French Roast - Starbucks Review

If you have been following us for any length of time, you’ll know that Mr. Brew and I have a soft spot for dark roasted, smoky coffees. And, we especially love a well done French roast! With all of that in mind, we tried Starbucks French Roast. Until now, we have only reviewed one Starbucks coffee but there has to be a reason these bags of beans are on every shelf in massive quantities. 

When it comes to French roast coffees, we expect a brew that is dark and smoky. We love finding hints of caramel laced with the double-roasted coffee notes. But we have grown picky. Many French roasts are expertly roasted and have a balance of all these flavors that makes every sip (any time of year) a memorable one. And we have also tried French roasts that were way too smoky or left us wanting more. So let’s put our palate to the task of figuring out whether Starbucks French Roast is worth it.

Right away there is no denying the smoky aroma. It is strong and unmistakable as a French roast coffee. That smoke aroma is coated with something sweet to help draw off the sharpness of the double roasted quality. French Roast produces a moderate bloom, and the smoky flavor is quite powerful, but the lingering sweetness you catch hints of in aroma are difficult to find. There is a balanced darkness to this French roast (no burnt hotdog flavor here → Yes, we drank a dark coffee that tasted like burnt hotdogs…)

Starbucks claims there are notes of dark caramel, and although I can smell some caramel (closer to molasses), I cannot really discern the same flavor behind the forward smoke. I taste more of a subtle sweetness akin to a sugarcane rather than rich caramel. Even so, this is an enjoyable French roast that isn’t too smoky on the palate and maintains some of the lighter, more drinkable qualities of black coffee. 

Don’t be afraid of the dark and French roast coffees! They can be well overdone, it is true, but Starbucks has a real gem with their French Roast.

If you are already a French roast fan, or are looking to find something darker, less acidic, and full of smoky rich flavors, this is your next brew. Plus, Starbucks French Roast is widely available making it easy to refill your cupboards.

Cheers,

Mrs. Brew