Michael's Tiramisu Italian Dessert

This coffee was a gift from a friend. It is from Michael's in Fort Lauderdale, FL. While I have not been to their store their website seems to have a rather impressive list of coffee at very reasonable prices! Odd that their website does not mention a retail location, but Google Maps brings up two.

Michael's Tiramisu Italian Dessert is a moderately sweet tasting coffee. It definitely brings to mind a tiramisu flavor and not in an overwhelming way. I'm usually hesitant to purchase flavored coffee, but will give one a go, unless it's hazelnut. Sorry hazelnut fans! The bag I received was already ground which is why the photo does not show beans.

This coffee would be good for those that like a sweet taste to finish a meal or to start their day. What is somewhat disappointing about Michael's Tiramisu Italian Dessert is the slight sweetness gives way to a overly-mild coffee flavor. It seems to achieve the sweet tiramisu flavor, some of the flavorful bitterness of the coffee was taken away.

At times I do like flavored coffee, most often at night. But having caffeine late in the evening keeps me up way too late, so it's a very rare indulgence. This spring I'm heading down to South Florida for a conference. I plan to check out some of the other offerings that Michael's has.

Bottom Line Rating:2.5+/5

Barnie's Global Blend

I have previously mentioned Barnie's Global Blend in my Catch-Up Post. Here's what I had to say about it then:

Barnie's Global Blend
If I remember this correctly this is a little more pricey than the Barnie's Blend with maybe a little more complex flavor.

Now that it's time to revisit it, I should also give it a little better review. I would agree with myself and say it does have a complex flavor. What seems interesting is varying the amount of grinds rather significantly changes the flavor of the coffee, more so than others. Just a tad more grinds or tad less water results in a much stronger brew. Changing the other way mellows out the brew and becomes too watered down. As a result, you may need to play with the ratios before getting a good cup.

It's a good looking and tasting coffee. It has a middle-of-the-road coffee flavor. If you looked up coffee in a dictionary this coffee would be front-and-center. That probably also accurately describes the taste. Nothing spectacular, but nothing offensive. There's nothing all that incredibly special about Barnie's Global Blend, but much in the same way, there is nothing bad about it. I'm glad that I revisited Barnie's Global Blend and would probably give it another go.

Note: I tried to peel off the price so you could read the label, not to hide the cost. If I recall $10.99 or close to that.

This may seem like a low rating for a coffee I've had twice and would go back again, but it has good flavor and an enjoyable experience. That's why I gave it the +. Give it a go yourself! 

Bottom Line Rating:3.5+/5

Barnie's Santa's White Christmas

While I'm not much of a fan of flavored coffee, I do LOVE Santa's White Christmas. Barnie's has it available year-round, but to me it's a post-Thanksgiving through Christmas treat. They describe it as "flavored with coconut, nuts, sweet caramel, and vanilla." This is a good description, except I'm not sure what nuts nowhere near the assault that hazelnut coffee usually has. Some other holiday blends go the spice route, but this leans toward the sweetness of holiday indulgences. Since there is a slightly added sweetness, little or no sugar is needed. I'm not sure what the white dusting on the beans is, but it's a little sweet tasting, yes I licked one. My thought was some type of coconut, but that's probably incorrect.

Like other Barnie's coffee, Santa's White Christmas comes in a foil lined bag. Nothing notable about the packaging.

Yes, I highly recommend Santa's White Christmas! For me it's an absolute holiday must. I've been drinking Trader Joe's recently, it's closer than Barnie's, but definitely take the extra time to pick up some SWC!

Bottom Line Rating:4.5/5