This is a sponsored review from BlogHer and Seattle’s Best.
When I was a little girl I pretty much assumed that all coffee tasted the same. Oh, I have vivid memories of being in a restaurant with my parents and hearing my mama say something along the lines of “This is THE BEST cup of coffee!” – but I guess I just assumed that the coffee was extra hot or the perfect ending to a good meal. The coffee grounds, I thought, were all the same.
But now that I’m a little older, I know better. I’ve tried countless brands and blends of coffee over the years, and each one is distinctive. Granted, some are distinctive for not-so-good reasons (like, for example, the fact that they’re sort of tasteless, but for most part the distinctions are enjoyable ones: more acidic, more chocolate-y, more nutty, more robust, more smooth, etc.
Given all that, I was beside myself when I found out that I was going to get to taste test the five levels of Seattle’s Best Coffee as part of this giveaway. I mean, I know some people are big on fine foods and wines and pairings and whathaveyou, but not me. Not my husband, either. We’re coffee people. And we talk about our coffee the way some people would talk about their favorite wine. It took us years to find a brand and flavor of coffee beans that we could brew consistently well at home, and we don’t mess around. Honestly, I hate to say it, but I think the term “coffee snobs” might very well apply to us.
I’m not proud, people. I’m not proud.
So. All that being said, here are my reactions to each level of Seattle’s Best Coffee. No candy-coating. In every instance I used a full sample pack of coffee to 8 cups of cold water, and I brewed each pot in my coffee maker at home. And I don’t even know why I said that because what, WHAT IS THE ALTERNATIVE? THE COFFEE MAKER IN MY CAR?
Level 1 – I was skeptical before I tried this blend because I like really robust coffee, and my assumption was that it would be weak. Actually, though, it wasn’t weak at all – it was just mild. It would be a great coffee with a citrus-y dessert like Key Lime Pie, and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that my mama would adore this coffee. In fact, I will probably keep some on hand for when she visits. It’s light, bright and has no aftertaste. Very clean.
Level 2 – This blend would be my mama’s idea of “strong coffee,” but for me it’s a little too light to wake me up in the mornings. I’d definitely serve it with dessert, though – especially with something that’s good and chocolately (there’s a very appealing hint of chocolate in this blend). Interestingly enough, I’d probably enjoy the Level 2 best by drinking it black, so it’ll be a good go-to if I’m feeling kicky and adventurous in terms of abandoning my sweetener and half & half.
Level 3 – I thought this blend might end up being my perfect dessert coffee since it’s medium-bodied and a good bit stronger than Level 1. But I actually liked Levels 1 & 2 better. Level 3, for me, couldn’t decide what it wanted to be. It started off with a rich flavor but finished weak – and the pot I made had a weird aftertaste (could have been the way my sweetener and half & half interacted with the blend). My husband agreed with me. Not our favorite.
Level 4 – This is a tasty early-morning coffee – it’s bold but not too strong, and it smells absolutely delicious when you pour it in your mug. I really enjoyed the taste of this blend on the front end, but it didn’t finish strong enough for me on the back end (hi, I’m Sophie, and apparently I fancy myself a coffee sommelier). I thought it had a little bit of an aftertaste, and that’s probably because the taste sort of gently faded away (as opposed to Level 5, which sort of comes in for a second wave at the end). This blend has a strong chocolate flavor, though, and that’s always a plus with me.
Level 5 – I made a pot of this blend early in the morning, and it was the perfect way to start the day. It was robust, hearty, rich – and it smelled fantastic. Before I tasted the coffees I guessed that I would be Level 5, and I was right. It’s strong, and it’s delicious. It has such a full, round flavor, and of all the blends, this one is the most likely to make its way into our daily routine. Loved it.
All righty. Your turn.
If you had to guess, what level of Seattle’s Best Coffee do you think you’d prefer? Leave a comment with your answer, and you’ll be entered to win a $100 Amazon gift card.
This giveaway will run from 4/18/11 – 4/30/11. 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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I’d probably go for the level 3, but I add so much CoffeeMate to my coffee that it barely tastes like coffee anymore so who am I to say!?
I’m not a coffee drinker, but I think my husband would like Level 2.
I think I’d like Level 4 or 5.
Level 4 sounds just about perfect for me!
Definitely level 1 – I’m a coffee wimp. :)
I would say level 2 or level 4.
I would be level 1 or 2
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robinlscott
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Level 2 please!
i’d be level 1, i like mild flavor.
songyueyu at gmail
tweet:http://twitter.com/#!/syytta/status/60573089280430080
Level 3 sounds good.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
tweet.http://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/60588909716963328
I think I’d prefer level 4 or 5.
rogsdock[at]gmail[dot]com
Level 5, no doubt.
I don’t drink a lot of coffee so I would probably have to stick with 1. I do love the smell of it though!
I’m a Level 4–or 3 maybe–with ‘frothed’ chocolate milk! Used to hate the idea, now I luuuuve my morning coffee!
Level 5 all the way for me. Got to taste the coffee!
gmissycat at yahoo dot com
Tweeted here too
http://twitter.com/#!/gmissycat/status/61019364555620353
gmissycat at yahoo dot com
Level 3, Gotta have the cream in there to!
I would guess I’m a level 3. :-)
I like my coffee strong with a little cream, so I think I would enjoy the 4 or 5. I just adore coffee!
From your descriptions, I think I would like the 5. Used to hate any kind of coffee, now I like it dark & strong!
I think i would enjoy level 5
Level 4 and level 3.
I like my coffee black in the morning so .. level 4 is morning coffee
in the mid day, level 3 with a little half and half cream yammy
Thanks for give a way :)
I think I would prefer level 1 or 2…. I am a cream and sugar girl all the way! Thanks for the giveaway chance!
I like a bold, strong AROMA but a milder taste—yeah, yeah, I know. Crazy, huh? I am always on the lookout for the RIGHT cup of coffee. Can’t wait to try Seattle’s Best levels. I am starting w/ #3 and will adjust accordingly. It’s finally getting nice here in Michigan!!
I think I’m probably a 2. I like something a little on the milder side for my everyday coffee.
I thought I was a level 3, but she sure made 4 and 5 sound intriguing… I’ll probably be giving them a try.
No holds barred level 5 would be the winner in my house.
before i met my husband i would have been a 1 or 2. but over the years he has converted me to a 5 or 6!
I would say 4 or 5. I am a strong, dark coffee junkie!
I’m defintely a 6.
Level 4 definitely
At first I thought I might be a 3, but after reading your blog, I think I might be a 4 or 5. I love a good cup of black coffee. Maybe since I’ll be drinking it black, I should try 3 first. I may need to take a trip to the grocery store!
I’m thinking I would like either level 2 or 5.
I think Level 1 would be my favorite. I like a mild coffee with a touch of Coffee Mate.
Level 2 is perfect for me!
I think I’d like to try 2 (since you said it had a hint of chocolate!!) or 4! :)
Level 4 with half and half for me
I like a cup of coffee that will liven me up and that even when the day seems bleak it gives me that little smile in the morning. I like my coffee to be rich and smooth and nicely aromatic, I think that I would have to go with Lvl 4….. but I have been surprised before so I would even try Lvl 5.
1 or 5
tried level 5 a couple weeks ago as i happened to have a coupon….much to my delight I LOVED it! :) such a rich, bold favor without a hint of bitterness. smells fantastic and is a perfect way to start my morning on the farm.
It is fast on it’s way to becoming my new ‘go-to’ coffee! just wish I could get it in whole bean too and not just ground.
I like a strong robust coffee and a level 5 for sure
I think I would love Level 2 with a little extra sweetness.
stef42678@cox.net
I am a level 3 all the way!!
Since my fiance opened my eyes and nose to coffee I have become a snob at times. I like every kind but if I had to guess I would definitely be a 4. Bring it on.
Well in my house it would be a level one, my husband drinks a lot of coffee but he does not like it strong or with any after taste. But after reading all your post about coffee 5 sounds really good and I want to try it. ;o)
I loved their coffee, but Borders went bust and can’t get my fixx anymore :(
I like a cup of Level 2 every morning!
I am a level3 all the way!!
Im a #2 i dont like my coffee to strong but do love to smell a fresh pot of coffee
I love coffee too, and am dreading the time I won’t be allowed to drink it due to pregnancy! I totally know I would be a Level 5 kind of girl. I put just a little bit of sugar in my coffee and just enough milk to make the coffee look like a mocha. LOL Thanks for your reviews!
I think I would be a level 4. I love coffee!!
just tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/cjsorel/status/61074091830034432
I might be a level 3 some days, depends on what I have to do that day.
Level 5 is my cup of coffee.
I teeter between 4 and 5. We lived n Hawaii for 7 years and i grew to love the Hawaiian blends there and drank nothing else. Nothing else unitl we moved to Europe that is! I dabbled with French roasts, Italian blends, and good strong german coffee and soon I realized I’d grown to like rather strong, smooth blends. For me, the food and the time of day determine whether or not it’s 4 or 5.
I would guess myself to be a level 4. I, too, am quickly becoming a coffee snob and have been on the search for the ‘perfect bean’ for us the last few months. So far, no luck. Found some that were so-so, but our fave is a season blend, so you can only get it near Valentine’s Day at Starbucks. It’s called Casi Cielo
I’m sure I’m a Level 5 but it would be great if Seattle’s Best offered sample sizes of all levels for purchase so I could try all of them!
I’d go with level 2 with a touch of sugar and cream because my favorite time to drink coffee is with dessert.
I am a Huge fan of Level 4! I have never bought a bad bag. But after hearing your reviews of level 5, I may have to try it.
In our home it would definitely be 5. My hubby needs something very powerful to wake him up every morning, and I put enough creamer in my coffee that I need it to be fairly strong to even taste it!
A good 2 for me
I consider myself a coffee snob. And I’m totally a level 4 and a level 5, depending on what’s on tap at my local SBC. My 2 favorites before the switch were Henry’s blend and Organic French roast. I like my coffee bold and beautiful or nutty and delicious. No cream and sugar. Just straight up.
P.S. Levels 1 and 2, while they have a lighter taste, will actually wake you up more in the morning. Lighter blends=more caffeine because they haven’t been roasted as much. The more you roast a coffee bean, the less caffeine it will contain. Still a good amount left in a bold roast though. I love caffeine, but my taste buds like boldness better and they win every argument.
i’m a level 3 actually have a few bags of it already. :)
I am a level 5 all the way! I love the strong robust flavor that doesn’t taste bitter! I just wish that Seattles Best was easier to find where I live!
i would say #1 or #5, because i like mild coffees, but i also like bold coffees sometimes too; and #5 sounded like the best one.
I’d probably be a 5. I like my coffee dark and strong.
I need strong coffee in the morning so I think level 5 would be right up my alley!
Number 4 is my every-morning favorite! With a bit of coffee cream. Even take my own #4 with me when I travel, and have “enlightened” my friends. After reading the blog, I think I will try #2 black, sounds delicious!
We are coffee snobs also – I think Level 5 would be great. The more robust the better.
Well…I picked number 3….but after reading the website post…im thinking I should have went with number 5! Pretty convincing! But ..I like mine with sugar free hazelnut creamer!
I would have to say I am a level 5 all the way. I wake early to greet daycare kids so I need that strong bold coffee to start my day. I then need a extra cup so I am able to wake my teenagers for school. Then out the door we go non stop moving… so of course a cup has to come along with me. Great blog and thanks for the great give away!!
Level 5 for sure…the bolder and more robust the better! :)
I think I’m probably a level 4, I like my coffee bold (but not too bold), complex, aromatic, and prefer a lingering notes of chocolate. I drink my coffee black, so it really is up to the bean to bring the flavor to the cup.
I like a cup of coffee that has plenty of flavor. It sounds like I could be a 5 but I like the fact the even the lower levels are full-bodied enough that you would use them. Thanks for the input!
I am definatly a 5! Nothing Mild for me for any reason! A 5 would be like the Robust and well Rounded Red wines.
I think I’m a Level Five. Tried it yesterday and thought it was perfect. I still have to try the other levels, though. I drink every cup of coffee straight black so that I can get the strongest and purest experience from each blend.
I would say level 5 anything else wouln’t wake me up! ;) I like a full bodied coffee with cream and the lower levels wouldn’t cut it. I’m afraid level 6 may be just a bit…we’ll save that for the the one’s who are die hard “I take mine black”…they can grow their own chest hair!;)
I’ve only tried the Level 3 & I totally agree with you-I hated it. I’m a new coffee drinker & really picky about my brew. I only drink it at home so I can control what’s in it! I absolutely hate Starbuck’s ground coffee, but as for SB, I think I would choose a Level 1 or 2 as my favorite. Right now I’m loving Community Coffee’s Breakfast Blend-with sugar & flavored Coffee Mate!
Definitely a 5! YUMMMM! :)
Tweeted here too!!
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I think I would prefer the 5, but I’m just guessing. The heavier coffees sometimes can be too black tasting if that makes any sense. But I have a coffee shop, and I enjoy whatever tastes like Intelligentsia Black Cat- my all time fave.
I am thinking I will like Level 3….Thanks for the giveaway!!
I would guess I would be a 5!
You totally sold me on Level 5! I love full-bodied coffees any time of day. Thanks for the chance to win!
Level 5.
Number 2 or 4…like it bold and black.
probably level 3… black.
I would have to say I would either be a 4 or 5. I like my coffee strong and full of flavor.
My friend says Level 4 is the best, and from your review I’d probably like it best. I tend to go for chocolate-ie coffees. XD
Definately a 5…I like a bold rich tasty blend.
Level one….. I’m a tea drinker!
I’m guessing that I’d be a 4….that’s what is served at Subway where I get their coffee (and I needed the coffee! I’d get a cup on my way to class every day…I still do and I’m done with classes!) I needed that coffee with (to me) a little ‘oomph’ to deal with the other students…and I use that term loosely! The coffee did what it was supposed to do and for that, I am thankful/grateful!
I would say I am A level 4 or 5. I love dark Rich bold coffee. I live the smell of coffee brewing in the morning so level 4 Intrigues me….Yum!!
From your discription I’d definitely be a 5. I drink coffee in the mornings and I like it full bodied and rich. Anything less is warm brown water!
I have been a fan of Level 5 for quite some time now. I live in a really rural area of Illinois where a trip to Starbucks will take over an hour. I can get Seattle’s Best 5 at Walmart and I do – to the tune of 3 bags a week! Love it!
Level 4
Would love to win Level 4 and Level 5 sounds delightful! So I guess I will go with Level 5.
Thank you.