Originally Posted by
thegeneral
I have a real issue with the comparison that most people are making here. Comparing DD/TH/etc drip coffee to Starbucks drip isn't a valid comparison. Anyone who has a clue about coffee wouldn't be drinking drip. They would be drinking Americano. The Starbucks variety of this would mop the floor with any of the other major chains. The only reason why people who drink so much DD think its great is that they don't know enough/aren't cultured enough to know what Americano is and thus order it. Of course, it isn't nearly as bad as the majority of people who go to Starbucks who order things like cappucino and latte in the afternoon. They're much worse.
I totally agree. Americano (aka long black) all the way!
Try asking for a
long black next time - to see if we can get that term into use.
So of the big franchises that are everywhere, are their long blacks consistent?
I'd bet that there is some skill involved and that it could be a matter of luck, regarding the barista/operator, the beans and the machine's condition make a difference.
(I'd go to the place with a lot of customers who know a good Amerciano / Long Black when they get it)