Starbucks Passion

Coffee Review Part 3 - Komodo Dragon

This is my third review of a Starbucks whole bean coffee. If I said Komodo Dragon was my favourite coffee, I’d be lying. Typically, I’m not a huge fan of Asia Pacific coffees, but I do like them when paired with the right food. Komodo Dragon is no exception. I don’t love this coffee but I do respect it. It’s bold, heavy and not meant for the weekend coffee drinker. But for a true coffee lover, it is quite remarkable, whether you like it or not.

I’m reviewing this coffee because a friend and co-worker asked me to. Joe, the funny, charismatic and off-the-wall IT guy was never a Starbucks fan. He likes his coffee mild and large. For the most part, Starbucks doesn’t always offer a coffee that fulfills these requirements. In fact, he hasn’t even tried Komodo Dragon! Yet, he loves the name and packaging and thus, asked me to dissect it.

One day, Joe accompanied me on my daily 3 o’clock Starbucks run. He didn’t know what to get. I suggested he try an Americano because of its smooth, sweet quality. He tried it and was hooked. Now, he enjoys the Americano and orders one every day.

Ok, enough of Joe; let’s talk about a cup of Joe. Bad pun but he’ll appreciate it.

The tasting

I tried Komodo Dragon last year for the first time. My dad brought a bag home and we put it straight into our automatic espresso machine. I made a doppio long espresso. First, I swirled it around the cup and examined its rich, chocolaty crema. The way it stained the interior of the cup was quite beautiful. I couldn’t believe how much body it had. I quickly realized that this was no amateur brew. Then, I put my nose into the cup and took a deep sniff. My nose was overpowered by its earthy offering. I smelled earth, peppery spice and a hint of cinnamon. It was as pleasant as it was strong.

Next, I tilted the cup upwards and let Komodo rush into my mouth. I swished it around and picked out all the unique flavours it had to offer. It coated every part of my mouth. I immediately tasted earth. Then, I tasted a hint of cinnamon and then finally spice. The flavour lingered. It was quite intriguing. I prefer sweet, caramelly coffees but I still enjoyed this earthy flavour. I liked it and couldn’t get over how heavy and bold it was. I poured another 2 cups and enjoyed each sip with a bite of a cinnamon cookie. The two flavours were a perfect match. My dad liked it too!

The coffee itself

Just like many Indonesian grown coffee beans, Komodo Dragon has a distinctive, earthy and spicy full-bodied flavour. It has a relatively low acidity level, which makes it easy to digest for those who can’t stomach highly acidic, lighter coffees from Latin America. Komodo Dragon gets its distinctive flavour from the rich, volcanic soils of Indonesia. Also, it thrives under Indonesia’s hot, humid climate and high elevation.   

If you’re looking for a coffee that can stand up for itself and hold its own against flavourful foods, give Komodo Dragon a try. Enjoy it with any cinnamon flavoured treat or any spicy, savoury meal.

It may not be your favourite coffee, but you’ll respect it, just like you’d respect the deadly lizard it shares a name with.