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.
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry
methods:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment
on this post
c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on
this post
d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about
an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.
You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be
selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This giveaway is now closed.
I love my coffee with Hazelnut creamer.
Tweet
https://twitter.com/jillyrh/status/55168922760130561
i need medium coffee, probably a 3 with cream and splenda and many cups
nannypanpan at sbcglobal.net
I like mine strong but with a bit of milk in it for sweetness.
I need my coffee to be medium to medium strong. *LOVE Espresso* and have it everyday.
Most days I’m a 3, but keep a stash of 4 in my freezer for special ‘me’ times.
I like mine closer to strong than mild, with some milk. I prefer cream, but milk is what I usally have on hand!
I like mine somewhere in the middle…
tweeted!
http://twitter.com/clarkerrr/status/55399682494574592
I like my coffee with milk and lots of sugar.
On the weekends, I get lattes made with my husband’s home-roasted espresso (yum!!), but when I make my own during the week, I like a fairly strong brew, but NOT BITTER. I am constantly searching for just the right blend, and the balance between getting it as sweet as I want, but not too cavity-inducing. :-)
I like my coffee with soy milk, no sugar.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
tweet.http://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/55484921552191488
I drink Starbucks French Roast, which they classify as X-Bold… so I guess I’d be a 5 on this scale… with a packet of Splenda, please. A splash of milk/cream/whatever is welcome, also.
~C
A strong cup of coffee with a little Cameral Macchiato creamer and I am in HEAVEN!
I have not yet learned to appreciate coffee, but I’ve been thinking more about it lately. I have three young children and the youngest (5 months) is still waking up multiple times a night. Many days I think I might start drinking coffee for a shot of caffeine.
5 all the way — black and bold :)
http://twitter.com/cdmtx65/status/55705876627062784
I have tried and tried to like coffee. I have done just about everything you could to a cup of joe to make it drinkable to me (added chocolate, creamer, just a little bit of coffee, sugar, etc). and have never been a fan. Every morning I wish I was a coffee drinker. Good thing Dr. Pepper saves me every day at lunch!
I have been told that I don’t drink coffee but drink a liquid candy bar. The more half and half, sugar, and possibly even whipped cream or ice cream the better. I like my coffee strong so it doesn’t loose its taste through all my “doctoring”.
I like any kind of coffee, provided I can make it into my “fake mocha.” It’s a half-mug of coffee, half milk, with Nesquick stirred in. Coffee purists may scoff at me, but man, it’s tasty!
I like my coffee brewed strong with a glug of skim milk. Weaned myself off the sweetener many years ago but don’t mind having something sweet on the side.
Most days, I like it relatively strong, with a little flavored creamer (white chocolate raspberry is a fave) and sometimes a drip or two or honey. But then there are some days when I would just throw my hands up and scream, “just give it to me….i don’t care it’s boldness level…I just need the coffee…NOW.” :)
Well, I don’t like coffee, but I love the smell! My husband drinks about a level 2 probably.
I prefer my coffee medium-strong, and I generally like it black.
Thank you!
I’m not a big coffee drinker, but I really want to be. I’ve been working on it, and I am actually starting to like coffee a bit more. Coffee is so trendy these days, so I’m working up to being able to carry around a go-cup of coffee or cuddle up on the couch with a cute mug of coffee.
I like my mild to medium coffee BEST when my husband gets downstairs before I do and makes it for us.
I like my coffee with a little cream.
http://twitter.com/#!/susan1215/status/55806099294662656
One Splenda, about 1/2″ of skim milk in my GIANT (other competing coffee brand) thermos mug.
Nope, not a coffee drinker. . .never have been. . .BUT your post actually made me wonder “what am I missing?”.
I’m commenting here for my sweet husband who lives on Seattle’s Best & Starbucks coffee, the David & Goliath of coffedom. He’s a native of the town of Seattle—remember first finding the goliath Starbucks at Pikes Place Market in early 1970’s—okay okay, you probably weren’t born then….we were weee little ones. We always wondered then the Deep South would wake up to the smell of the roast. Took a decade or two to catch on and voile. I love frappucinos; he loves anything in the store.
Believe it or not, coffee has never passed my lips. Ever! I’m married to a coffee addict, to put it mildly. We’ve produced a (smart, sensible) daughter, 17, who takes after me, though she does take a little sip or two every now & then; daughter #2 is full blown her daddy’s girl! She’s 14 and for a handful of years now, the mere sight of Starbucks sends her heart skipping and she nearly quivers with excitement. :)
I
I like my coffee strong, but not bitter! Recently I started using a french press to make my coffee. I’m hooked!
I like it mild but flavorful- with a caramel or chocolate zest to it is the best!
Mild w/ cream:)
whit1966@gmail.com
Luv, luv, luv my coffee, and I am finding I get a little stronger each day. Probably a level 3 right now inching to 4
I love my coffee black!
Not a coffee drinker, but I am lost without my daily iced chai latte. The sweet, spicy, creamy goodness puts a smile on my face every time.
I’m in the middle, sweet and light.
I’m from South Louisiana, so you know I like my coffee strong enough to put hair on your chest. I bought the Seattle’s Best No. 4 this weekend, and half the bag is gone already. Yum!
I like my coffee strong w/ as much caffeine as possible.
I like my coffee strong with a little milk. I have to have a cup of coffee the very first thing in the morning.
Not a big coffee drinker – I’m more of a tea person. So Level 1 for me :)
I used to love my coffee strong and black, but as I’ve gotten older I like a milder blend and a touch of cream. I’d probably try level 3.
The only coffee drink I’ve ever really enjoyed was called a Milky Way. It was a shot of espresso, hot chocolate mix, caramel syrup, and milk with whipped cream on top and more caramel syrup. So, you know, not really coffee at all! :o)
I’m a level 3!
Scott Martin
spmartin122@gmail.com
It sort of depends on the brand of my coffee. I usually like it medium strength with some milk and a little sugar, although for some reason whenever I visit my dad I find I like it with just a bit of milk and no sugar.
Strong coffee with a spash of hazelnut creamer for me. We just discovered Seattle’s Best and the levels and Love LOVE Love it.
I like my coffee pretty mild with lots of creamer and milk.
i like mine light and mild.
Blog http://sodahoney.blogspot.com/2011/04/read-seattles-best-coffee-level-system.html
I drink at least 4 cups a day and like it moderately strong. topgun34er(at)hotmail(dot)com
https://twitter.com/#!/kotekbug/status/56184502782918656 topgun34er(at)hotmail(dot)com
i put vanilla creamer in my coffee
I like coffee. I just don’t like PLAIN coffee. So bring on the creamer!
strong, light (milk) and sweet (honey)
tvollowitz at aol dot com
i like my coffee with vanilla creamer with tons of sugar
nickieisis3atgmaildotcom
3 with splenda
I like my coffee black, about three cups a day.
I am a tea drinker and have yet to catch on to the coffee craze.
have it mild and daily
i don’t drink coffee, although adding some cinnamon or vanilla does sound like it might make it a little more tasty.
I am a 1 or 2 cup a day gal, I like Mild with lots of milk and sugar
I tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/eyzofblu63/status/56406347499044864
ekieuuu@gmail.com
I like mild coffee with lots of creamer! :]
http://twitter.com/?status=Seattle%27s%20Best%20Coffee%20%28A%20Giveaway%29%20-%20http%3A%2F%2Fboomama.net%2F2011%2F04%2F01%2Fseattles-best-coffee-a-giveaway%2F#!/ekieu/status/56411291664924674
ekieuuu@gmail.com
I like it light and sweet with milk
tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/buzz8/status/56416211394760704
When it comes to my coffee, I think I am somewhere in the middle when it comes to how strong it is. I haven’t really tried either extreme, I make the coffee how I was taught growing up and I buy the same coffee when I visit my local coffee shop almost every week. My coffee is NEVER black – that just sounds awful to my taste buds. I like some flavor in my coffee – whether it be simple French Vanilla creamer or a bit of flavored syrups when at the coffee shop.
I like my coffee flavorful and strong, with a healthy dose of half & half and some peppermint syrup. Iced, hot, as a latte, whatever. Coffee is a super treat. :-)
I like mine with milk and a lot of sugar.
I just love Bold and intense Full-bodied and nutty coffee with cream & sugar
teechbiz at gmail dot com
I like it hot and sweet and with flavors, but am trying to not use so much sugar
http://twitter.com/saphyress/status/56517939691663360
I am addicted to my morning cup of coffee, but like it somewhere between mild and bold. Oh, and I add lots of coconut milk and stevia.
bold, 1 sugar and skim milk
I don’t drink coffee, but my husband likes his with cream and sugar.
I never acquired a taste for coffee.
Oh, my goodness…I do love me some coffee. It is never too late (or too early, for that matter) to drink coffee. Black and caffinated, of course. I may or may not have been to the store late, late, late at night because it wasn’t until then that I realized we were out of coffee.
I like a medium roast with a little fat free half and half.
Tweet
http://twitter.com/?status=Seattle%27s%20Best%20Coffee%20%28A%20Giveaway%29%20-%20http%3A%2F%2Fboomama.net%2F2011%2F04%2F01%2Fseattles-best-coffee-a-giveaway%2F#!/clc408/status/56686604277915648
If drinking it black, I prefer a milder blend. If it’s a strong blend, I like to add a bit of cream to cut it a bit. I just found out about the Seattle’s Best level system this morning when I saw it in a magazine. I can’t wait to try it.
Tweeted!! http://twitter.com/#!/CamilleCooper/status/56766869918588928
Level 5 for me. I like the darkest roast I can get, but then I do add nutrasweet and half and half – light and sweet. I know it doesn’t make sense to say I like a dark roast with tons of cream, but the dark roast has a wonderful flavor.
tweeeted
http://twitter.com/#!/fairydancer35/status/56789794704990208
I am a level 3 but I need cream and sugar. I love coffee.
I like a fresh strong coffee, black
tweet http://twitter.com/#!/vlbsweeps/status/56863644947980288
I like mine strong, preferably french pressed, with sugar and creamer
I love a good smooth cup of coffee with very liitle acidity. Add some cream & equal and that’s perfection!
I tweeted=)
http://twitter.com/Luvdaylilies/status/56887649000099840
I like my coffee strong, black and dark :) No cream. Classic.
Please feel free to contact me at:
allrightyes at gmail dot com
I just tweeted this giveaway here :D
https://twitter.com/#!/TimboSquad/status/56904953574330368
Please feel free to contact me at:
allrightyes at gmail dot com
Level 3 here. I like it balanced.
dolniaks[at]consolidated[dot]net
i love a strong coffee then i add cream sugar and choc syrup, yum
I like my coffee strong but not bitter.
chainmail (at) iwon(dot) com
I tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/The_Sunshyn/status/57092145638674432
i’m a mild-mannered 1, but spice it up with flavored creamer
kolpin4680 at gmail dot com
I like my coffe iced. I am a mild coffee drinker.