Coffee Talk with Third of Starbucks Philippines

Third, Starbucks Phil. Coffee Ambassador

I had the opportunity to attend the Coffee Talk session handled by coffee ambassador, Third, on April 8 at Starbucks Reserve, Tomas Morato. A Starbucks sponsored event, customers were invited to come over and learn more about coffee agriculture. Naturally there were written materials prepared and Third was really knowledgeable about this beverage we all love to drink but this was no dull seminar. This was a coffee party with some information provided to help us appreciate the uniqueness of the coffee we were about to enjoy.

There were quite a few interesting facts I learned from the session. For example, when I think of coffee from the Philippines, I think Batangas or Benguet. Neither of these regions are where Starbucks gets their local beans from. Apparently, they are working with farms in Bukidnon and they aren’t able to produce enough beans yet for Starbucks to come out with a packet completely filled with Philippine coffee beans. Local beans are mixed with some from Indonesia and made into the Kape Vinta blend.

What would a coffee session at Starbucks be without coffee tasting? Strange for sure! Third brought out some Sundried Ethiopia Konga beans for us to experience and enjoy. Trivia: did you know that it is considered rude if you refuse a coffee ritual invitation in Ethiopia?

Waiting for the caffeine!!!!

We started off with hot, black coffee. We tried to identify the various scents in the aroma of the coffee before we tasted it. Then we had a slurping session and tried to identify the flavours. My uneducated palate couldn’t seem to catch the berry taste that the others said was there. My tongue said roasted bean and that was about it. Need more coffee exposure!!!!

Coffee Classmates

The signage at the counter indicated that the blueberry scones were the perfect pairing item with the Sundried Ethiopia Konga coffee we were having. Third, however, recommended the apple cinnamon scones instead. We tried both combinations out and while both are good, my sweet tooth preferred the blueberry.

I am definitely looking forward to the next Starbucks session. I hope it will be the Nicaragua Cabu Azul we get to sample next!