Man…with all this Tech Gift Guide stuff we’ve been doing lately it seems like forever that I’ve sat down with a cup of coffee long enough to savor it, let alone write an actual review.  But with the holidays thankfully behind us (mostly), I’m finally able to get back to the simpler things, like enjoying a cup of coffee for more than just the energy boost.  Back when I reviewed Van Houtte’s Eclipse blend, I mentioned that my friends at Keurig had sent me a few other varieties as well.  One of them is Van Houtte’s Colombian (medium roast), and that’s what I’ll be reviewing right here, right now.

The Description

A smooth-tasting coffee with lively acidity and a wonderfully sweet, wine-like flavor.

The Aroma

To me, Van Houtte Colombian smells a bit fruity, with just a hint of spice. The aroma is not overpowering out of the brewer. There’s a chance I was a little bit congested (it is December), but I found that it takes some deep inhaling and sniffing to really get a sense of the aroma. Bottom line, however, is that it smells good.

Drinking it Black

Indeed, there is a wine-like quality to the flavor, although not as much so as with Green Mountain’s Kenyan AA. The texture is true to a medium roast, not heavy, and definitely not too light. The flavor itself is a bit ordinary, and not as rich as the Diedrich Colombian I reviewed some months ago. It’s not my intent to insinuate that it’s bad, it’s just that it lacks that certain something to make it stand out from other Colombians. On the plus side, with nothing added it’s both smooth and sweet, which no doubt will appeal to lovers of black coffee.

With Cream and Sugar

Van Houtte Colombian is one coffee I definitely prefer with cream and sugar. It really enhances the natural sweetness of the blend, without overpowering that coffee flavor we all love. I also noticed a bit more acidity after I added cream and sugar, and I think that little bit of extra cheek tug gives it some character. Without a doubt, it’s a very good medium roast, although I’m not sure I’d rate it among the very best.

Final Thoughts

As I just said, although I wouldn’t rate it as one of my favorites, I am enjoying the medium roast Van Houtte Colombian (I find that I’m generally a fan of Colombian coffee anyway). I’m encouraged by the fact that Van Houtte also makes a dark roast Colombian, which I suspect will be more to my liking, especially if it is as balanced as their delicious Eclipse blend.

Shameless Plug

I’ll let you in on a little secret, I’m actually writing this review at 11:00AM on Christmas morning.  That’s right, I think enough of Keurig (and Van Houtte) to make them part of my Christmas morning.  What’s that got to do with anything, you ask?  Well, probably nothing, but my point is, well, I don’t really have one.  But just the same, if you don’t have one already, now is a great time to exchange some crappy gift you got (like an oversized jar opener) for a Keurig Brewer.  Heck, why not make it two since they come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit just about any space.  One for home, one for the office…at least that’s how I roll.

Of course, while you’re at the Keurig web site, picking out the perfect brewer for yourself, you should probably pick up a box (or a case of coffee).  At Keurig.com you can choose from every variety of tea, coffee, and hot cocoa made for the Keurig brewing system (I’d list them for you, but to write out some 200+ varities would take way too much space).  How many varities are there for Tassimo?   Also woth noting, orders of $45 or more ship free.

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