Coffee Taste Test

Too many coffees, too little time! It is confusing in today’s market to try to find a great tasting coffee. There are so many brands that boast “best tasting coffee”, but everyone can’t have “the” best.

To help guide you, is a taste test done by panelists for Every Day with Rachael Ray Magazine.

Best Classic

Starbuck’s French Roast

Retails for about $8.99 for 12 ounces and is available at grocery stores.

What they say: A great coffee that can be enjoyed anytime of day. Comments include “solid wake-me-up” coffee, great for “midday oomph”, and “delightful nightcap”. The coffee is said to produce a smoky and robust flavor with just a hint of sweetness.

Best Decaf

Dunkin’ Donuts Dunkin’ Decaf

Retails for about $7.99 for 12 ounces and is available at grocery stores.

What they say: This decaf is a hearty roast but you don’t have the worry of it keeping you awake! Tasters enjoyed its nutty flavor and some even described it as “cake-ish”, calling it a sweet pick-me-up and “the perfect sip”. Perfect for relaxing and winding down after dinner.

Best Organic

Allegro Coffee Company Rwanda Karaba Whole Bean

Retails for about $10.99 for 12 ounces and is available at Whole foods Markets.

What they say: When brewing this earthy blend, the aroma fills a room long before it hits your cup. This is a full-bodied and flavored coffee and they warn that it is not for wimps. The beans themselves produce a panorama of flavors such as brown sugar, lemon, cardamom, dark chocolate and butter. This brew is a perfect match for a sweet treat.

Best Flavored

Community Coffee & Chicory, New Orleans Blend

Retails for about $5.49 for 13 ounces and is available at communitycoffee.com.

What they say: “Well, good morning to you too” is how one panelist described this chirpy NOLA favorite. This is the most competitive category and the deep Arabica flavor along with the taste of bittersweet chicory made this coffee shine brightest over the French vanillas and sweeter chocolate truffle flavored varieties. Testers commented on the “smooth finish” and one said that it is good just the way it is; without adding cream or sugar. The bold, rich and classy flavor just may have you hooked.

Best Instant

Maxwell House Instant Coffee

Retails for about $8.49 for 12 ounces and is available at grocery stores.

What they say: Forget everything you think and know about instant coffee. If you don’t like instant coffee, the panelists say Maxwell Instant may change your mind. Tasters commented on this dark and rich instant as having a full, smooth and nutty flavor. They were amazed that it tastes like “real” coffee! It is quick and can be easily prepared for those caffeine emergencies. Definitely worth a try.