Starbucks VIA: Mail Box Robbery

A couple months ago I shared with all of you that Starbucks was launching an instant coffee mix called Starbucks VIA.

As part of this launch they gave out free samples if you signed up online. I was very interested to give the instant coffee a try so I signed up and anxiously awaited for my free sample to come.

Over 6 weeks later my sample finally came in the mail last week. You will notice in the photo to the right that this is how the sample is SUPPOSE to come: with three sample packets of Starbucks VIA.

My packet looked a little differently. The seal was broken on the side of the package and when I opened it up ONE OF MY SAMPLES WAS MISSING!

I was robbed! ROBBED!

There are three separate slots in the envelope to hold each sample with a little sticky goop to the cardboard envelope. The middle sample was clearly missing.

Who in their right mind would want to steal a Starbucks VIA sample packet (maybe someone at the post office was having a slow morning and they were out of coffee). If you were going to steal one and go through the hassle of cracking the envelope open, wouldn't you take all three? Not just one?

While I was disappointed and a little freaked out. I still gladly took the other two samples and gave them a try.

The pictures on the back of the packet explained that you have to stir the instant mix into 8 ounces of boiling water. Wait, what's easier? Boiling water or just making regular coffee? I'll let you decide.

When my watering was boiling I put the Starbucks VIA into the mug and then poured the water on top. Like regular Starbucks coffee it was very dark and after some initial sips it tasted just like regular Starbucks coffee.

I had to put my sweetener in to make it taste decent and much to my surprise it tasted better than I imagined. It wasn't "watery" and had the full Starbucks taste that a normal cup of Starbucks would.

However, it's not just the taste of coffee that makes it so awesome. It's the smell, the cup your holding it in, and the feeling of having a "fresh cup". With Starbucks VIA those elements are obviously gone.

It was good, but I would never buy it. If I want coffee I'll go for the real thing. I hope you got your free samples as well. If you did, let me know what you think of the coffee and also let me know if you got robbed!