I had a sample of Starbucks instant coffee this morning, a product the expensive Coffee company calls, "Via." The barista discouraged my calling the product "instant coffee". She said that they are calling it "coffee in an instant" because it is unlike any other product.
I drank a sample of the Colombian and was given a sample of Italian roast to take home with me to prepare myself. I found the Colombian OK. It wasn't great and it wasn't terrible. It is better than the coffee served at Krispy Kreme but not nearly as good as the regular brew. It would work in a pinch, for example camping or in the wilderness areas of upstate NY where they think Starbucks are all located within a Barnes and Noble, but it won't replace any morning brew.
On a side note: I hit a Dunkin Donuts on my way out of town Saturday and have decided that it is still my favorite coffee stop, and half the price, too.
