So a few weeks ago I got a lovely package in the mail, and the package was instantly deemed Even Lovelier by yours truly when I realized that it contained large quantities of coffee for my perusal, consumption, and review.
I haven’t posted any sort of policy regarding product reviews on my blog, but just in case there’s any confusion I’ll say this: I’m going to be honest. I’m sure I would get way more free stuff if I clapped my hands and squealed with glee over every single product I receive, but that would be selling out, and I am not selling out OH NO MA’AM I’m not.
Unless it’s for a reallllly good price. And then we’ll talk.
Oh, yes, the coffee.
I’m a pretty picky coffee drinker; in fact, when D and I first moved to Alabama, I ordered our coffee because no store here carried the brand we liked. I like really strong, flavorful coffee, which is why I have not had a cup of coffee at my mother-in-law’s house in almost five years because while she’s a perfectly lovely person her “coffee” is actually more like “hot beige water.” And it’s not tasty. You can try to pretend like it is because you wouldn’t want to be rude, of course, but the grimace on your face will tell the true tale. It’s bad.
Anyway, the coffee that the Large Marketing Organization sent me was the new Folger’s Gourmet Selections, which I’ve actually seen on the shelf in Target. They sent me three flavors: Lively Columbian (which is a far better name than Lethargic Columbian or Morose Columbian, I might add), Vanilla Biscotti, and Morning Cafe’.
I had a mixed reaction to the Lively Columbian…it had a nice flavor when I made a milder pot of coffee, but in the mornings, when I want some really strong coffee and add an extra tablespoon to the filter basket, I found that the Lively Columbian was, incidentally, a very Bitter Columbian. D didn’t care for this variety at all and kept asking me if we could go back to our regular brand. So it wasn’t really a hit in terms of taste, but it was free, so I’m not complaining.
As for Vanilla Biscotti…I have an aversion to flavored coffees because I find that they have an annoying aftertaste and also ‘infiltrate’ my next few pots of regular coffee with leftover oils or scents or whatnot. So D was the sole participant in reviewing this flavor, and he actually liked it. He said it didn’t have a strong aftertaste, and it didn’t taste oily (another one of my complaints about flavored coffees). So, if you like a little flava in your coffee, this would probably be a good one to serve to company or to have as “dessert” on a chilly fall night.
My favorite of the bunch was Morning Cafe’. Even though it isn’t as strong as the Lively Columbian, it doesn’t get bitter if you try to make a stout pot of coffee that’ll make your eyes snap to attention at 6 in the morning. It has a mild but really pleasant flavor, and of the three it’s the one that I would buy again. I’ll be having some tomorrow morning, in fact – and I’ll raise my mug in a toast to my interpeeps before I take the first sip (as a thank you for reading my blog even when I’m reviewing Free Product).
And if you’d like to try a sample for yourself, click here – it’s free!
If I were a coffee drinker, this would be a highly helpful post.
I like you so much, though, that I read every word, even though I’ve never had a cup of coffee in my life. Is that a sign of true friendship (between people who’ve never met but only email, nonetheless), or what?? :)
Oooo I love coffee pity I dont live in
America
Oohh, you’re sooo lucky you don’t live in England where they make Perfectly Good tea to Very High Standards, but they dish out freeze dried coffee…like it actually tastes good (gasp).
Here’s to goodness in every sip-
I bought the Vanilla Biscotti a couple of weeks ago. I loved it. I do like my coffee a bit strong, and this had a great flavor. I was impressed, it is not like regular Folgers.
I got the same package and also like the Morning Cafe, nice and mild. I didn’t try the Lively Columbian, just a sniff of DH’s cup was enough for me (he deemed it very strong/bitter as well). I love getting free things ;).
I’ll be trying the Vanilla Biscotti, thank you very much!!!
First, when we come to visit Sarah, we know to remind her to ask Bridgett to loan her the coffee pot – the pot they loan back and forth as family visits since neither of them drinks it. Second, thanks for the review and the link. I went in and ordered the free stuff right away. We’re loving the free Gevalia pot we got recently but dont really, really like the coffee. So we’re up for trying something new. Esp if its free!
I tried the Vanilla Biscotti sample on saturday and loved it. Thanks for the reviews on the other flavors :)
I’ve been reading your blog for awhile now but have never taken the time to comment – just wanted to let you know that I love it! There’s always something interesting to read every day.
I like a good cup of coffee, too. I don’t think I’m as picky as you though, Boo! Sounds like you’re a girl who knows what she wants : )
Boo Mama, this was delightfully interesting and I respect your oppinion so I am going to try Morning Cafe! My wonderful hubby drinks his mojo very strong too. His trick is to sneak a cup under the dripping coffee before the whole pot has brewed, says it’s stronger that way! lol
Yum!Yum! Nothing like a great cup of coffee in the morning. I just got home from the dreaded trip to Krogers and purchased the Morning Cafe — at your recommendation of course. I also signed up for free samples — SOO excited — hoping they send the Vanilla Biscotti!!Did we drink coffee in college? I don’t remember drinking it!!
Reading your post almost makes me want to have some (I’m not a coffee drinker either) but free stuff is always fabulous, it makes you feel so cool and special.
Thank you thank you!! Free coffee is always appreciated at my house, and we will be sampling the vanilla biscotti. We will probably buy some of the Morning Cafe too–we are strong coffee drinkers too!
I’m a “coffee snob,” too. I’m not an addict–don’t even drink it every morning (most, but not all), but if I’m going to drink it, I want it to be good! And I had to chuckle in commiseration about the mil’s hot beige water. Yes, mine serves it, too. And when I drink coffee elsewhere, she always says, “Oh, are you drinking coffee now?”
Good reviews. Very helpful.
Large Marketing Organizations–keep sending this lady your samples. Oh, and send me some, too, while you’re at it.
I wish I liked coffee – I could use the caffeine. And take the free stuff – you deserve it! :)
Good reviews, mine should be coming up next for some bleach (which I think you also did.)
I must add that my SIL brought us Starbuck’s Pike Place (a brand new brand brought back from the old days that’s not even at the stores yet).
My review…don’t buy it! It tastes nasty. Exactly why it was probably pulled from the shelves a while back…for good reason!
Now that you reviewed the coffee, can you tell me what coffee pot to buy next? The burner on mine is peeling so I want to invest in a good one this time. Any suggestions?
Why don’t they ever have free samples for us Canadians. I’ll just have to take your word on it. :v)
My BIL used to make dirty dishwater coffee but we just slowly retrained him. Now, after 16 years of training, it’s not too shabby.