Donut Shop Classics - Double Dip Chocolate

As you probably know by now if you've been reading this blog, I'm not a big fan of flavored coffees. So far my pod brewing experiences have not been very favorable. Well Donut Shop Classics did something right with Double Dip Chocolate! Yes, it's a flavored coffee that doesn't taste like every other flavored coffee. It smells and tastes like chocolate and not the fake chocolate flavor you get from other chocolate flavored items like soda, gum and candy.

Great to go with after dinner dessert, or a fun warm-me-up-pick-me-up on a chilly morning. It still exhibits a coffee flavor with enough chocolate to balance very nicely. This is not a coffee mixed with hot cocoa kind of thing. It's decent coffee with a subtle chocolate flavor that brings a smile to my face. Goes nicely with a slice of pie which also brings a smile to my face. ;)

Best brewing is water level 3 on the 1-cup setting with a wet pod. If you're adding cream, I'd suggest water level 2 for more flavor. I don't use cream generally, so I'm just guessing here but the coffee-chocolate balance is kind of delicate and I fear it may be destroyed by the cream if added to a bigger cup.

Café Classics Colombian Supremo

This "Medium Roast" coffee is just that; medium. Yup, it shoots for middle of the road and scores! If you are having people over and you're unsure if they like good (read strong flavorful) coffee, this one will not disappoint. I describe it as an upscale diner coffee. A little richer than typical diner swill, but not going to knock you over with intensity or robust flavor. A round, smooth mouth feel with slight bitter aftertaste not unlike most Colombian Supremos. Not my cup of tea (ahem! coffee) but a good average standby.

Brewing is simple, you can use a dry pod with the press and latch method. (Less pressing if using a wet pod.) Has enough coffee to use the water level 1 on the 2-cup setting, but for more intensity water level 3 1-cup setting is best.