“Do you take it black?” My father-in-law doesn’t say much, but when he does you tend to listen. I’m used to being sized up by him in a variety of ways, but how I drank my java was not on the radar. So, when the pickup truck driving, retired contractor’s question came, I remember thinking it was more a question about my manhood than my preference in coffee. Naturally I stumbled through my answer, something about almond milk, foam, and hazelnuts. It’s all a blur but I do remember a slight grin coming to his face, as we both knew that anything but black was simply unacceptable. I chose not to fret, but instead to enjoy my creamy, flavored, delicious afternoon cup with a smile allowing the dark bitterness in his mug to seep deeper into his soul.
Ok, this all might be a bit of a dramatic reaction to somebody asking about how I take my coffee. Most likely, my father-in-law couldn’t care less and just wanted to make it the way I like it. But coffee is personal! It says something about who you are – and you can’t fake it. It’s like that little magical bean just…knows.
With that, let’s dive into the 3rd annual Fabulous Four, Coffee Edition!
Best New Item: Green Mountain Coffee® Seasonal Selections Pumpkin Spice Flavored Coffee K-Cup® Pods
Fall is here! With that comes flannel shirts, trips to the apple orchard and without a doubt, pumpkin spiced everything. Thankfully Green Mountain Coffee Roasters have outdone themselves with their Pumpkin Spice K-cup offering. I can almost smell the sweet earthy aroma with cinnamon and nutmeg brewing in my Keurig. The rich, creamy flavor of pumpkin pie can warm you up on a brisk fall New England morning!
Unsung Hero: Green Mountain Coffee® Caramel Vanilla Cream Coffee K-Cup® Pods
I love a good cup of coffee after a satisfying meal. This is especially true if it’s a flavored brew from Green Mountain like Caramel Vanilla Cream. Premium roasted, this delicious blend of caramel, toasty brown sugar, and vanilla cream flavors, goes perfect with a slice of apple pie or a holiday cookie. I’ll personally have this K-cup locked and loaded for my post-thanksgiving brew.
Product Most Likely to be Found in My Home: Starbucks Whole Bean Coffee, Decaf Pike Place Roast
Most days I have a cup of coffee when I wake up, and then later a cup of decaf after lunch. If I’m skipping caffeine, it better be because the coffee is exceptionally good. For this, I like to grind my own whole beans to ensure absolute freshness and maximum flavor. This particular coffee is named after the very first Starbucks location, which was at Seattle’s famous Pike Place Market, one of the oldest farmers markets in the United States. This is a place where artisans continue to offer products made with quality and care to this very day. No wonder they named this bean after it!
MVP: Dunkin’® Original Blend Coffee K-Cup® Pods, Medium Roast
Now if there is a coffee flavor on this list that my father-in-law would like, it’s this one. Nothing says “contractor on his way to work” more than a classic Dunkin’ original blend hot coffee. There’s a reason for that! It’s reliable, it’s hearty, it’s as New England as the Pilgrims and Fenway Park. A great everyday staple to add to your morning routine.
That’ll do it for this month’s edition of the Fabulous Four. Enjoy the Fall, put on a sweater and have a hot cup of coffee, however you like it!
