Even though Starbucks is having the free samples and tastings this weekend, I wanted to try out the new VIA coffee right away.  So, I went on the first day and purchased a 3-pak of the Colombia and Italian Roast VIA.  However, I had to wait until the next morning to try out the coffee because I didn't want to be all caffeined up for the night.  Anyway, the next morning I heated up my water and made my first cup.  Now I've had instant coffee and Starbucks coffee before.  But never the twain have previously met.  I have to say VIA isn't EXACTLY the same as the brewed Starbucks coffee.  I think it might actually be BETTER.  I kid you not!  I actually think VIA is smoother than the brewed version.  Even though I like brewed Starbucks coffee, I liked VIA equally, but for different reasons.  Thanks Starbucks!

ello;
   When I first saw the commercial of a starbucks taste challange, I thought perfect!! I love challenges and I love starbucks taste!! What an impeccable combination!! My friends once again thinking I was crazy, as I ever excitedly rsvp'd on facebook, I thought to myself- "self, can Starbucks really fool me?, nah, I am a true starbucks coffee connoisseur!!" So with that thought I sped to the nearest Starbucks and asked for the challenge! The effervescent lady behind the counter poured one cup and then the other. My heart palpitating,"ah the suspense!" I thought as she was pouring. As I gazed into the two cups my heart skipped a beat and I knew, "that one,thats it, thats the instant!" As she marveled at my response she said to me "you havent even tried it." I said with anticipation as I looked into her eyes "I know, but  my starbucks inner compass is telling me it is correct." She then very climatically screamed "your right! Your the first one to answer correctly just by looking at it!"  I jumped up and down with glee, I knew my inner starbucks compass wouldnt steer me wrong.." A little sugar, a little cream, a couple blows to not burn my tongue. Ahh, first the aroma, then the invigorating arousal as it gently melted on my tastebuds. This was definetly not my mothers instant coffee, this was better, this was instant liberation!!    

Even though it is a few miles out of my way, several times a week I make the trip to my local Starbucks store. I am a purist. I order the same thing every time. Grande brewed coffee with cream and one sugar. For me, week after week it’s a case of déjà brew. No frills, no surprises. Just the way I like it. So when I heard Starbucks was testing a new instant coffee that promised to taste the same as my regular fresh brew, I had to give it a try; that and I can’t pass up a free cup of Starbucks. Wow, was I impressed! It was like déjà brew all over again. I couldn’t tell the difference! Really, I actually mistook VIA for the brewed coffee.  Well that settled it for me. No more long detours and no more days in between trips without the coffee I crave. Not to mention the savings on gas alone and sparing the environment all those unnecessary emissions. I think I could get used to this.

Sitting at the kitchen table, sipping a cup of Joe. My honey pipes up about your Starbucks Challenge. "Oh, I can always tell the difference from regular brew and instant."
"Really sweetie?"
"Yeah, I'm not even going to waste my time. Instant is gross and I can tell the difference. I love my morning cup of roast."
He continues drinking until he's finished and then gets another cup from the pot.
"This is awesome hun.." He smiles and plods off..
Do you think I should tell him that I replaced his *roast* with your instant and put that in the pot? lol..
Thanks for a great product!

I was delightfully surprised! Normally, I don't like instant coffee. I think it tastes awful.

The Colombia (also comes in Italian Roast), while not exactly smelling like their normal brew (not bad smelling, just different), was actually very good! It tasted just like their regular coffee.

However, if you don't like Starbucks, you're not going to like it. It took about a minute & a half to heat the water and then it was done.

A plus: there was nothing to clean up except the little packet to throw away. How fabulous is that?

I think this is a great product. It's a little spendy ($9.95 for 12 packets), but if you have days when you're in a rush & you need to quick fix, I think it's worth it.