Qwowi’s review of Caribou Coffee’s Caribou blend is sponsored by Shoffee.com.

Although I had never tried Caribou Coffee before, it was highly recommended to me by Qwowi’s own Sara Sullivan and generally I trust her opinion on such things.  So when Joe at Shoffee asked me what I’d like him to send for review, Caribou Coffee was an easy choice, and what better way to start than with their signature blend.

What it Says on the Box

Our signature blend begins with a delighful heaviness on your palate and finishes with a relaxing balance of savory bittersweet chocolate, earthy and fruity flavors.

Additional Info (from the Caribou Web Site)

Achieving balance in life is a challenge. Caribou Coffee’s signature blend meets that challenge, balancing a big-bodied, syrupy taste with a clean, snappy finish. The secret of this blend’s relaxed complexity is a rich hearty Indonesian bean, perfectly proportioned with Central American and South American varieties for lively fruit tones.

Aroma

I wish I could tell you about the complexity, rich fruit scents, and all that stuff that I’m maybe supposed to be smelling.  I whiffed every which way I could, and quite frankly, all I smelled was coffee.  That’s definitely not a bad thing.  I really like the smell of coffee, so I’m comfortable with that.

Drinking It Black

In contrast to the Green Mountain Kenyan AA I reviewed last time around, the flavor of Caribou Blend, when sampled black, is farily disinteresting, or non-descript.  Admittedly, it’s a bit of an apples to oranges comparison, so we’ll reserve full judgement on such things until after we’ve sampled Caribou’s foray into Kenyan AA. 

Like the aroma, the lack of complex, or distinc flavors isn’t a bad thing, it just doesn’t leave me with much to talk about.  I will attest, however; that as described, Caribou Blend does finish with a hint of chocolate.

With Cream and Sugar

While I’m not nearly the light and sweet guy (not to suggest I’m heavy and bitter) I once was, I still prefer my coffee with cream and sugar.  Caribou Blend begs for cream and sugar.  Hell, it practically demands it.  In my opinion there should actually be a disclaimer on the box “for best results add cream and sugar”. 

Adding the two staples of coffee drinkery (yes, I’m making up words again), transforms a smooth, yet forgetable cup of coffee, into something that most commuters would love to have in their cups for the morning drive.  My drive is long enough where drinking coffee on the way in is a bit like gambling; but I digress.  My point is that Caribou Blend tastes really good with cream and sugar.  Is that simple enough?

Final Thoughts

Caribou’s Caribou Blend definitely trends to the mild side, but that doesn’t mean it lacks flavor.  For black coffee drinkers, I don’t think it’s the best option out there, but for the majority of coffee afficianandos I’d definitley encourage you to at least pick up some Caribou Blend in a sampler, if not a whole box (seem below for where you can get one). 

For those of you keeping score at home, we’re 3 for 3 with House Blends for Keurig Brewers (Green Mountain, Diedrich, and now Caribou).  We’ve got plenty more brands to try, but it’s already clear to me that down the road we’re going to need to have a “House Blend Showdown”. 

As I’ve said with each of the other House Blends; it’s a better cup of coffee than you’ll get from that big honkin’ chain store.  Even better, if you make your Caribou Blend at home or in the office, you don’t have to worry about getting caught in the drive through behind the guy that just ordered 12 breakfast sandwiches and a box o’ joe.  What the hell is it with that guy anway?

Shameless Plug

Please visit the sponsor of this review, Shoffee.com.  They carry a huge selection of K-Cups as well as the full line of Keurig Brewers and Accessoreis.  While you’re there, pick up a box of  Caribou Blend.  You should also check out Shoffee’s Cup of the Week site for weekly K-Cup deals and giveaways.

Without sponsors like Joe at Shoffee the K-Cup Challenge wouldn’t be possible, so please supprt me by supporing them.  And speaking of the K-Cup Challenge…  While you’re here at Qwowi, check out all of the reviews from our K-Cup Challenge.

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