false 1630707 031601348X 9780316013482 278 90 http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1186104950m/1630707.jpg http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1630707.Starbucked_A_Double_Tall_Tale_of_Caffeine_Commerce_and_Culture 754611 Taylor Clark 287 93 5 0 false Fri Apr 18 00:00:00 -0700 2008 Fri Apr 18 08:11:44 -0700 2008 Fri Apr 18 08:13:29 -0700 2008 http://www.thebeancup.com - The Bean Cup, and the owner worked at Starbucks for many of the early years out in California. I noticed immediately that the expresso was much richer and smoother and was amazed at the difference in flavor and even the smell of the brew.

Chris started teaching me how to pour shots properly and the science behind the beans, the grind, the packing of the shot, the temperature of the water (and the steamed milk) - and how long the shots took to pour. I was amazed that I could see and taste such a difference. Truth be told, I still like 'Charbucks' and love the hustle and bustle of the stores as well as the blast of caffeine in a morning mocha that I can get. I simply enjoy The Bean Cup's brew rather much more.

With all of that, this book was an amazing read from front to back and Taylor Clark is a great writer (I especially appreciated many of the insights and off remarks he put as footnotes throughout the book). At times I thought he took it easy on Starbucks. They have enough pull that they COULD change the industry, the pay of coffee farmers, etc. They simply choose not to because it's convenient to the bottom line.

This is a great story any way you slice it, though. Howard sounds like someone I'd love to meet. No doubt that his passion and enthusiasm have driven Starbucks to where they are today. I am anxious to see where they go from here - with such an expensive product, it seems like the McCafe will be a shoe-in to dethrone a lot of Starbuck's sales.

Great book. I consumed it a lot faster than my most recent reads!]]>