My Favorite Bold Coffee #8 – Sumatra
For the past 30 years, I’ve started each day with a coffee press of Sumatra or, when it’s available, Aged Sumatra.
Sumatra was the first Starbucks coffee I ever tasted. I encountered it on my first visit to the Pike Place store in 1981. It was distinctive, unmistakable…Sumatra.
I described that first sip in my book Pour Your Heart Into It. What I wrote then still describes how I feel about this coffee today.
“As we spoke, the counterman scooped out some Sumatra coffee beans, ground them, put the grounds in a filter cone, and poured hot water over them. Although the task took only a few minutes, he approached the work almost reverently, like an artisan. When he handed me a porcelain mug filled with the freshly brewed coffee, the steam and the aroma seemed to envelop my entire face. There was no question of adding milk or sugar. I took a small, tentative sip. Whoa. I threw my head back, and my eyes shot wide open. Even from a single sip, I could tell it was stronger than any coffee I had ever tasted. Seeing my reaction, the Starbucks people laughed, ‘Is it too much for you?’ I grinned and shook my head. Then I took another sip. This time I could taste more of the full flavors as they slipped over my tongue. By the third sip I was hooked.”
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I love your X-bold roasts. On the other hand, if all I had to drink was your new blond roast, I would probably give up coffee altogether.
I so agree.. my first impression was they were trying to attract the customer that likes Dunkin Donuts to the Starbucks culture.. I did like the color of the sample bag but the coffee ended up in the compost pile.;(
Ah, Sumatra... nothing better in the morning or anytime fo the day. For awhile I was trying Suluwesi (sp) but it had a sweetness that Sumatra didn't have. So it's me and Sumatra to the end. Thank you Starbucks for this great blend. I am originally from Seattle where it all started and I was there in line. Thanks
I've long wondered how one might request a Venti Sumatra via Intravenous Drip... but my taste buds would simply shrivel and wither, and my soul would implode with longing.