1-1

Keep in mind that daily I drink at least one Starbucks tall coffee, not a fufu drink, just real coffee with a bit of half and half. It is my heroin, my adderall.

That said, I report somewhat shamefully that my record in taste-testing Starbucks Via instant coffee is 1-1.

I oozed smugness when yesterday at the Quincy store, I correctly picked the instant coffee within seconds, sure that the doe-eyed goth girl behind the counter was impressed.

Then about 45 minutes ago at the Norwell store, I thought I would show off my tasting skill once more (and also score another coupon for free coffee). Pretending that I had not yet done the taste test, and also asking with disdain something like "whhyyy is Starbucks selling instant coffee?"*, I bellied up to the counter.

As if I was a somalier in Napa Valley procuring wines for a Saudi prince, I tasted the first of the coffees the confident barrista poured into 2 small paper cups. Without hesitation and before tasting the second, I said "this is the real stuff". My hostess smiled the smile of victory and announced my failure. I tasted from the second cup, then tried the first once more. I stammered a loser's stammer and said that I wanted to try a hit of the real thing right from the fresh brewed spigget, hoping that she has mistakenly switched the coffees. She cheerily accomodated me. I sipped the fresh brew. Sigh, I had in fact called instant coffee the real thing. I congratulated her and left the store with my imaginary tail between my legs.

The taste test challenge is over today. Can I let my record hold at 1-1? Stay tuned.

* the response was the hypothetical suggestion that I might be on a camping trip with no Starbucks in range and desparate for their coffee (is it possible not to be in range of a Starbucks?)

P.S. Please do not read my Oct. 3 blog wherein I haughtily mention my embarrassment on behalf of Starbucks for selling instant coffee.