The 2nd of two special limited edition summer blends the kind folks at Green Mountain Coffee Roasters sent me, the Fair Trade Organic Summer Symphony blend, is more of a traditional light roast than the previously reviewed Raspberry Rhapsody.  You won’t be overpowered by fruit aromas and fruit flavors.  Instead, what I’ve got in front of me is a fairly straightforward cup of light summer coffee.

What it says on the box

A perfectly orchestrated blend. Crisp, sparkling and harmoniously balanced.

Certified Organic. Fair Trade Certified ™.

Tasting Notes

(Shamelessly lifted from www.greenmountaincoffee.com)

Just in time for summer, our *new* Fair Trade Organic Summer Symphony™ Blend strikes a balanced chord of crisp acidity and overall balance. Its aromas are slightly nutty with a citrus twist, while its flavors offer dark chocolate with just a touch of tropical fruit.

It’s a great all-day cup, wonderful with an array of summery desserts, and oh-so-refreshing served iced with a big splash of sweet cream.

Because Organic Summer Symphony Blend is certified both Fair Trade and Organic, it’s a rewarding cup all around.

The Aroma

Not much noteworthy to speak of here.  Perhaps there’s a hint of nutty.  Mostly it just smells like your average cup of good coffee.

Drinking in black

Green Mountain Summer Symphony is bright and mild.  There is a fair amount of acidity to it, but it’s by no means violent.  If nothing else, it gives an otherwise average cup of coffee a little something to stand out from the crowd.

It’s mild, somewhat fruity, and the finish is, as the aroma suggests, nutty.  There’s no real kick, which is fine.  What’s more important is that it doesn’t taste week or watered down.

Although it’s been a while, and my recollection could be hazy, I found myself reminded a bit of Green Mountain’s Breakfast Blend.  Summer Symphony is similar, but indeed does seem like a bit more of a warm-weather coffee.

With Cream and Sugar

I can’t say it often enough, light blends want cream and sugar.  Summer Symphony really takes on the flavor of the cream (more so than other light roasts).  From those who like their coffee light and sweet, it’s definitely worth trying, especially since, as a limited edition, it won’t be around for very long.

I haven’t gotten around to trying it over ice, but given its flavor and its willingness to take on lots of cream and sugar, I would suggest that you brew it on the strongest setting of your Keurig Brewer, let it cool, dump it over ice, and enjoy it.  My bet is that it’s a delicious iced brew.

Final Thoughts

I’m more of a dark coffee drinker, and find Summer Symphony (or Breakfast Blend Special Edition as I call it) to be a bit too light for me to drink in the morning.  I do enjoy an occasional cup of iced coffee in the afternoon, however, and will surely give it a try in that capacity.

My wife, who’s much more of a light and sweet girl has already added a cup of music-for-your-mouth Symphony Blend to her morning rotation, which tells me that it will work nicely for people who like the consistency of the major chain brand, but are looking for something that…that…how should I put this?  Doesn’t taste like it was sweetened with tin and sugar.

Shameless Plug

You can help keep the K-Cup Challenge rolling by supporting my sponsors (like Green Mountain Coffee Roasters).  Green Mountain makes it painfully easy for you to pick up a box or two of their Limited Edition, Fair Trade Organic Summer Symphony Blend K-Cups, and of course a Keurig Brewer for your kitchen counter.

You can also Save $2 on every box when you join their Café EXPRESS program.

While you’re here, check out all the reviews in the K-Cup Challenge.

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