How’s it going? Hope the coffee is flowing! Today I am going to be introducing a new format for my Tuesday coffee reviews!
After a few months of practice, I’ve reached the point where I am comfortable enough with the consistency of my Chemex coffee that I can include it as part of my reviews. Today I’m brewing Starbucks Sunsera Blend.
The Roaster
ou’re probably familiar with Starbucks, like most of the world, but before it became a global chain known for its (often mediocre) coffee, it had surprisingly humble beginnings. The company started with a single store in Seattle in 1971, and like many small coffee shops at the time, its mission was simple: to offer high-quality coffee and brewing equipment to the local community.
After acquiring Peet’s Coffee in the mid-1980s (yes, the same Peet’s Coffee you’re thinking of), Starbucks began expanding rapidly. This growth included the acquisition of several other coffee brands and the launch of thousands of new stores worldwide. Eventually landing them where they are today, the largest coffee chain in the world.
A Quick Aside
You might be wondering, if I’m so critical of Starbucks, why am I even buying their coffee? Great question! The truth is, I’m often flooded with Starbucks gift cards for reasons totally unrelated to this blog. So, most of my Starbucks runs don’t actually cost me anything.
Now, here’s where it gets practical: my toddler tends to wake me up before I’m mentally prepared to function, let alone brew coffee. To cope, I make a cup the night before and store it in a surprisingly effective travel mug. It’s not exactly the best coffee after sitting overnight, so I reserve my cheaper (or in this case, free) coffee for that first groggy morning dose of caffeine.
Starbucks Sunsera Blend Coffee Review:
| Starbucks Sunsera Blend | French Press | Pour Over |
| Aroma | Roasty with a slight brown sugar sweetness | Strong notes of sweet brown sugar |
| Body | Medium-light body, not much weight | Light bodied with no noticeable mouthfeel |
| Start | Bitter with notes of tart fruit | Surprisingly nutty start, bold notes of cashew |
| Middle | Fruity with a distinct citrus note that remained tart | Very mild floral notes, not overly noticeable |
| Finish | Mildly sweet nutty notes, with a touch of roastiness | Mildly fruity finish with a touch of lemony citrus notes |
Overall Thoughts
Overall, this was a pretty disappointing coffee. While it’s marketed as a light roast, the beans looked, and tasted, more like a medium roast. This isn’t unusual for Starbucks, as they have a reputation for roasting their beans darker than the label suggests.
I preferred this brewed in the French Press over my Chemex, as the French Press delivered more flavor overall. I had hoped the Chemex would highlight the citrus notes and bring out a bright, fruity, slightly floral character, but instead, the cup opened with a brief pop of nuttiness before fading into an unremarkable middle and finish with barely noticeable flavor.
Surprisingly, the French Press brought out more of the citrus notes and delivered a fuller, more consistent flavor throughout the cup. That said, I still wouldn’t recommend this coffee, and I definitely wouldn’t spend money on it.
Where to Purchase
ou can purchase Starbucks Sunsera Blend on the Starbucks app or website. I have noticed it in some grocery stores and it pops up on Amazon from time to time but pay attention to the fulfiller on Amazon, as it’s not always Starbucks. At a price point of $13.95 per pound I would recommend just getting a slightly smaller bag of a better coffee like One Village Villager.
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