This is a sponsored review from BlogHer and Seattle’s Best.
One of the very first “grown up chores” I can remember having as a child was being in charge of making coffee for my parents’ guests. When I was around 9 or 10, Mama showed me how to fill the coffee pot with the right amount of water, insert the filter, and scoop out the proper amount of coffee. At the time I didn’t have any interest in drinking the coffee, but I loved to make it and serve it. Still do, in fact.
When I was in my mid-20s, my coffee-drinking gene finally kicked in. Oh, I’d flirted with coffee-drinking in college, but by the time I hit 24 or 25, I was ready to commit. I bought a small coffee pot, found a spot for it on my kitchen counter, and set about the business of figuring out how I liked my coffee. I grew up in a family where everybody drank their coffee black, but I wanted to explore my coffee-drinking options. I remember thinking that it was a little bit of a rite of passage, the decision to become a coffee drinker. Not that I was overthinking it or anything.
For the next few weeks I tried all sorts of coffee combinations: coffee with one packet of sweetener and whole milk, coffee with low-fat milk, coffee with sugar and a splash of whipping cream. And at some point I realized that I’d found my perfect coffee equation: a slightly oversized mug of coffee with two packets of sweetener and about a tablespoon of half and half. I’ve held tight to that ratio ever since. It’s like an old friend, really – and it makes the two cups of coffee I drink almost every morning of my life feel like time with an old friend.
But there’s one part of my coffee drinking routine that has changed pretty drastically since I made those first few pots in the kitchen of my little apartment: the strength of my coffee. I used to like a really mild coffee, but then I moved to south Louisiana, where people make their coffee so strong that if it had a mind to do so, it could stand up, stretch its legs, walk out of the kitchen and knock you over the head with a bag of chicory. Coffee doesn’t mess around in south Louisiana, and my time there completely transformed what I expect out of the first pot of the day. I want coffee with real, rich, deep flavor -something that’s so delicious I have to open my eyes a little wider when I take the first sip. South Louisiana taught me that I like coffee with an attitude – with some swagger – and I’ve never looked back.
Given all that, I was intrigued when I saw the new level system for Seattle’s Best Coffee. Their coffees are ranked from 1-5 according to their flavor and intensity, and when I first noticed the coffee on the shelves at my grocery store, I thought, “THIS IS THE ANSWER TO ALL OF MY FAMILY’S COFFEE DRINKING ISSUES.” Ever since I developed a taste for the strong stuff, my mama has very sweetly rejected my offers of coffee – unless I’m willing to make a pot that’s much weaker than what I’m accustomed to drinking. And even then she still struggles, mainly because I buy blends that are much more rich and intense than what’s she’s used to at home.
Now that I’ve had some time to study the level system a bit more, I know that, at least in the mornings, Mama would be a Level 2. And in the afternoons, when she just needs a slight coffee pick-me-up, she’d be a Level 1. I think she’d rejoice at the mere presence of Level 1 coffee in her life, honestly, because finally, FINALLY somebody understands the needs of a coffee drinker who likes a milder blend. I can’t wait to serve her a pot of Level 1 the next time she’s here.
And me? Oh, there’s no question. I’m a Level 5 girl. Maybe Level 4 if I used less water and more coffee. I like for coffee to taste nutty, chocolate-y – but never, ever bitter. I like a coffee with a strong enough flavor that it doesn’t get overtaken or overshadowed by the richness of half and half. I like a coffee that sort of screams “GOOD MORNING” instead of whispering politely.
So what about you? How do you like your coffee? Mild? Strong? Somewhere in between? Or are you still on the fence where coffee is concerned? Haven’t really incorporated it into your daily routine – yet? Leave a comment with your answer, and you’ll be entered to win a $100 Amazon gift card courtesy of BlogHer.
This giveaway will run from 4/1/11 – 4/17/11. If you’d like more chances to win through other participating blogs, please visit the Exclusive Offers section on BlogHer.com.
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Strong and with about a 1/4 cup of milk :)
A medium roast coffee with half & half. Yum!
I like my coffee mild, light, and with 3 sugars.
tweet-http://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/54164782361755648
I never had a cup of coffee but I do enjoy coffee ice cream. Maybe I should give it a try already?
As the mother of two toddlers, that still are unable to sleep through the night, I love my coffee STRONG. Problem….when I try to make it super strong, my coffee pot rejects the extra coffee and we end up with 1/2 pot that’s full off coffee grinds.
1 tsp of splenda & a splash of skim milk.
ahhhh!!!!
We love coffee ~all kind ~~we have become addicted to our Keurig!
I like my creamer with a little coffee. ;)
Strong coffee is the best, but not bitter. I know a lot of people have fancy coffee makers, but my little $12 friend from Wal-Mart has been working just fine for the last 10 years. International Foods Coffee House has a new line of creamers that are really good–I’m enjoying Hazelnut right now. mmmmmmm
AAHH! I cannot not wake up with out my cup of coffee! My first cup has a splash of non fat milk. Then every refill is just black. I like it just like you, dark and strong. And like you, my family declines any offer for coffee at our house. My cup of coffee in my favorite spot with my iPad is the way I start my day!
I love coffee! Strong with lots of flavored creamer, please.
I love it just black & kind of strong. I used to drink it like candy with cream & sugar & then my cholestrol was a little hi, so I’m avoiding as much sugar as I can. (Unless I have cheesecake, a brownie, pnut m&m’s, hershey’s with almonds, gummy bears, oreos, pnut butter cup, birthday cake, a milkshake, a cake pop, fudge, smores, or anything like that near me)… :)
We love Seattle’s Best here in our home! I’m drinking Level 3 decaf (’cause I’m pregnant) right now. My husband drinks Level 5. He uses a clear tumbler in the mornings & his co-workers cringe at the sight of his motor oilish coffee color. We like it on the stronger side & we’ve always drank it black, but recently I started adding a swig of milk to mine. In the evenings we like the fun, flavored stuff (iced or hot) w/ all the creamy, sugary goodness.
We love Seattle’s Best here in our home! Right now I’m drinking Level 3 decaf (’cause I’m pregnant). My husband drinks Level 5. He uses a clear tumbler in the mornings & his co-workers cringe at the sight of his motor oil-ish coffee color. We like our coffee on the stronger side & we’ve always drank it black, but recently I started adding a swig of milk to mine. In the evenings we enjoy the fun, flavored stuff (hot or iced) with all the creamy, sugary goodness.
Mild with a little splash of flavored creamer!
I’m not a coffee drinker, but my husband would probably be between a 3 and 4 somewhere.
strong & black!
I drink 2 huge mugs of coffee every morning – but I guess I like it on the wimpy side. I drink it with a splenda/sugar blend and half&half/milk/emergency-back-up-powdered-creamer/whatev to make it light in color.
Love the smell of coffee but still not the taste. I know, I know. I do like mocha though!
I LOVE my coffee!! I like it with coffeemate and three sweeteners! It has to be at least a medium roast and then I am a happy woman!
don’t drink it much. like it with chocolate and whipped cream and a little cinnamon
Most definitely a 5, my mom complains about the strength of my coffee too. I didn’t know SBC used a number rating system…can’t wait to try it!
Somewhere in the middle…not too strong and not too mild with a little French Vanilla Creamer…yum!
Although I grew up in a family of strong, black coffee drinkers…I prefer a milder cup of coffee, with a Splenda and a splash of milk.
Strong and dark (level 5) with a splash of vanilla syrup and a gulp of Vanilla Creamer
I like me some HEB San Antonio blend with a spoon of turbinado and a significant splash of fat-free half-n-half in a fairly hefty mug. Or if I’m splurging, a skinny cinnamon dolce latte. The Boss likes the stronger stuff – I think his tastes like dirt. But he drinks it with a Splenda and a ton of real half-n-half. Maybe that’s why he can drink the strong stuff – cuz he likes a little coffee with his cream! His current favorite blend is the Starbucks Tribute. That’s because we don’t have good access to an SBC.
First of all, I LOVE you favorite coffee drinking spot! That is a great chair, and the pillow is pretty awesome! As for the coffee, I used to like it as dark of a roast as I could get, but unfortunately my stomach did not agree! Now I drink a mild breakfast blend, and I like it sweet and light. Never have been able to drink it black! I have a big ol’ cup every morning, and sometimes as a pick-me-up in the afternoon.
We are a housefull of coffeeheads. Except for my husband, who made it through college and grad school without ever touching the stuff. My kids…different story. One in college now, one graduating in a few weeks, and we go through LOTS of the stuff. They are ‘strong and black’ lovers. I’m good with strong, but gotta have the ‘halfyhalfy’.
In the middle with splenda and milk.
Well, I did drink coffee as a child because my mother apparently believed everyone should drink coffee. I have a picture of my brother and me at the breakfast table on the first day of school (1st grade for me; he was in 2nd), and we each have a cup of coffee and a few cookies on a plate. So nutritious! I’m sure it was mostly milk, but it still makes me laugh. Nowadays, I like milk in my coffee with 2 tsp of real sugar – ’cause that’s how I roll.
I love coffee medium roast with some fat-free hazelnut creamer.
I like my coffee strong
I like my coffee sweet, milky and lukewarm. I love lots of milk and at least 2 packets of Splenda (depending on how big the cup of coffee is). Yum!!
strong rich bold taste with sweetener and creamer to round it out!!!
I like strong coffee, black with a tsp. of sugar. It is also yummy with a bit of hot chocolate added. On occassion, we have a flavored coffee such as hazelnut, french vanilla, caramel truffle, creme de menthe or blueberry. Pumpkin spice is a favorite in the fall. All so good for a treat! Thanks for the great giveaway.
I only drink coffee about once a week, and it has to be the Fat Free Vanilla Cappuccino from the gas station! I use 2 creamers. It used to be Cinnamon Carribbean Creme, but the station quit carrying it. So now it’s French Vanilla. The other day they were out of that, too, so I used 2 amarettos, which was WAYYY TOOOO MUCH amaretto! TMI, I know!
Sad to see a sponsored post. I already skip give away post but am sad to see you do this. Hope this is a one and only type thing for you. You already have ads in your sidebar but putting them in the body of your blog is disappointing.
Oversized mug, 3 splendas and you said it best: “I like for coffee to taste nutty, chocolate-y – but never, ever bitter. I like a coffee with a strong enough flavor that it doesn’t get overtaken or overshadowed by the richness of half and half. I like a coffee that sort of screams “GOOD MORNING†instead of whispering politely.” Awesome!
At 63 I’m still not old enough to drink hot coffee but
I’ll take a mocha frappuchino any time! I have however,
had a mocha latte on very cold days.
http://twitter.com/#!/Nananotes
I’m give you a shout out on my twitter!!
I’m squarely medium. Not too dark, not too late.
I’ve just started drinking coffee for the caffeine. I have to say that I like it pretty mild and with mocha creamer – yum!
I love a strong, dark coffee…not bitter, but full of flavor. I usually drink it black, but once in awhile add cream and rarely sugar. I really, really love coffee… yummm
I grew up in SW Louisiana so I know EXACTLY what you’re talking about. My grandparents ALWAYS took their own coffee and travel coffeepot when we went on trips. Once my coffee vice started I refused to drink a wimpy cup of jo. Life is too short to drink bad coffee! I’m a 4 on the new Seattle’s Best. LOVE IT!
I GO WITH MILD BECAUSE DEPENDING ON THE CEAMERS & SUGAR I USE, IT DOESN’T ALWAYS TASTE LIKE “COFFEE” BUT SOMETHING DIFFERENT INSTEAD. ITS KINDA COOL, TRY IT OUT SOME TIME- MIX UP THE “TASTE”! kytah00@yahoo.com
2nd ENTRY TWEET @ http://twitter.com/#!/kytah00/status/54390859239669760 kytah00@yahoo.com
I am probably a level one – with some flavored creamer and sweetner or vanilla sugar – my favorite thing!
I like stronger coffee, but probably only because I mix tons of milk into it.
Sta-rong! And I love Seattle’s Best! Thank you!
Strong and black please!
I LOVE my coffe two ways.
Strong, flavorFUL, not bitter. I want to taste the bean when I drink it so I will have some cream with it but no to little sugar.
2nd way is when I’m in a mood to be reminded of the beaches off of Puetro Vallarta. Somewhat of a cinnamon flavored coffee wit lots of cream…yum….yum…yum
I think I’m a level 3
I llike it medium with half and half!
I love my coffee full-bodied, but not too bold…somewhere in the middle. I usually add half and half and truvia!
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Mmm… I love coffee! I married a man who drinks about 3-4 cups throughout the day, so it was either get on board or be left at the altar! I take mine with 1.5 packets of Splenda (very precise, you know) and 2% milk enough to make it look like you almost got burnt up at the beach. Think I’ll go make myself some now!
Coffee doesn’t have to be bitter?!!! I think I need to give this system a try. I put a packet of hot chocolate mix in mine, but it is too sweet. I didn’t know I could find one that is chocolate-y with out adding chocolate. Can’t wait to try your recipe!
I like a bold flavorful coffee with a li’l swig of half n half as soon as I wake up in the morning. Then, I usually prefer a cup of decaf in the afternoon.
I like my coffee mild-ish, but never with that charry taste. I use milk only at home, but half and half at work.
And I drink it ALL DAY LONG!!!
I like my coffee fairly strong with something sweet added.
with caramel or chocolate and whip cream, too
I haven’t really incorporated coffee into my daily routine. But when I do have coffee, I like it strong and black. I think their level five coffee sounds like the kind of coffee I prefer.
I’m not the coffee drinker in the family, but when I tried it, I had to have lots of flavors added. My family likes it with lots of milk.
I like my coffee strong but not bitter, with plain creamer. (I use powdered because I’m cheap, but I’m not opposed to half and half or milk.) SOMETIMES, I like flavored creamer, but for the most part, just plain ‘ol creamer will do!
I started drinking coffee when I was 30 and my husband got me hooked. For about 14 years I drank it with as much creamer as possible and not too strong, except my husband kept steadily making it stronger and stronger. Last year, I gave up, bought myself a single serve Keurig, and also quit adding sugar. I like medium roast, would probably be a 2 or 3 on the SB scale, and I add one tablespoon of low fat creamer and that’s it.
I like mine either mild or a little bit stronger. And it has to have french vanilla creamer in it:) Please enter me. Thanks!
Tweet.
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I’m a level 3 with sugar and cream!
Thanks!
kmassmanATgmailDOTcom
i like my coffee with cream and sugar!
tweeted here:
http://twitter.com/bellows22/status/54738695684755456
I like a little coffee with my cream and sugar :)
Born and bred in South LA… therefore I’m a level 4 or 5 girl myself. My daddy raise me right! I also like it with a little 1/2 & 1/2 and some raw sugar. Good stuff! Can’t wait to wake up in the morning!
I would be a Level 5 girl too! And like you my mom likes her coffee much weaker.:)
I take mine with a splash of Coffeemate… any flavor will do, but I did like that peppermint option they offered around the holidays!
I would def be a level 5 girl. :D
I woud def be a level 5 girl; until they come out with 6! :D
I’m probably a level 2 girl. Lots of “fancy creamer” so it’s more like dessert first thing in the morning. I have a couple of friends who drink their coffee so strong that I only pour myself half a cup at their house and then add water. :)
I like it mild and with lots of “fake flavor”. Cinnamon Sticky Bun flavored coffee is always a good choice!
I’d say I’m about a level 4. I’m a fan of sugar free French Vanilla creamer and about a teaspoon of ‘faux’ Splenda! However, I am a FOOL for a Peppermint Mocha!!!
I used to like a little coffee with my cream and sugar, but now my favorite is the french roast from a local shop with lots of half and half. At home, I used whatever coffee is on sale + flavored creamer + milk. I really like creamy coffee, no sugar.
I like my coffee mild…and then I add flavored coffeemate! I guess you could say I like just a hint of coffee flavor in the background!
Like you – I’m a level 5. But I do like it black!
Lots of cream and sugar…just a splash of coffee!
I like a mild coffee. Non-dairy Powdered creamer. :)
I like mine strong but with obnoxious amounts of flavored creamer. Coffeemate’s Creme Brulee is my current obsession. :)
First of all, I love coffee, period. I prefer it in the mild to strong range so I can add my favorite French Vanilla creamer and a little Truvia. There is nothing like a warm cup of coffe to greet you in the morning- especially in my favorite coffee drinking, morning reading, chair!
I do half and half- half coffee and half flavored creamer, that is! I blame it on my childhood- I was given milk with a little bit of coffee in it and I haven’t veered too far from that since then!
Mild with one splenda and a splash of skim milk.
Light roast all the way!
I like my coffee a medium blend – not too strong or too mild. I also prefer Hazelnut, which is super yummy!
Thanks for the fun giveaway! We have been drinking medium strong coffee around here for a long time and always mix our own beans to make a half caf brew. One big cup with vanilla creamer and I am a happy gal in the morning!
Cheers!
I’m a big coffee fan but have yet to try SB so this will be a treat! I love my coffee with a little sugar and a splash of cream!
I like it strong – just touched with a bit of cream – and regularly scheduled.
Somewhere in the middle with sugar and some creamer.
I love I like my coffee with cream!!
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I like my coffee on the strong side in the blender with some cream, milk, chocolate syrup and ice. Every morning, rain or shine. The heart wants what the heart wants.
make mine level 4, thank you very much!
I love the smell of coffee, but I haven’t learned to like the taste.