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.
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.
I’m a level 2. :-)
I am pretty sure I would go for Level 5. My morning pot is French Roast and I start drinking espresso after lunch. Oh yes, and I sweeten it with dark chocolate when I am in the mood.
I wish they would tell the roasting style. I have yet to see that. I like Italian Roasts best and if I can’t find that I go with French or Espresso roasts. I love Dark roasts and generally stick to those. I am guessing I am a 5.
I like lots of different strengths of coffee depending on my mood, etc. I would probably enjoy a 2 and a 5. Sometimes I want to be wowed with a strong jolt of coffee and other times not.
Before even tasting any of them, I can tell you that Level 5 is totally for me!
I need to have hot chocolate or flavored creamer w/ my coffee, so I’d say I’m a level 2 or if I’m feeling brave, level 3. :-)
~eunice b
tigergal01 @gmail .com
http://twitter.com/#!/tigergal01/status/61104176641482752
tweet
~eunice b
tigergal01 @gmail .com
I simply can NOT drink any other coffee since I have discovered Seattle’s Best. I was a Level 4 UNTIL I tried Level 5 and I fell madly in love with it. I like my coffee STRONG and Level 5 delivers on every aspect of just why I love coffee….smelling it while it brews is ALMOST as good as drinking it…I drink it black or with sweetner and non-dairy creamer when I want coffee instead of dessert. I would be devastated if for some reason I could no longer avail myself of this premium elixir!!!!
level 4 sounds good to me!
1 or 2, I’m a total coffee softie!
http://twitter.com/channynn/statuses/61106629323665408
I might be a 2 or 3.I like my coffee with cream and sugar and a touch of chocolate
jacksoncrisman@yahoo.com
Level 5 sounds like the perfect coffee for me. Anytime of day I’m a sucker for a robust, strong-tasting cup that does not leave an icky aftertaste. Excellent job of describing your perceptions!
I am certain that a few months ago I would have said a 2 but I recently begun to really get into my coffee and espresso. These days I don’t drink dessert I am a bold, rich dark roast girl so I would bet that I will be a 5.
Strong and dark. I have learned to drink it black and am proud of that. No more than 2 cups a day!
Level 4 pretty please! Just black, mmmm :)
I love the level 5, but would like to try level 4….. I also am a coffee freak!
Level 5! As a long time coffeeholic my coffee pretty much dictates my personality, the stronger and bolder the better, yet smooth and rich at the same time. I can handle just about anything thrown my way with a good cup of coffee always by my side.
I tried level 3 and liked it, but I would go with more a 4 or 5.
Level 3 is what we usually use , bit I tried level 5 and really loved it
The best coffee I have ever had.
I would probably be a 2.
I think I’d be a level 2 or 4, since I like my coffee mild but flavorful enough to make “virtual ice cream” in the summer, when the slight tartness handily cuts through thirst, or lightly seasoned in the winter when the warmth washes my insides as much as my hands.
I think Level 2 would prob be the best for me, I don’t like a real strong coffee because I end up bouncing off the walls.
Level 4 all the way! :) Drink my coffee all day long……just having a cup now. Topped with whip cream…… :)
I’m pretty sure I’d be a 5. I like my coffee black and strong in the morning.
I had the amazing opportunity to receive 2 lbs of coffee beans last spring. It was a try it out web program I was involved with. No label on the coffee beans, no advertising. When I opened the Fed Ex box the scent that exploded out of the package was Out of this World. My husband and I tried it out and couldn’t get enough of the amazing roast.
I finally finished the trial and sent the paperwork back to the company.
That coffee was Seattles Best, French Roast. We have been completely loyal ever since. I am a huge coupon shopper, but sales or not 2 bags of Seattles Best goes in the grocery cart every week. We were a little panicked when they switched to the 5 level system, but the level 5 is perfect.
Now may I ask Seattles Best to increase the grocery stores shipments or Stop all the great marketing because I have bought the last two bags on the shelf two weeks in a row….What if they don’t have two bags next week?
Thanks for the drawing.
Lisa Webb
If I had to go with any of them it would be 4 and 5,first because that’s what i’m drinking know and 5 because the darker and stronger the better.
I hate anything boring and lacking flavor!!! I am guessing i would be a 4 or 5!
Definitely a 3! Yum! Thanks for the chance on the giveaway!
Tired the 3 and didn’t like it much either– but I just bought a bag of 5 because of your review. I’m a go dark or go home coffee drinker.
I would have to choose level 5 too! The darker the better for me! I love strong and bold flavors, it really perks me up in the morning!
I’m guessing a level 4.
I’m guessing I would like Level 1.
I think level 5 would be my favorite. My husband & I like a full-bodied rich coffee in the morning.
I would be a level four because i like chocolate in my coffee. I also add ice cream to my coffee sometimes.
I love bold or exbold coffee,Iam a level 5.
level 5 coffee for me!
level 5 please
I always go for bold. I just love a good strong flavor.
I would be a 3 I like my coffee smooth, strong but not overwhelming, with tons of sugar and cream
My choice would be #3. Don’t add a thing. Just a great pot of coffee in the morning and I’m happy all day.
I’ve tried most of the numbers myself, and I like the 4 & 5 the best. I’ve been trying to drink more black coffee and Seattle’s Best is my favorite. Not a sponsored tweet!
Portland is known for its coffee culture and my goodness, the people here go *crazy* for their coffee. Lots of little shops and unique blends and it’s practically a religion. (Not a bad one, I’d say. :D)
I just love good coffee,my favorite level depends on my mood.i guess you can say i like coffee on all the levels and its good to keep a couple different choices around for when friends are over.
Without trying any of them I assume I’m a level 5 because I like my coffee super strong.
Before I read your review, I guessed I would be a five, and after reading it, I am decidedly a five!
Definitely level 5. I drink coffee all day long. I use cream and sweet n low. Love coffee!! I had this coffee at a hospital last week OMG!! Delicious!!!
Probably the only thing that will wake up this night owl is Level 5.
Awesome article. I would be a level 4.
I love Level 2 – I don’t like my coffee too strong! Thanks for the giveaway!
I am drinking 2 now, but after reading your commnts and ready to live on the edge and go for 5. On second thought, maybe I need to put all of them to to test!
I prefer a mild coffee but love the strong taste for my first up. Think I would enjoy 1 or 2 from reading the post above. No sugar or cream – just the taste of fresh brewed coffee.
I enjoyed your thorough, tongue-in-cheek reviews. Like you, I assume I would be a Level 5. As a Sicilian American, I was literally weaned on my Grandma’s espresso–at the tender age of 7, I was permitted to have my own demitasse of her STRONG coffee at the end of our Sunday suppers.
Strong, dark roast coffees “speak” to me and open up my channels of uninhibited creativity.
I think I would enjoy level 2 with cream and sugar please!
I am guessing that I would be a level 2. I tend to prefer a milder coffee. Thanks for the helpful review.
I am highly impressed with your review of each level. From reading it, I’m sure I’m a level 5.
I believed in the illusion that all coffee is created equal… until I was older that is!
Level 4… oops! I left that out
Hello – We too are coffee snobs. Drive way far out of our way for the right blend. Order five lb bags of an imported roast for special occasions. Yes – yes there is something wrong with us. Level 5 sounds to be our best bet. Must have a robust coffee in the morning!
For anyone who would like to test out which level they are, There is infact a sample pack for all the levels! I have not seen one at my local grocery store, but they offer them at Borders.
As for me, I’m a level 2 and a level 5!
I’m thinking me and level would get along :)
Definately a 3. Right in the middle. Not too weak, not too strong. Just perfect.
I bet I would be a level 3 – although after reading your review perhaps a level 2 would suite me better.
I just love your level #5. It has the best aroma ever!!!!! I have totally been a fan of your coffee for years!!!!!!!
I would have to start out on the number one, I am not a coffee drinker..LOL My sister-in-law is a hard core coffee lover. She loves a great cup of coffee.
I am at level zero because I don’t like coffee at all. But I really like Amazon and my wish list is long.
Thanks for the contest.
Blogged: http://slehan.blogspot.com/2011/04/win-100-amazon-gc-seatles-best-blogher.html
Definitely a 5; no doubt about it!
Love my strong coffee and hot! I think level 5 would be yummy!!!
I think I would prefer the Level Five coffee. I like a full-flavored and strong coffee with a rich aroma.
Great descriptions! I’d guess level 5 for me.
I tweeted this
http://twitter.com/#!/The_Sunshyn/status/62181985141002240
Level 4 sounds about right.
level 2, since you mentioned chocolate and level 5.
I’d be a Level 1, although the hint of chocolate in 2 sounds good
I’d be a 3 or 4 with a splash of cream
Level 5! As a 41 year old chasing a 21 month old, I need a little something to add some perk to my step!
Originally bought this coffee because Seattle’s Best had a bold variety available, and my current brand was all sold out. Needless to say I will not be trying any other brand. The number 5 meets my preference for a robust cup of coffee in the A.M. with my creamer and is perfect with a rich dessert. Can’t wait to try number 4 for my evening coffee pleasure. Occasionally I stop at Starbucks, but no longer. You have them beat with your distinct levels!Thank you.
I’m going to guess level 5. I like my coffee with a really bold flavor and considering that I need all the help I can get in the morning to be coherent and civil – 5 it is! I’ll definitely be checking these out…
I like level 5 best.
I don’t really drink much coffee, but I’m sure that I’d be a level 1!
level 1 because I go great with key lime pie too.
I’m not a coffee drinker, so I’d probably be most likely to enjoy level 2. Anything tastes better with a hint of chocolate, and anything that goes well with chocolate can’t be too bad!
We have to have LEVEL 2 – we like it strong and black around here. The stronger the better! Please enter me skullaria at gmail dot com Thanks!
I think I’d like level 2
http://twitter.com/#!/susan1215/status/63066488180977664
I saw these recently and considered trying one but don’t do well with too many choices (and probably had one child asking how many more things we had to get, another wiping sticky lollipop hands on my shirt, and another doing the potty dance…so I grabbed my go-to standard and got the heck out of the store).
Now after reading your review, I plan to give the 5 a try. Sounds like my kind of coffee exactly. Thanks!
I would like #4
Number 4 please
Well, after reading about all 5 levels, I definitely would be a level 5 – I like my coffee, fresh, hot and strong and removed from the heat source immediately. I do not like coffee that has set on the warmer more than 15 minutes. I know, I’m fussy about my coffee – nothing else that I put into my mouth but I am extremely fussy about my cup of coffee (or two)
I think I’d be a Level 2. I usually have to put milk in my coffee or at least a spoon of sugar, but I love a coffee that is not too harsh to have black.
I also tweeted about this: http://twitter.com/#!/TravelatedRease
I only drink one cup of coffee a day, when I get up. It sounds like #5 is a perfect way to start the day ; ))
Im in the game to win give me a level 5 , since mostly a morning coffee person myself .Like i know for sure theres nothing better than a high quality cup of seattles world famous coffee in the morning
i think i’d like level 4
i think i’d prefer level 1
I think I’d probably be a level 4.. I really enjoy my morning coffee.
Thanks for the contest!
I think I’d enjoy the Level 4. Chocolate-y notes and bold flavors are my favorite.
If I had to guess, I think I’d be a Spontaneous LEVEL 2! :)
I shared the giveaway: http://twitter.com/abitnerdy/status/64059660038189056 :)
I think I would be a level 3 for sure. I like a smooth semi strong taste of my coffee and a little cream. I am versatile though and can drink it stronger or weaker.
marybug2@yahoo.com
Tweeted too
http://twitter.com/#!/marybug2/status/64078865626173440
marybug2 @ yahoo . com