The Best USA 🇺🇸 Grocery Store Coffee

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James Hoffmann

James Hoffmann

День тому

Weird Coffee Person Merch: geni.us/THT-brain
Learn To Taste Coffee (Playlist): • How To Cup (Taste) Cof...
I have to say - I was thrown by how tricky this was, and by how much the comparative tasting messed with my head, and made coffees seem different compared to what they were being tasted alongside.
This episode was supported by my Patreon.
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:55 Round 1
7:12 Round 2
10:22 Quarter Finals
12:02 Semi Finals
13:06 Final Round
14:20 The winner
15:30 The brain takes a delicious coffee bath
15:57 Notable coffees/Recommendations
Links:
Patreon: / jameshoffmann
Limited Edition Merch: geni.us/TensHundredsThousands
Instagram: / jimseven
Twitter: / jimseven
My Books:
How to Make The Best Coffee At Home*: geni.us/howtomakethebestcoffee
The World Atlas of Coffee*: geni.us/atlasofcoffee
The World Atlas of Coffee Audiobook*: bit.ly/worldatlasofcoffeeaudio
The Best of Jimseven: geni.us/bestofjimseven
My glasses: bit.ly/boldlondon
My hair product of choice*: geni.us/forthehair
(*Affiliate links which may earn us a commission)

КОМЕНТАРІ: 9 100
@jameshoffmann
@jameshoffmann Рік тому
To address the Philz controversy: I didn’t realise they weren’t widely available. It was heavily suggested in the Patreon poll to pick the coffees, so I presumed it had decent distinction US-wide. My apologies! I also don’t think I understood the massive grocery variation by region (coming from a small island). Feel free to pick your own winner from the top 4! Regardless - I hope this was a fun video!
@justinlee810
@justinlee810 Рік тому
It's widely available in California, which is probably why they suggested it. Seems your Patreons skew heavily towards California haha
@nicolasfortin4216
@nicolasfortin4216 Рік тому
CANADA eh! 🇨🇦 runner up!😁
@parliamocafe
@parliamocafe Рік тому
Cafe Bustelo is not widely available outside of South Florida (for good reason). EDIT: I see I was wayyyyy wrong about Bustelo's reach in the US. I had no idea it was available nationwide. Living in Miami and knowing just how bitter it is, I thought it would only work in markets where "coladas" reign supreme.
@funkybadgerbutt6441
@funkybadgerbutt6441 Рік тому
I wouldn't consider Philz the same category. Philz started as an artisan coffee shop in San Francisco. It grew quickly and is becoming widely distributed. I've seen it across the US major cities. I was even surprised to find a shop open in Chicago.
@n1lla
@n1lla Рік тому
Never heard of the winner either and i'm in the states (but on the East coast) but don't generally buy coffee from the grocery store. I commonly see New England Coffee though that wasn't represented here.
@natekiellach2940
@natekiellach2940 Рік тому
As a Starbucks employee who hates Pike Place, seeing James wince at a slurp of it is all I’ve ever wanted
@paranormal17
@paranormal17 Рік тому
I always recommended people get the Veranda blend in its place!
@knickly
@knickly Рік тому
Tasting notes: fish, cigarettes
@coffeevie
@coffeevie Рік тому
100% the correct reaction to Pike tbh
@westieclo
@westieclo Рік тому
@@knickly OMG I swear I smell fish. I’m not alone!
@markholm7050
@markholm7050 Рік тому
I tried Pike Place years ago and was shocked how bad it was. Not at all pleasant to drink. I agree with James, Veranda Blend is decent.
@IAMED2
@IAMED2 Рік тому
I thought it was very funny that he consistently described the Canadian coffee as "friendly" 🍁
@MilwaukeeWoman
@MilwaukeeWoman Рік тому
Yeah, and it also tastes of apologies, he just didn't pick up on that.
@tarifhalabi
@tarifhalabi Рік тому
This was shocking! Never thought our "national" 🍁 brand would be the runner up.
@espressomatic
@espressomatic Рік тому
@Phillip Banes It's common in the US, even available at Walmart. Much more common in the US than the other featured coffees are here in Canada.
@mpk6664
@mpk6664 Рік тому
@Phillip Banes You see it everywhere in the northern US(Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, etc) First time I ever had Tim Hortons was in Niagara, New York.
@singing4fun
@singing4fun Рік тому
@Phillip Banes Canadians rock! If you think it's a myth, then the problem is most likely with you LOL.
@TastySlowCooker
@TastySlowCooker 4 місяці тому
Wait can we just take a moment to admire the beauty of the cut from taste test James to editing James? That was amazing
@JonNelsonCycling
@JonNelsonCycling 4 місяці тому
yeah, went back to rewatch that a few times. so smooth 😂
@TastySlowCooker
@TastySlowCooker 3 місяці тому
@@JonNelsonCycling also note that instead of putting the gold play button behind the set to show it off to viewers, this button is in the editing suite. Like it’s a testament to the crew that makes this channel great. I might be reading too much into that, but I choose to believe that this is a classy channel
@metalmike362
@metalmike362 10 місяців тому
His critiques are sensitive but at the same time so brutal it's hilarious. Love the personality 🎉
@DavidJS44
@DavidJS44 9 місяців тому
This guy has brought me from interested in coffee to full on coffee nerd and I love him to death for it
@jeremyhorvath2052
@jeremyhorvath2052 Рік тому
As I work corporate for one of these manufacturers, I have been waiting for us to be trashed by James for so long :)
@kchortu
@kchortu Рік тому
well today is your day, you go bask in it, have a prepackaged biscotti to celebrate
@nsbbutler4358
@nsbbutler4358 Рік тому
Thank You, had a good laugh on that comment, needed that.
@marley7145
@marley7145 Рік тому
Here's some cream, just in case they've run out in the break room.
@mattholden00
@mattholden00 Рік тому
"i have been waiting for us to be ROASTED by James...'
@jameshoffmann
@jameshoffmann Рік тому
Out of interest, do you know if the stuff in the retail bags is the same coffee is served in stores?
@simonandrews8372
@simonandrews8372 Рік тому
As a Canadian who doesn’t really like Tim’s, I still couldn’t help but shout “that’s my boy!” every time that cup went through
@Francois_Dupont
@Francois_Dupont Рік тому
Brazilian owned brand.
@mussdem
@mussdem Рік тому
It has to be different in the states, or in store they fuck it up because I was waiting for him to tear it apart.
@mashalena
@mashalena Рік тому
Same!!!
@growtoups
@growtoups Рік тому
same
@weatheranddarkness
@weatheranddarkness Рік тому
@@mussdem I think it's both. I think the stuff in the bags is different by default from the stuff they serve you, and I suspect the blends are slightly adjusted for the differences in palates. The canadian store/resto brew is fully intended to be blended up as a double double.
@marklacatena993
@marklacatena993 9 місяців тому
Many of these are available as whole beans. I’d love to see a remake with only the whole bean versions. Tip: 8 O’clock puts the roasting date on the bag. Get the freshest. If your favorite brand doesn’t have a roasting date, pick the bag with less air space. Air means old beans.
@pilotcritic
@pilotcritic 5 місяців тому
I definitely think Seattle's Best would fare better as whole bean. Their ground coffee has an abnormally fine grind and that makes it bitter.
@rosegeaber7533
@rosegeaber7533 5 місяців тому
@@pilotcriticI have been buying Seattle’s Best for a few years now and have been tasting a decline of flavor! I just read that Starbucks sold it to Nestle! Well I need to find a new coffee!
@jeandiatasmith4512
@jeandiatasmith4512 3 місяці тому
For the longest time, you could grind the 8 O'clock right in the store. That was my mom's favorite - and boy did that aisle of the store smell amazing.
@crayolascents
@crayolascents 2 місяці тому
@@jeandiatasmith4512 Brings back great memories, my friend.
@isaacgraham5727
@isaacgraham5727 10 місяців тому
Yeah I think that Philz coffee had an unfair advantage because it’s obviously a local whole bean roast, and was thus far fresher and better than all the blends. Not really a “grocery store coffee” there. But I think it does make the point that the best grocery store coffee experience you’re likely to have is something locally produced and whole-bean. That’s been my experience where I currently live in Colorado, for sure.
@yumitemple3507
@yumitemple3507 8 місяців тому
@isaacgraham5727 what are your favorite coffees here? i’m in denver
@isaacgraham5727
@isaacgraham5727 8 місяців тому
@@yumitemple3507 That’s a great question! My favorites at the moment would probably be…. Ozo coffee, specifically their Isabelle espresso blend year round and whatever their seasonal blend is. I was really obsessed with their “Cozy Cabin” blend over the winter, and hope they bring it back. Huck Coffee is another great local local micro-roaster I’ve had good experiences with. Also this new local brand of coffee called “Drive” packaged in gas cans has shown up at King Soopers lately and I’ve tried their Baja and LeMans blends with positive results.
@yumitemple3507
@yumitemple3507 8 місяців тому
dang that's so helpful thank you!@@isaacgraham5727
@Wizkid490
@Wizkid490 5 місяців тому
In the western US, there's a regional no-frills grocer called Winco Foods, and they sell private label coffee in bulk for $8 a pound. It's roasted in Portland OR, which is where I live, and moves fairly quick, so I've found it's one of if not the most reliable ways for me to get good whole bean coffee locally.
@verbone
@verbone 5 місяців тому
Philz may have, but it's some of the best coffee I've had.
@iainwall2780
@iainwall2780 Рік тому
As a Canadian watching tim horton's make it as far as it did really validates that the employee's in store just don't know how to make coffee
@ek.74.914
@ek.74.914 Рік тому
same in most dunkin and mcd's
@DarksStars
@DarksStars Рік тому
That's bc the employee don't "make" the coffee. They just put beans in a large coffee maker and press start. It's likely the grocery store product is also different than what's made in much larger amount for the stores and also you have more control over how the coffee is made at home than at the restaurant.
@meltingwolfhound
@meltingwolfhound Рік тому
Yeah, as someone who works at Tim Hortons, our coffee to me tastes like battery acid, I have to put butter and half a packet of salt just to drink it, when I don't have time to make my own.
@79designuk
@79designuk Рік тому
I tried Tim Horton's in Leicester... about a week before UK hit lockdown! I was excited by it. But when I had it, was rubbish. As you say, they just don't know how to make it.
@Mikey-ym6ok
@Mikey-ym6ok Рік тому
I never seen Timmy’s anywhere in the U.S
@HickoryDickory86
@HickoryDickory86 Рік тому
That venomous "I know what you are" at the chicory imposter was everything! 🤣
@natecorsn9097
@natecorsn9097 6 місяців тому
I understand James' astonishment about Tim Hortons. I swear, they CANNOT be using their own coffee at their chain locations.
@billmaham265
@billmaham265 5 місяців тому
Yes they use their coffee, what I found on my trips to Olean , NY for work was this. If you order a large doubledouble you get the best ever cup of coffee, IMHO. But one morning on the way to work and a stop for a Lrg dbldbl, they said they were out of creamer and would put the creamer and sugar in the bag. No issue right? Wrong, mixed up a dbl dbl with what they gave me and guess what........................just a mediocre cup of cofffee. It's the creamer and 10 years later I still can't find out or mix things to make it taste so good.
@mjdryden
@mjdryden 5 місяців тому
The problem with Tim's coffee is that they burn the ever living hell out of it in the stores.
@akochera
@akochera 4 місяці тому
Tim Horton's changed their coffee supplier years ago. I notice that the label on the coffee in this video said "Original Tim Horton's" (or something like that), suggesting that it is indeed the old variety and not the new variety served in the shops. According to a quick google, the old supplier is now the source for McDonald's, which helps explain why McD's now tastes so much better than I remember in my youth.
@macfady2181
@macfady2181 4 місяці тому
I've had to buy Tim' ground coffee in the store before, I found it quite different brewed at home.
@MorrisDugan
@MorrisDugan 4 місяці тому
@@mjdryden I suppose it would taste OK there if you got it fresh out of the coffee maker.
@josephmay6454
@josephmay6454 3 місяці тому
as someone who used to drink a lot of grocery store coffee, being whole bean 100% gave phil's a massive advantage
@thomasclarke1785
@thomasclarke1785 Рік тому
Including beans vs pre-ground seems like a GIANT confounding factor
@Thorvard101
@Thorvard101 Рік тому
That surprised me as well. IMO it already had a step up because of that
@Szanth
@Szanth Рік тому
Yeah I'd say the big takeaway for me is that grinding your own of any kind might be better than pre-ground of any kind.
@lonestarr1490
@lonestarr1490 Рік тому
If all the packages were freshly opened right before the tasting (and I see no reason to suspect otherwise), it really doesn't make that much of a difference. The real issue with pre-ground coffee is that it stales so much faster, like within days after breaking the seal. (Also, did he say some of them were pre-ground? I thought what he said was that the winning brand was the only one that doesn't sell pre-ground. That doesn't imply that all the other ones were pre-ground.)
@seancallaghan54
@seancallaghan54 Рік тому
Especially when a lot of the brands sell beans as well. I think another video with all fresh ground would be interesting
@MostlyInteresting
@MostlyInteresting Рік тому
From what I see on the store shelves. In the states the ground to whole bean ratio sold is about 50-50 and there is little in the way of instant sold at all. The verity of K cups is huge though. It has replaced the instant I suspect. I see he left the Costco, Sam's and the other big house brands off this list. maybe he cant get it? I don't think I have seen Phil's in the local Food Lion. BTW I always use whole bean.
@nataliejones6626
@nataliejones6626 Рік тому
As a person who hates acidic coffee, i appreciate you explaining the flavor profiles and not just saying good or bad
@bleb87
@bleb87 5 місяців тому
Same. I like roasty coffee. I hate acidic coffee
@chzcake44s
@chzcake44s 5 місяців тому
It's also helpful for me as an absolute freak who loves acidic coffee
@bleb87
@bleb87 5 місяців тому
Lol, hey somebody has to like it!
@mandywaynick8725
@mandywaynick8725 3 місяці тому
Same I hate acidic, also hate bitter, would prefer sweet and creamy and medium to full bodied all the way
@Chriselchingon23
@Chriselchingon23 3 місяці тому
@@mandywaynick8725which one do you pick I’m sort of in the middle as well
@stevetapia1110
@stevetapia1110 10 місяців тому
I had to stop drinking caffeinated coffee because of a heart issue. I looked all over for a decaf coffee that tasted decent. I tried a lot of different brands. To my surprise, it was the Dunkin Donuts decaf that tasted the best.
@cathybestlercurtis
@cathybestlercurtis 4 місяці тому
My husband drinks Dunkin decaf nearly every day. I hate coffee, I'm up too late and I rooted for Dunkin!
@Skystrike70
@Skystrike70 3 місяці тому
It sure ain't Community decaf xD Tastes like *nothing* lol
@kristinb5121
@kristinb5121 3 місяці тому
Thanks for this. I also drink decaf and am always looking for suggestions.
@Chriselchingon23
@Chriselchingon23 3 місяці тому
Me not knowing anything about coffees went and grabbed a bag of Dunkin amongst the wall of daunting choices the other day at the grocery store. Glad I went with a solid choice.
@tammiepulley7167
@tammiepulley7167 3 місяці тому
@@kristinb5121. Decaf suggestions. Pete’s coffee decaf French roast. Starbucks decaf Italian roast in the individual instant coffee packets (crazy but true).
@_oaktree_
@_oaktree_ 11 місяців тому
As a Canadian I'm pleased that Tim Horton's performed comparatively well... also because that's one of the few brands featured here that we even can get in supermarkets here. A Canadian version of this would also have to include a few store brands like Irresistables, No Name, and President's Choice, and for non-store brands, Nabob, Kicking Horse, Melitta, Lavazza, Illy, Ethical Bean, Van Houtte, and Timothy's. I tend to prefer Kicking Horse's darker roasts, like Grizzly Claw or Kick Ass. President's Choice West Coast Dark Roast is, surprisingly, quite good for those who like darker roasts, and is definitely the cheapest decent option.
@havenless3551
@havenless3551 10 місяців тому
Didn't realize that either Van Houtte or Timothy's are Canadian brands. Definitely my favourites in the grocery store
@blakksheep736
@blakksheep736 10 місяців тому
As a person who grew up in Canada, No Name has always been the course of great mirth to me, I just think the packaging and concept is really funny.
@fatcatinchair719
@fatcatinchair719 9 місяців тому
Not Canadian but tim hortons is still my go to
@arsenalfanatic0971
@arsenalfanatic0971 9 місяців тому
Also I'm pretty sure the canadian McDonald's coffee is different from the USA's, I think a bag of Canadian McCafe would be an important inclusion too.
@Kyleholt2000
@Kyleholt2000 9 місяців тому
Nabob is my personal favorite. Although at times my local timmies has got it down
@graysonofthewood3747
@graysonofthewood3747 Рік тому
I’ve long said that Dunkin’s original blend is some of the best of the basic coffees you can get from a grocery store, and now I am so glad that you have affirmed that.
@Sonic_Boomer_
@Sonic_Boomer_ Рік тому
same here and the dunkin decafe is very good too imo
@je4444
@je4444 Рік тому
It would have won if he used whole beans such as Philz 😢
@olwe1000
@olwe1000 Рік тому
Many decades ago the Dunkin Donuts was the best. Somehow and why they changed it several years ago. It is not the same as it was 45 years ago. Just saying.
@rem45acp
@rem45acp Рік тому
TLDR; You can get close to making it taste the same at home, but not quite. I have tried my best to replicate the taste of Dunkin's hot coffee original, made regular at home and I can't get it right, but close: 1) Bought a BUNN Commercial VP-17 coffee maker. Same brand and brew method as in the stores, just smaller. Water at 200 degrees, fast pour-over brew style. 2) Bought whole beans in store. 3) Filtered water. 4) I've heard it's between 3 and 3.5 ounces of coffee per 64 ounce pot, so I tried 3.25oz of coffee for 64 ounces of water. 5) Ground the coffee coarse, like they do. 6) A medium regular has 45ml of light cream (1.5 ounces or 3 tablespoons NOT half-n-half), and 3 sugars (3 teaspoons). I put that in mine, then topped it with coffee until getting to 14 fluid ounces total (dunks medium hot size). It tastes very good and is close, but the aroma and taste is not the same. Further research suggests that the dunks beans sold in grocery store and in their own coffee shops are not the same sourced beans that they make their coffee with. Also the beans they make the coffee with are very freshly roasted (no more than 3 days old).
@panic--panic--
@panic--panic-- Рік тому
just tried it myself and after years of not enjoying Dunkin's in-house coffee, I gotta say: can confirm! it's downright delightful.
@ThongNguyen-fl9jp
@ThongNguyen-fl9jp Рік тому
Wow that meta-edit at 9:07 was one of the smoothest transitions in a youtube video!we all know how excellent your taste in coffee is, but your taste in video production deserves credit too, between this, the brad pitt commercial, and the portable espresso videos, I nominate you for an oscar!
@911_dan2
@911_dan2 Рік тому
Yesss. I had to rewind several times to enjoy that again and again
@GonzoDonzo
@GonzoDonzo Рік тому
I really loved the squarespace promo during the makita coffee maker episode. It was fantastic
@robertfeliciano5723
@robertfeliciano5723 Рік тому
Totally agree. I also appreciate when they get their horizontal lines perfectly straight. Though they did miss applying the color/log adjustment @10:58
@RC534
@RC534 Рік тому
I indeed rewinded a couple of times... awesome edit!
@ThongNguyen-fl9jp
@ThongNguyen-fl9jp Рік тому
That edit was Satoshi Kon level. Seriously!
@yumitemple3507
@yumitemple3507 9 місяців тому
thank you SO much for doing this video! so informative and budget / availability friendly. would love to see this redone every year or so
@DTeklu
@DTeklu 6 місяців тому
I would love to see another update to this, maybe one around the holidays to celebrate the year anniversary of this video. Thank you James for the amazing content and the great time your provide to all your fans and fellow coffee lovers.
@venocter
@venocter Рік тому
I laughed my ass off at the thought of the Tim Horton's winning and James sticking the American flag next to it at the end
@cac2244
@cac2244 Рік тому
Actually Tim Horton's is Brazilian (3G Capital) disguised as Canadian since about 2015.
@brad3042
@brad3042 Рік тому
@@cac2244 nah it's still Canadian, just owned by Brazilians.
@jasonfoley3086
@jasonfoley3086 Рік тому
@@cac2244 please!!! Saying that to a Canadian is like telling Argentinians that Lionel Messi is French.
@MilwaukeeWoman
@MilwaukeeWoman Рік тому
My family in Michigan drinks Tim Horton. You can't get the bags in all grocery stores, it's kind of tricky in Wisconsin to find it, but it's a brand found in American grocery stores. Other than Hawaiian beans, all coffee isn't from America anyway.
@miatared
@miatared Рік тому
Well Philz' won , not Tim Horton. Philz is indeed American
@VoicesofMusic
@VoicesofMusic 7 місяців тому
We have been drinking Peets for 35+ years (lived near the original in Berkeley) so we panicked momentarily when you tossed MD. Glad to see it squeeeeked by. Ordered some Dunkin to compare.
@brandonsteele2826
@brandonsteele2826 2 місяці тому
I like that one too. But i always put milk in it, so that lowers the bitterness. It can be a bit on the bitter side when it's black.
@rickikeam9278
@rickikeam9278 Місяць тому
MD has always been my favorite too. At the end of the day, it all comes down to your own preference. A good coffee is the coffee that you enjoyed❤️
@mbrunson1985
@mbrunson1985 4 місяці тому
Seeing Timmy get how far it did is encouraging. I use their whole bean as my daily driver and I absolutely love it.
@ofthenearfuture
@ofthenearfuture Рік тому
Your quarter finals match up between Tim Hortons and McDonald's was by far the most interesting to me! Up here in Canada, it's like mythology at this point that Tim's always had the best 'fast food' coffee, and maybe 10 years ago McDonald's stole their coffee supplier and Tim's had to get a new one, which wasn't as good. I myself still prefer McDonald's coffee for something cheap and quick on the go (other than Starbucks Blonde roasts), but it was really cool seeing you taste each head to head!
@CyclingChefDiane
@CyclingChefDiane Рік тому
Came here to say this
@MrThepinkeagle
@MrThepinkeagle Рік тому
They could also be using entirely different suppliers in the USA vs Canada
@BrodieChree
@BrodieChree Рік тому
The new Tim's roasting plant opened in Hamilton in 2009.
@supaman9467
@supaman9467 Рік тому
As a fellow Canadian, I think what I've come to is that it's very store dependent. McDonalds is always been quite a decent cup, but Tim's can vary from incredible to the worst, most sour thing, just by travelling half a km.
@bmljenny
@bmljenny Рік тому
I've never liked Tim's (or McDonald's) in their places, but interesting to learn here that the coffee itself is decent. I just feel like how they brew and store it doesn't help it out in the stores.
@jonmason7985
@jonmason7985 Рік тому
As a Canadian, the Tim's and Dons matchup was absolutely thrilling
@HansMaximum
@HansMaximum Рік тому
I was on the edge of my seat.
@gorvikitty8278
@gorvikitty8278 Рік тому
Sorry
@pokerpig9069
@pokerpig9069 Рік тому
I think James should have had the Tim Hortons on the counter at the end with a smaller sized Canadian flag next to it. Then he should have apologized in kinsmanship.
@Catheidan
@Catheidan Рік тому
I was shocked that Tim's did so well. They must do something tragically wrong to it in the stores. Like he said in the video too, I've haven't enjoyed their coffee from the store either
@ebouwman034
@ebouwman034 Рік тому
It was like re-living an Olympic gold medal hockey game vs the USA.
@humanfairy
@humanfairy 3 місяці тому
I'm very grateful for this video, thank you so much!! Exactly what I was looking for.
@e24mpwr
@e24mpwr 10 місяців тому
Firstly - thanks so much for your balanced, accessible, thoughtful and entertaining content! In this case I think having beans vs. pre-ground was probably an advantage for the beans that probably helped when things were close (obviously it wouldn't help lesser coffee enough). I'll wander through your other vids to see if that was a later video. Thanks again!
@living-wellon-less5669
@living-wellon-less5669 Рік тому
I think you should do a comparison light roast only, medium roast only and dark roast only. I think that would be a more fair comparison especially since you favor light roast, your natural bias will always tend make it impossible for a dark roast to come out on top! Additionally some people like me prefer dark roast and would like your opinion on the best dark roast!
@barefootalien
@barefootalien Рік тому
I was never much of a coffee person until I started watching James Hoffmann, who I found via his collab with Tom Scott. I was _sure_ after bingeing his channel that I'd be an interesting, fruity, acidic, complex light-coffee person, like he is. Totally certain! So, on his recommendation, being a very poor person who can't even fathom spending a thousand dollars or more on an espresso setup, or even a few hundred on a good grinder for pourovers, I got a subscription to Cometeer, figuring they'd do better than I could anyway. Lo and behold, I hated every single light roast they sent me the first month. The mediums were "fine". But the dark roasts... oh my god, they're like magic! To be fair, I like lattes and cappuccinos, and without the milk and Splenda to mellow them out, most (but not all) of the darks are too bitter for me. I almost exclusively drink iced coffee here in Arizona, and I do add _more_ milk and sweetener for the darker roasts, but there's something magical that happens when bringing up a really developed roast that just isn't there with the mediums. Anyway, point being... at first, I, too, wished James would give his recommendations on the best dark roast, but then I had an epiphany. Why on Earth would I want _that?_ That would be like asking an off-road rock crawling enthusiast what the best track race car is. Being steeped in the car world in general, they might have _some_ more knowledge than a random person off the street, but it's going to be inherently biased. So I decided if I want recommendations on darker roasts, I needed to find me a coffee expert who _likes_ medium and dark roasts. That lead me to Morgan Drinks Coffee, and honestly I love them both, so I couldn't be happier!
@barefootalien
@barefootalien Рік тому
@@living-wellon-less5669 Thanks! However, I probably won't get into roasting my own... I'm disabled, and am mostly looking for very portable, small-footprint setups that I can keep in my office where I spend most of my time, rather than going out to the kitchen. I'm looking into an Aeropress, a stand-alone milk foamer, and a decent hand-grinder at the moment (I already have a really nice pourover kettle I use to melt my Cometeer). Gonna ask for some of it for Christmas, and then I'll fill in the blanks myself, and I think I can get a decent-ish setup for hopefully around $200.
@gorodgorod9584
@gorodgorod9584 Рік тому
So much respect for you my friend. I like your politeness even though you are criticizing him. We need this kind of attitude on the internet.
@barefootalien
@barefootalien Рік тому
@@gorodgorod9584 Me, or Living-well on-less?
@suzanthompson1559
@suzanthompson1559 Рік тому
Exactly there are two people in the world Light Roast and Dark roast. We tolerate medium lol
@falken111
@falken111 Рік тому
I'm surprised how emotionally invested I got when it was Tim Hortons vs Dunkin. Even though DD lost I think that's the most patriotic I've felt in decades.
@whiskyguzzler982
@whiskyguzzler982 Рік тому
Dunkin’ forever! Coffee Regular baybeee!
@repentandbelieveinJesusChrist3
@repentandbelieveinJesusChrist3 Рік тому
Repent to Jesus Christ “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬ ht
@ninoding
@ninoding Рік тому
“O CANADA, WE STAND ON GUARD FOR THEE” 🍁🍁🍁🍁 🇨🇦
@xchurricane
@xchurricane Рік тому
Here near the Canadian border, that's all the coffee we have: Tim's and Dunkin. I think he picked correctly, but it's definitely a personal preference! 😅
@maerten9517
@maerten9517 Рік тому
HA ha!
@agabrielhegartygaby9203
@agabrielhegartygaby9203 6 місяців тому
Glad I watched this again. I've learned more since my last comment. What you have taught me is to find coffees I like better. My best friend has tastes that run acid and fruity.....no accounting for taste. In the meantime I succeeded in contributing to Patreon but have had technical difficulties there and with the discord....
@robertbe2520
@robertbe2520 9 місяців тому
I searched for years for a flavorful but not bitter coffee and finally stumbled upon Peet’s House Blend. I have it shipped to me in the bean monthly and have been for years. I do try others to see if something else is better but I still love my Peet’s House Brent. Please add it to your next tasting.
@Ultrathrust
@Ultrathrust Рік тому
This video was surprisingly touching for me! I used to watch my mother drink Eight O’Clock coffee, but I remember it being quite bitter since I was so young. Now, as an adult, I drink Starbucks Veranda. To hear they’re so similar and I accidentally grew into my mother’s taste makes me feel very close to her. I should probably give Eight O’Clock another shot!
@robinsonstegard538
@robinsonstegard538 Рік тому
When money is tight, Eight O'Clock is a good choice. It is best if you buy whole bean.
@efglux2425
@efglux2425 Рік тому
Eight o'clock is my choice because I was raised on it. Only the A&P grocery store sold it back in the day and when A&P closed their stores eight o'clock went on the market to all grocery stores to sell... so glad or it would have been history.
@AngryCamperVlog
@AngryCamperVlog Рік тому
Did you give it another chance? How was it? 😄
@dvo66
@dvo66 Рік тому
@@efglux2425 yes eighth o clock now owned by Indian tea company
@scotthopkins2235
@scotthopkins2235 Рік тому
All I can say about Veranda is it tastes less burnt than the other Starbucks offerings.
@Chip87
@Chip87 Рік тому
When I worked for Starbucks, we were allowed to take home a free bag of beans every week, and Veranda blend was basically the only coffee I drank for about 3 years because of that. It’s surprisingly drinkable, all things considered. James’s face on tasting the Pike Place roast definitely brought back memories though.
@Nick.McIntyre
@Nick.McIntyre Рік тому
I've noticed that comparing those two blends goes the same in store vs buying beans/grounds. Veranda is just a better cup either way
@imightbebiased9311
@imightbebiased9311 Рік тому
When I used to drink the office coffee, my choices were generally either that Peet's Major Dickason's Blend, or Starbuck's Pike's Place. This is what eventually forced me into bringing my own coffee into the office.
@thePronto
@thePronto Рік тому
A few years ago, if you asked for a 'drip' (vs a 1,000 calorie coffee-themed liquid dessert) in Starbucks, they would ask you to choose from what they had brewed. Now they just pour you what they have. Maybe Pike Place ended up going down the sink.
@leagueaddict8357
@leagueaddict8357 Рік тому
I'm a dark roast kinda guy and to me Starbucks doesn't exist not because they don't exist but because most other dark beans give more flavor.
@samir6774
@samir6774 Рік тому
People actually drink Starbucks crap. They arrived in Sweden, being confident and just closed all their locations because European people actually like good coffee.
@funtclaps77
@funtclaps77 7 місяців тому
Cafe Bustello has been my go to for a VERY long time. I’ve tried every single one of these. I enjoy the dirt dark super toasty taste though.
@delcidkidv250
@delcidkidv250 3 місяці тому
I imagine it's the only one here that stands up to a moka pot lol
@AngieW-ri6qx
@AngieW-ri6qx 2 місяці тому
I wonder if that’s why people put so much sugar in it.
@LeisureLizard
@LeisureLizard 9 днів тому
I had no idea how much I needed this video in my life. You are a magnificent coffee nerd and I’m loving these videos.
@alyssia777
@alyssia777 Рік тому
As a Canadian, I was weirdly proud of how far Tim Hortons went compared to the other popular brands even though I rarely go to Tim's xD
@chickensdontclap147
@chickensdontclap147 Рік тому
Same! I am in no way patriotic but I got very excited when Tim's made it so far
@misterdeluxia5948
@misterdeluxia5948 Рік тому
tims coffee used to be so good before they sold thier soul to a american company. its honestly pretty bad now. but still pretty cool
@lialowe266
@lialowe266 Рік тому
Same!! I also found it amusing when he described the Tim Hortons coffee as "friendly" several times during the tasting. Even our coffee ascribes to the stereotype! ☺️☕🇨🇦
@Paulxl
@Paulxl Рік тому
We have some here in Spain and I have never been in one. I guess I'll try it the next time I'm in Madrid.
@paulmeahan3667
@paulmeahan3667 Рік тому
@@lialowe266 I was thinking the same thing! Haha! We would have hit Canadian coffee bingo if he had referred to it as “polite” at any point!
@Commando303X
@Commando303X Рік тому
I've never seen James Hoffman express as much energy as he does exclaiming, "Tim Horton's!"
@toppersundquist
@toppersundquist Рік тому
NO WAY
@tend8076
@tend8076 11 місяців тому
Tim Hortons eh
@lorensims4846
@lorensims4846 6 місяців тому
Fascinating comparisons! I did something similar when I was trying to find something I could easily drink black. I settled on McCafé as my go-to black coffee. I quite enjoy it. But you've given me a few more to (re)consider. Surprisingly, they're mostly the big drive-thru brands. I'll also take a good look at Philz.
@peptidegirl
@peptidegirl 11 місяців тому
Epic. I loved watching you taste all these. Ty
@amethystdawn
@amethystdawn Рік тому
While I work at Starbucks, we did little coffee tastings where corporate would pair coffees and pastries or we would just taste the different blends and try and distinguish notes. I swear to God, every time Pike Place was in the tasting, we would all become super quiet and awkward about it with our manager. We were all terrified to say that it is one of the worst-tasting coffee blends ever, since its the primary blend used during the afternoon & is supposed to be their "famous" blend lol
@somebodyspapa5005
@somebodyspapa5005 Рік тому
First time I tried Starbuck's in the store, I returned to the counter wanting a different cup because it tasted so horrible, I thought it was bad, for some reason. No fancy latte, cream, frosting or anything, just a regular brew with sugar. Not to trash Starbucks, but I have given it second and third chances, at different locations and every time it tastes like an old man's smoking pipe. Like he emptied his ashes into the coffee - that's the only way I can describe the taste. Later, I heard a rumor that Starbuck's intentionally burns the beans. In who's world is that a good thing, if true? Dawn, have you ever heard of a similar complaint? Curious if it's just my taste and preference, or if I'm on the right track calling this?
@amethystdawn
@amethystdawn Рік тому
@SomebodysPapa I have no idea if the beans are burnt intentionally or not. We didn't roast them in store. They were shipped to us in giant bags lol all I know is that it tastes awful. The cigarette ashes taste is spot on. If you want to get a good brew from Starbucks, you have to go early enough to get something other than Pike Place. Veranda is good imo, and the Christmas Blend during the holidays is super nice as well.
@somebodyspapa5005
@somebodyspapa5005 Рік тому
@@amethystdawn Ok, thanks for the reply! I'll try the Veranda next time! Glad someone else can taste the same ash flavor too.
@squirrelorama
@squirrelorama Рік тому
😂 I wondered why they always act surprised when I order a "Grande Pike, no room" at Starbucks! 😂
@soldiersvejk2053
@soldiersvejk2053 Рік тому
I kinda like it😂
@alecjbarlow
@alecjbarlow Рік тому
I was a barista for a couple of years at Philz. They trained us to push Tesora on new customers, but I always recommended Silken Splendor instead. Looks like my personal taste checked out!
@mixmastakooz
@mixmastakooz Рік тому
Silken Splendor and the Turkish were always my go to at Philz.
@jgbburn
@jgbburn Рік тому
Tesora is what I had the first few times...very interesting that it's "pushed"
@puddtutty
@puddtutty Рік тому
Same! Always been a Silken Guy! But as a Canadian living in the Bay, I'm happy to know that Timmies is a close second!
@pinoyriot15
@pinoyriot15 Рік тому
I personally gravitated toward Philtered Soul, but maybe I should give Silken Splendor a try.
@_mball_
@_mball_ Рік тому
I've personally never understood the appeal of Tesora in the bay area -- though I guess it fits with the "you might like really dark coffee" bit
@christopher5855
@christopher5855 3 місяці тому
Happy to see that 3 out of 5 of his recommendations what I typically drink when I want a light, medium or dark roast.
@fadywanis5463
@fadywanis5463 6 місяців тому
Absolutely amazing video and comparison! Please do more of this for local stores brands like Trader’s Joe
@Obscurity202
@Obscurity202 2 місяці тому
All trader Joe's coffee tastes like soap
@travistibbs5402
@travistibbs5402 Рік тому
Absolutely loved the fact that Tim hortons and Dunkin’ went head to head as I feel like those are the two breakfast/donut places that have cult followings. Reminds me of the Sheetz vs Wawa rivalry.
@MarcusTheDorkus
@MarcusTheDorkus Рік тому
I didn't even think about it, but those two totally do have cult followings! I was indoctrinated into the Cult of Dunkin and I wouldn't want it any other way XD
@IvanGonzalez-mp4xh
@IvanGonzalez-mp4xh Рік тому
Well said!
@willtrippe8982
@willtrippe8982 Рік тому
ugh, sheetz doesn't compare to wawa, maybe sheetz vs. turkey hill
@mmayo24
@mmayo24 Рік тому
Never had Tim Horton's (I think it's a Canadian chain?), but I really like Dunkin' Donuts out of all coffee I can get at the grocery store. So I almost always have it on hand for a brew.
@thomasjenkins5727
@thomasjenkins5727 Рік тому
I was waiting through the rest of the video for this match-up.
@maureenigreen
@maureenigreen Рік тому
the fact that you described tim horton's coffee as "friendly" consistently makes me happy as a canadian
@STEVEARABIA1
@STEVEARABIA1 Рік тому
Do you buy the Tim’s coffee from the store and the restaurant? Are they the same?
@mikeslovak5589
@mikeslovak5589 Рік тому
@@STEVEARABIA1 marginally different and depends heavily on the location. I find a good tim hortons that cleans the machines properly and cares abiut the customers will have better coffee in store. Where as a shitty tim hortons in a mall where they have "too much" traffic to clean as often tastes like wet socks after being burnt on a firepit. Whereas the home grounds are cobtrolled to how you woukd prefer brewing it.
@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721
@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721 Рік тому
That coffee will always say "sorry."
@Russian5
@Russian5 Рік тому
@@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721 You mean "sorey."
@STEVEARABIA1
@STEVEARABIA1 Рік тому
@@mikeslovak5589 oh ok. Good point. I've only tried Timmies a few times and hated it. It was at the busy locations though.
@Mikek-ny9rw
@Mikek-ny9rw 3 місяці тому
Yes James, please do this video again, it's awesome
@mchebib
@mchebib 9 місяців тому
I’ve been visiting Canada for over a month, and been missing my specialty coffee so dearly. Unable to find a coffee to enjoy, this competition will get help me get some options I may enjoy in the supermarket. Your variety of videos is genius! Love your content!
@suew4609
@suew4609 Рік тому
Trader Joe’s, a smaller novelty grocery store has many, many coffees, which I think are mostly theirs. I would love to see you do taste testing on those! I enjoyed this taste test. Thanks!
@davinlarson8099
@davinlarson8099 Рік тому
Their organic breakfast blend is great.
@jreyes9005
@jreyes9005 Рік тому
I’ve never heard it described as a ‘novelty’ grocery before but I guess that’s a way to describe the fact they rotate items quite often?
@TheBluntist619
@TheBluntist619 Рік тому
Their coffee is quite nice.
@attilathemom7518
@attilathemom7518 Рік тому
They do have great coffees, AND you can grind it right in the store.
@brentwalker3300
@brentwalker3300 Рік тому
Yep. Trader Joe's does a great job with their coffees.
@daniel-wood
@daniel-wood Рік тому
It's interesting to see that each of the major coffee house chains (Starbucks, Tim Hortons, Dunkin) got at least one through to the semifinals
@Tomazack
@Tomazack Рік тому
It's good to know that they don't skimp out on quality beans though. How good their baristas are, that could be a different story.
@adamsteinhardt6393
@adamsteinhardt6393 Рік тому
Except for Seattles best.
@lizcademy4809
@lizcademy4809 Рік тому
All the final choices were chains. I've had coffee (and been underwhelmed) at all of them except Timmy's.
@lonestarr1490
@lonestarr1490 Рік тому
@@lizcademy4809 Yeah, being underwhelmed is kind of the default with chains. They'll always favor sameness and repeatability over excitement.
@iurifrazao454
@iurifrazao454 Рік тому
@@lonestarr1490 Tbf, they are totally right about that. The people who watch this channel have a pretty big bias toward excitement, novelty and how do coffee compare. While most people consuming coffee just want a standard good cup to start their day, not a nuanced interisting taste experience every morning. I say that as someone who only likes coffee for the taste experience, I can't drink much cafeine daily sadly :/
@F4Wildcat
@F4Wildcat 3 місяці тому
James i really liked this video. I hope you or others would so a series of other countries supermarket coffees.
@tompepper4789
@tompepper4789 11 місяців тому
Yes, do this again. Great learning experence for us the viewers.
@no.lloydering
@no.lloydering Рік тому
You might find it interesting that Tim Hortons and McCafe are roasted by the same company. The husband of one of my coworkers is the district manager for Tim Hortons in Western New York and used to be the same for McDonald's just north in Ontario and she brought this up in a previous conversation about coffee. I greatly enjoyed this video!
@BokBarber
@BokBarber Рік тому
That is interesting! It seems like the type of thing that wouldn't bother a McCafe drinker but might bother a Tim Hortons drinker.
@thecreatedvoid117
@thecreatedvoid117 Рік тому
I’m guessing out of the Rochester plant? Just curious, grew up in that area.
@ZM-jb6gc
@ZM-jb6gc Рік тому
McCafe was quite good when they used to have a higher portion of coffee in their lattes. Now they water it down with milk.
@-NoneOfYourBusiness
@-NoneOfYourBusiness Рік тому
@@ZM-jb6gc This is a local choice by your specific nearest McDonalds restaurant, tho. Some MsDonalds restaurants haven't changed their coffee proportions even thru the pandemic
@TheMooseRooster
@TheMooseRooster Рік тому
That is pretty interesting. Since you said in Western New York, you may know what this is. Jamacian Me Crazy and Witches Brew are the same thing; and both terrible.
@dirkp3480
@dirkp3480 Рік тому
The big Italian supermarket brands like Lavazza, Illy, Segafredeo etc. would be great to compare and test.
@oooooooorion
@oooooooorion Рік тому
Yes Europeans coffee would be great
@saucyruben
@saucyruben Рік тому
hell yeah
@cm4688
@cm4688 Рік тому
He did a UK version of this video that included Illy and Lavazza :)
@archaeopteris
@archaeopteris Рік тому
@@cm4688 Do you remember what it was called? I haven't been able to find it.
@cm4688
@cm4688 Рік тому
@@archaeopteris I checked. They're part of the Supermarket Instant Coffee video. Hoping he'll do one for the beans soon too.
@proteinaggie
@proteinaggie 11 місяців тому
In defense of Pikes, it isn't made to be consumed black. I was running a Starbucks when it was launched. Starbucks had done a ton of research and found most customers drank with a little cream and sugar, and it was developed and roasted for that. The other selling point of Pikes was consistency. Before Pikes every Starbucks was serving different coffees from every other store, based on what the distribution plant sent you. The idea of Pikes was every store would be brewing it, and you could learn how to doctor it to your taste and get the same cup of coffee you wanted in any store nationwide. Pikes isn't my favorite coffee, but it was a huge step forward for daily coffee drinkers having a little consistency, and through that, customers having a better experience.
@jackMcRyder
@jackMcRyder 7 місяців тому
this "defense of Pikes" explains a lot about Starbucks and American coffee consumption.. 👍🏻 lil' cream, and sugar. 😀 Okay..
@AstriaStarwynd
@AstriaStarwynd 7 місяців тому
I like the flavor of Pikes straight up, but only after it's cooled. Veranda is my preference of the Starbucks offerings but there's such variation between locations when they stop brewing it sometimes I miss the window.
@maryannemalandrinos5504
@maryannemalandrinos5504 7 місяців тому
I was gonna say that a lot of darker roasts he was more critical of are mostly used as a vessel for creamer from what i've seen. As someone who enjoys all kinds of coffee, 3rd wave coffee shop coffee and a familiar dark roast with vanilla creamer that my dad makes men when i visit are very different experiences but each is honestly good in its own way.
@planetfabulous5833
@planetfabulous5833 5 місяців тому
Men should never drink any coffee with vanilla creamer! :)
@Ocinneade345
@Ocinneade345 4 місяці тому
American coffee was absolutely shit before Starbucks
@gts5930
@gts5930 3 місяці тому
Awesome video, and fun to watch you work.
@HH60gPaveHawk
@HH60gPaveHawk Рік тому
As a New Englander with Canadian relatives, Dunkins vs Tim Hortons felt like when the Canadiens play the Bruins, I wasn't sure which way I should be cheering!
@ryllharu
@ryllharu Рік тому
The never-ending war between New Yokers and New Englanders over coffee preference.
@brad3042
@brad3042 Рік тому
Nowadays, Dunkin's basic coffee is overpriced and if I do buy it, it's usually in frozen coffee drinks or the occasional $1 coffee special in the app.
@richardmastrorilli5001
@richardmastrorilli5001 Рік тому
Anyone else pleased that he called the Canadian coffee “Friendly”? Lol, love it
@David_Watts
@David_Watts Рік тому
YES! I knew this one Canuck, OMG, he was the complete opposite of friendly and it was then that I realized....🤔
@mikele7982
@mikele7982 Рік тому
Lmao…. Me too! I laugh so hard when Tim made it so far. :))))
@delinquense
@delinquense Рік тому
@@David_Watts... that he was actually an American?
@delinquense
@delinquense Рік тому
Actually, the word "boring" comes to mind first!
@-NoneOfYourBusiness
@-NoneOfYourBusiness Рік тому
Canadians are less and less seen as "friendly" and increasingly as "nuts", tho.
@johnsmythe9412
@johnsmythe9412 9 місяців тому
Good afternoon from Canada. Fun FYI, the Tim's coffe you tried is a new kind for them. The McCafe (Macdonald's) is what Tims was using prior to 4 years ago. Macdonalds bought the supply contract from Tim Horton coffee when they wanted to improve their terrible coffee. Made Macdonalds an acceptable choice when in a limited area for choices. Really enjoy your content BTW.
@MacThreinfhir
@MacThreinfhir 7 місяців тому
I’ve been drinking McDonalds coffee for many years and I’ve not noticed any change in its flavor… tastes the same as it did 30 years ago.
@jeffsansome90
@jeffsansome90 2 місяці тому
For the Americans confused by this comment, this only applies in Canada. McDonald's in order to compete with Tim Horton's up here (which has more locations than McDonalds in Canada) had to step up their coffee game because Canadians drink lots of coffee. I believe they only changed the McDonalds coffee to the old Tim's roast in Canada. Found that out by ordering coffee from McDonalds in the States several times and it was dreadful!
@DavidBermanat_virchow
@DavidBermanat_virchow 8 місяців тому
That was fun to watch! I'm a coffee-obsessed home roaster, but also a big fan of Dunkin when I'm on the road and can't brew my home roast. So I agree with James on that one. It's usually quite nice when brewed by a franchisee, or when I brew it myself in a hotel or guest house.
@larisonjohnson
@larisonjohnson Рік тому
Peet’s Major D had always been my go to Grocery store brand. Though I usually buy whole bean. It broke my heart when he eliminated it initially, but then, by some type of divine intervention, he corrected himself, and then it showed up at the end! ❤
@AndrewBushnell
@AndrewBushnell Рік тому
Major Dickason is very popular at my local grocery, and as Peet's actually prints roast date on the bag, I can purchase it within a month or so of roasting. It's a good daily driver, and often on sale.
@TheTetrapod
@TheTetrapod Рік тому
Same here! I think it holds up to cream and sugar well, being so dark. Definitely suitable for a big American cup of joe.
@pudellvr
@pudellvr Рік тому
Major D’s is my favorite too! Whole bean only.
@AndrewBushnell
@AndrewBushnell Рік тому
@@fronthole_guacamole He has a wife, you know...
@michealhall4512
@michealhall4512 Рік тому
Major D is my daily cup, love it black. I find it chocolatey and sweet. Certainly there are bitter notes, but I like the contrasts. I also don't eat carbs or sweets, so it might be I'm more sensitive. The other night I tasted some sphagetti sauce (not store bought, no added sugar) and was immediately hit by hiw sweet it was.
@britgirlrocks
@britgirlrocks Рік тому
As a Louisiana native, the Cafe du Monde reaction was PERFECT. Working in New Orleans for many years, I think I’ve had black chicory coffee requested once. It is basically always served as Cafe au Lait (milk coffee). If you’re lucky, there are beignets involved and the bitter, smoky chicory stands up against the fried dough and mountain of powdered sugar.
@Dougs_Unemployment_Check
@Dougs_Unemployment_Check Рік тому
Lol Lousiana native as well. As soon as I saw that pop up, I knew what was about to happen.
@Dawnbandit1
@Dawnbandit1 Рік тому
Not a LA native, but I love chicory coffee HOWEVER it is the only brewed coffee I don't drink black. I always add milk and a bit of sugar to it.
@beunice
@beunice Рік тому
Fellow Louisiana native. I totally agree with you, although I was a bit surprised that he picked Starbucks over Community. Neither are great coffees, I always buy local whole bean when I can, but I never thought that a blind test would be that close between those two in particular.
@Dougs_Unemployment_Check
@Dougs_Unemployment_Check Рік тому
@@beunice I actually like Community. Its my daily drinker because its decent tasting and cheap here in Louisiana.
@This_is_sparta75
@This_is_sparta75 Рік тому
I’ve seen a few Thai iced coffee that prefer to use cafe du monde as the base.
@davidoickle1778
@davidoickle1778 11 місяців тому
I'd like to see you do this test again in the future sometime. My "go to" coffee dish,Twin but that's ok. I like what I perceive to be good coffee, which I usually make at home where I can control the brew. Thank you for this.
@lifeschool707
@lifeschool707 4 місяці тому
Yes please make more videos like this. If you could do one on better coffee form whole beans and even some organic coffees.
@HD-su9sq
@HD-su9sq Рік тому
It’s so funny that you described Tim Horton as “friendly” multiple times! James, maybe you could do a world tour of grocery coffee.
@KCSutherland
@KCSutherland Рік тому
Impressive that McDonald's, Dunkin, Tim Horton's, and Starbucks all made it to the quarterfinals. Very impressive on all of their parts.
@GuardedDragon
@GuardedDragon Рік тому
I’m surprised too. But come to think of it they are designing “least offensive coffees” on purpose, so I guess it could make sense. Their game is consistency.
@kyle-silver
@kyle-silver Рік тому
Also their scale of operations probably allows for a lot of investment in consistency of the product.
@Caffeine.And.Carvings
@Caffeine.And.Carvings Рік тому
They probably have a HUUUGE research&develop team behind all those coffes, going through all kinds of different test groups to find the one that upsets the least amount of people. Especially McDonalds with their McCafe nowadays kinda wants to sell the coffeeshop vibe and back it up with okayish coffee.
@pickles632
@pickles632 Рік тому
they have the most money to do tasting research
@jf1a8x1
@jf1a8x1 Рік тому
His reaction to Pikes place 🤣🤣🤣🤣I agree!!
@irl-hdr4080
@irl-hdr4080 10 місяців тому
Loved the video & I hope you make a round 2. The only two additions I’d make is at least one Green Mountain blend preferably the Vermont & Peet’s French Roast instead of Major Dickason because it’s a superior dark roast IMHO.
@evelinaluchyk4605
@evelinaluchyk4605 6 місяців тому
I would love to see this head to head again but with Lavazza and La Columbe coffee included! I love Lavazza coffee the best as far as grocery coffee goes, but La Columbe is getting some traction here in the US as well. Also, I am so happy to not be the only one that thinks Pikes coffee tastes like trash and am so surprised Dunkin was a top contender!
@soniashapiro4827
@soniashapiro4827 Рік тому
I don't drink coffee. I watch this channel because it's such a pleasure to see someone take such pleasure in all the particularities of his "hobby". (and the good hair!)
@keasbey951
@keasbey951 Рік тому
Philz is the reason I have become a weird coffee person. They are more known for their mixed coffee drinks, but they do a pour over for every drink in their cafes and list the flavor profiles of all their roasts.
@liamcol09
@liamcol09 Рік тому
Yes such an interesting place. Amazed he had it here.
@garrnew
@garrnew Рік тому
Me too. I worked next to one and Julie's Ultimate converted me.
@Cordelia0704p
@Cordelia0704p Рік тому
I've never heard of this brand before I thought I had tried all the grocery store coffees we have. Where are you in the US? Like is it a west coast thing or something like that?
@Becizzle
@Becizzle Рік тому
Philz is my favorite coffee. But nothing beats it made fresh in the Cafe. Pour over heaven. I miss it since I moved away from SF and I'm not driving 30 min to Sacramento for a cup. Well......maybe I will some weekday...I miss it that much.
@DevNode27
@DevNode27 Рік тому
@@Cordelia0704p Yeah, Philz is big in California and evidently nowhere else (though someone on here mentioned a location in Chicago)
@edieuro95
@edieuro95 11 місяців тому
I use the caribou medium roast for my turkish coffee. Definitely my favorite from the store.
@bdcooper5855
@bdcooper5855 5 місяців тому
I really hope you test Trader Joe's different coffees at some point as these are the main source of my homebrews. I ONLY add liquid stevia to my cups, so there is always that little bit of stevia taste in every coffee I try. I believe I should have a "weird coffee (and stevia) person" shirt. LOL Love your channel, keep up your good work.
@NintendoDuim
@NintendoDuim Рік тому
The Netherlands has a huge coffee culture, with many old Dutch brands. It would be very interesting to see a tasting of those coffee's, i.e. Douwe Egberts, Kanis en Gunnink, Max Havelaar, etc.
@MrGeforcerFX
@MrGeforcerFX Рік тому
Douwe Egberts is kinda popular in the USA as well.
@Vretens
@Vretens Рік тому
It seems that Gevalia (a Swedish roaster and not one of my favourites) is owned by Douwe Egberts.
@FORGOTTENMINDFREAK23
@FORGOTTENMINDFREAK23 Рік тому
We get Douwe Egberts here in Aus too. I'm not sure how widespread they are now but they used to be common in my childhood
@CashWill_Trading
@CashWill_Trading Рік тому
I loved this, would love to see Australian, New Zealand, UK etc versions of this
@joaotdacosta
@joaotdacosta Рік тому
Seconded. Also UK / Continental / Japanese / Korean. Would be a wonderful way to get a sense of different coffee cultures.
@jackorta1613
@jackorta1613 Рік тому
And dont forget african and indian
@jamescraig2625
@jamescraig2625 Рік тому
He has done UK you may have to dig to find it but it’s equally a great watch!
@azrobbins01
@azrobbins01 10 місяців тому
4:05 "Like a nice vegetable soup with a twist of lemon". Just how you want your coffee to taste!
@luisbaltodano227
@luisbaltodano227 10 місяців тому
That was a pretty cool contest. Would you do a similar contest but based on origen of the bean? Or by region, such as South American, Central American, etc… Keep up the excellent work 👍
@aitotem
@aitotem Рік тому
James Hoffmann: Has never tried Folgers Also James Hoffman: Has tried several almost century old coffees.
@jackspearman6296
@jackspearman6296 Рік тому
So he’s basically already had Folgers
@Ambrosianite
@Ambrosianite Рік тому
That's because it's not sold in the UK
@NoZenith
@NoZenith Рік тому
@Jack Spearman 😆👌 I've never appreciated anything from Folgers either haha . They even sometimes give free coffee away at work and I always know if it's folgers.
@stanhry
@stanhry Рік тому
Folgers , one of the burnt roasted coffees along with hills brothers and maxwell house. You could see the his pain.
@samuell.foxton4177
@samuell.foxton4177 Рік тому
@@Ambrosianite I once got some Folgers on reduction from an American sweet shop who were closing my local branch, and it was pretty instant regret - just tasted totally burnt, whether I used filter or Aeropress
@stevenl3157
@stevenl3157 Рік тому
The most impressive thing about this is his ability to keep the sip sound consistent in tone and duration
@TheAphelionsWrath
@TheAphelionsWrath Рік тому
Imagine if it gotten longer every slurp
@emilio556
@emilio556 Рік тому
Sounds like im zipping my jacket
@JamesScrote
@JamesScrote Рік тому
He looks lesbian
@jessiemorrison1984
@jessiemorrison1984 10 місяців тому
As a Canadian I couldn't be more proud.. but as a coffee lover and new enthusiast. I'm blown away it made it that far...I guess it's all about preparation. Great video man. I need to see more of your videos but I'd love for you to try out different methods of making coffee. And which one is best
@wretchedpkmn
@wretchedpkmn 11 місяців тому
Big Bang by Pete's (which says medium roast but is definitely on the dark side) has become my go to for a dark roast. I like specialty and lighter roasts but it has the best parts of a darker roast with its chocolate flavor without having too harsh of a downside. Would highly recommend- it pulls a mean shot and even blends well when you toss a bit in with your specialty coffee.
@HypernovaBolts11
@HypernovaBolts11 Рік тому
I would absolutely watch this as a recurring series!
@travismiller7367
@travismiller7367 Рік тому
I think it would have been fun to have a random specialty coffee thrown in to see if James could catch it
@MrGothicruler666
@MrGothicruler666 Рік тому
Philz was the speciality coffee.
@iggywow
@iggywow Рік тому
out of 25+ coffees the only coffee that wasn't pre-ground came out on top, I feel like that shows something
@mrnice752
@mrnice752 Рік тому
@@iggywow Agree, you can't compare beans to pre-ground. Grinding releases the volatile terpenes that start to break down immediately.
@aaronpettit3813
@aaronpettit3813 Рік тому
In a sense, he did - the only whole bean coffee won.
@mrnice752
@mrnice752 Рік тому
@@EggEnjoyer Yes, the main terpenoids in coffee are kahweol and cafestol.
@jennifergilley7919
@jennifergilley7919 3 місяці тому
The water makes a huge difference
@veronicaharwick9013
@veronicaharwick9013 4 місяці тому
This was a fun, delightful, and informative video. 😎
@1m2a3t4t5
@1m2a3t4t5 Рік тому
Found it very impressive how consistent your choices were. Basically every head to head was guessable. Your ability to distinguish profiles and judge the quality is really impressive.
@matthewburns9629
@matthewburns9629 Рік тому
As a PhD student whose taste in coffee often runs beyond my budget: I have never clicked on a video so fast
@brandongraham3509
@brandongraham3509 10 місяців тому
The personal victory of seeing Tim Hortons beat out Dunkin Donuts was great. I grew up really liking Dunkin, but i remember at one point the flavor changing and no longer liking it. After moving to the Buffalo area with TH everywhere, it became a quick favorite. Thank you for going through this. I'll have to explore some of these brands with a new light to compare to what I've been trying lately
@LadyFeline.
@LadyFeline. 9 місяців тому
I'm so happy you said vegetable notes from the Starbucks roast because even their espresso has tasted like green vegetables to me
@Don-ou6dz
@Don-ou6dz Рік тому
As a Canadian I can't believe how proud I am of tim Hortons coffee making it to the finals
@fenix7167
@fenix7167 Рік тому
As a Canadian, i'm actually sad that tim hortons made it this far. No problem about enjoying Timmies, i just think its overrated.
@AnonymousMod.
@AnonymousMod. Рік тому
The fuck? Tim's has been trash for years. I loved them growing up but a bit after RBI bought them I started having to skip some stores because it would just be filth water in my cup. That and doughnuts not being made in store anymore. Now if it's not dark roast double double I can't even stomach it. I'm actively trying to give Tim's 0 dollars any given year.
@cruelabduhl
@cruelabduhl Рік тому
I laughed every time he described it as 'friendly', definitely playing into the trope of friendly, polite Canadians. As for the fact that James didn't enjoy his previous Tim's coffee I can say that I agree. A good Tim's cup of coffee is very good and enjoyable, but not every Tim's cup is a good cup. For some reason the coffee lacks consistency, perhaps not every Tim's filter their water or something, producing a different taste depending which Tim's you buy it.
@inevahdie
@inevahdie Рік тому
@@AnonymousMod. perhaps its the brewing method not necessarily the beans that’s faulty than
@hybrid214
@hybrid214 Рік тому
I have a feeling the ratios James used is way different from what the stores actually brew, since the store brews taste like water with a slight hint of mud.
@uffa00001
@uffa00001 Рік тому
I live in Italy and I don't know any of these brands. What I find extremely interesting is that, in the first round, on many occasions the more expensive, sometimes way more expensive coffee was eliminated straight away when confronted with a much cheaper competitor. This shows how cost does not necessarily relate with our own personal taste, and one doesn't necessarily get more when one pays more. I find this to be very true also in other fields such as beer, gin and vodka.
@nogglebeak
@nogglebeak 11 місяців тому
A lot of that has to do with his personal preference for lighter roasts, I think. The cheaper, more readily available stuff tends to be of lighter roasts.
@jlozano2014
@jlozano2014 11 місяців тому
​@@hymefly more like they like local and fresh roasted coffee which wonton come from a big brand name.
@revealingfacts4all
@revealingfacts4all 11 місяців тому
I work for an Italian company and they provide free coffee from Lavazza. I think it's OK, not bad, but prefer a brand called Intelligentia that is brewed in Chicago
@jeffbruce3588
@jeffbruce3588 11 місяців тому
Lavazza is what I buy. Because it's the best in store. I don't see it here.
@Ash_Wen-li
@Ash_Wen-li 9 місяців тому
People prefer flavour profiles they are familiar with. Specialty coffee might be too acidic or may have flavour notes they aren't used to
@DarrellGrays
@DarrellGrays Місяць тому
I think you did an excellent job, you had a few that I've never tried, I'm a bit biased as I love the Starbucks brand, as they have different blends of coffee, your winner is one that I never heard of and will have to look for. Thank you for doing this. it is much appreciated.
@nathanwilkins6107
@nathanwilkins6107 8 місяців тому
I personally enjoy peet’s coffee, but I also buy the whole bean. It’d be interesting to see if that would affect its ranking. Though, the dark roast can be a bit dark.
@tkkc2009
@tkkc2009 Рік тому
I love that he describes the coffees as vegetables. When I couldn't taste from COVID, I kept saying coffee tasted like can vegetable water.
@johncharles2357
@johncharles2357 Рік тому
Would be hilarious to see a Tim Horton's Christmas ad with James' reaction at 14:23.
@brebeccablum4693
@brebeccablum4693 2 місяці тому
The veranda blend medium roast from Starbucks is my favorite grocery store coffee by far. Good to know i like one of jamses picks.
@larinow
@larinow 4 місяці тому
Hi james, thank you for producing this video. Would love to see a Decaf version. Cheers
@AngieW-ri6qx
@AngieW-ri6qx 2 місяці тому
Definitely!
@Jazz-and-Coffee
@Jazz-and-Coffee 2 місяці тому
Very morning I make a freshly ground pour over for me and a decaf for my spouse. I solely use Peet’s whole beans on line and alter the roasts from Peet’s too. BUT every time I make Peet’s Decaf House Blend, I am SHOCKED how great it tastes and it’s just as enjoyable as most of the caffeinated beans I make for me.
@AnthrophobiKristy
@AnthrophobiKristy Рік тому
I was devoted to Dunkin's original coffee until James taught me the virtues of freshly ground coffee. Nice to know I wasn't too hopeless back then.
@JaredJanhsen
@JaredJanhsen Рік тому
I've been able to find Dunkin' in bean form at Kroger and Tom Thumb (part of Albertson's). I live not too far from a local coffee roaster, but if all else fails I will drink Dunkin'.
@iocat
@iocat Рік тому
You can get Dunkin whole beans...
@AnthrophobiKristy
@AnthrophobiKristy Рік тому
@@iocat I’ve not seen it in Alaska yet but I’ll keep looking. Thanks!
@SimuLord
@SimuLord Рік тому
Born and raised in Boston. Dunkin is life.
@johnnygeorgopoulos4072
@johnnygeorgopoulos4072 Рік тому
I love Dunkin coffee, AT Dunkin Donuts, but their bagged coffee definitely doesn't taste anywhere near as good, or even similar. Folgers Black Silk for me, I don't do any grinding or fancy brewing, I'm entirely too lazy for that, but I'd actually like to get into it, just don't know if I ever will 🤣
@davidyarb5885
@davidyarb5885 Рік тому
I’m not a sophisticated coffee drinker, but I drink it black and prefer light to medium roast. Whenever I’m traveling and grab a quick convenient cup of McCafe, from the drive through, I find myself surprised about half way through and muttering “not a bad cup of coffee”. I have been mocked by others for sharing this, but watching the McCafe get mildly positive feedback was hugely satisfying and weirdly therapeutic for me.
@soggygremlin
@soggygremlin Рік тому
I honestly find it to be the best of the fast food coffees.
@squirrelorama
@squirrelorama Рік тому
Definitely the best fast food drive thru black coffee
@theresefrancis9283
@theresefrancis9283 Рік тому
Funnily enough, Economic Ninja (YT channel) also raves about McDonald's coffee which I always thought was weird until I kept seeing people like you comment otherwise. I guess I need to give it a shot, haha.
@melissabill1640
@melissabill1640 2 місяці тому
Omg I've had most of these and i recommend trying Caribou medium roast. WONDERFUL 😊
@mattschmitt9924
@mattschmitt9924 9 місяців тому
I recently switched to that Peets dark. Huge chocalate notes! I really like it over my previous choice of a starbucks french roast.
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