coffees in January 2012. Since Starbucks first began roasting coffee in 1971, it was known for its dark roasted coffees. Although dark roasts have traditionally been preferred on the West Coast, Starbucks recognized that it could attract additional customers by offering quality coffees along the whole spectrum of coffee roasts from light to dark.

Veranda Blend and the other blonde roast coffees extend the Starbucks Roast Spectrum™ to encompass three roast profiles—blonde, medium, and dark. Although Veranda Blend blonde roast coffee is a departure from Starbucks’ traditional darker roasts,  it has become one of Starbucks’ most popular blends.

Veranda Blend coffee is a blend of premium Latin American beans. It has a light body and medium acidity, resulting in a very mellow and relaxed cup of coffee. (Remember, though, that as a light roast, it has more caffeine than a darker roast.) Flavors include hints of soft cocoa and lightly toasted nuts.

Veranda Blend blonde roast coffee is available as either whole bean or ground coffee, in various size bags and multi-bag packs.

Starbucks also packages Veranda Blend coffee in several other convenient formats:

• Starbucks Veranda Blend K-Cup Pods: K-cup® pods are designed for use with the popular Keurig® single-cup brewing system. They provide an easy, mess-free way to enjoy premium brewed Veranda Blend blonde roast coffee in less than a minute. Veranda Blend K-cups are available in various count options.
• Starbucks Veranda Blend Brewed Coffee Verismo Pods: The Starbucks Verismo® System uses specially packaged pods that let you create Starbucks espresso drinks and brewed coffee at home. The Verismo machines feature a high-pressure water system that heats up in as little as 15 to 20 seconds. Boxes of Verismo Veranda Blend pods are available in several sizes.
• Starbucks VIA Veranda Blend Instant Coffee: The convenient VIA® ready-brew coffee packs deliver the great taste of brewed coffee with minimal fuss. Take a pack or two with you wherever you go. Just add water, stir, and you’re ready to enjoy a great cup of Veranda Blend blonde roast coffee. VIA packs are available in various count options.

Although I love many of the Starbucks coffees, I find that I often choose the Veranda Blend blonde roast. I may not always have the leisure to sip it while sitting on the veranda, but the coffee’s gentle flavor is always soothing.

What about you? Have you tried Starbucks Veranda Blend? If so, what’s your opinion?