Does anyone remember Viennese Blend? It was sold in Starbucks stores in the 1990s and early 2000s. It’s a post-roast blend: House and French Roast. I’ve heard a couple of different things but I believe it’s 80% House Blend and 20% French Roast. There was even a decaf Viennese Blend at one time.
You can see the original coffee stamp for it here:
(Photo credit: The Modern Barista)
I went on a quest to try this and so I enlisted some help from the partners at the East Olive Way Starbucks. First, I bought two pounds of coffee and asked barista Tyler to measure out a half pound, with it being a blend of 80% House and 20% French Roast:
A half pound is eight ounces. So, Tyler measured out 1.6 ounces of French Roast and 6.4 ounces of House Blend. Tyler made my coffee on the Clover brewer:
He made a larger size and we had a fun, impromptu coffee tasting. The store manager, Tamsyn (not shown), joined us in trying the Viennese Blend we’d created:
This was fun! The French Roast tames the acidity in House Blend and adds a touch of smoky sweetness. We talked about how it might pair well with a bacon breakfast sandwich. I was hungry anyways so I tried that! I’m not sure it’s the perfect pairing but it was fun. I think it would be great to try the S’mores Tart with Viennese Blend.
I hope I inspire you to try this hack: Create Viennese Blend with House and French Roast!
Here’s one more photo from The Modern Barista:
Last but not least, I want to mention that East Olive Way Starbucks is a great place to go for coffee seminars. Coffee Master Megan leads many coffee events – on Monday the 17th, we tasted Starbucks Kape Vinta blend, which has lots of cinnamon and chocolate notes. Call ahead for their schedule, but coffee events are typically every other Monday evening, at 6:00 PM.
11 Comments
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Socialize
I use to enjoy Viennesse Blend mmany years ago! It was very unique in that it had a subtle smoky flavor. One of the stores I visit has a print hanging on the wall, so I never forget it!
I cannot wait to try this at work!!! 🙂
…yikes!!!!! I must be old- I have a magnet (among many) of that!!!!
I most certainly remember the Viennese Blend! It was one of my favorites back in the late 90s. 🙂
I also saw @themodernbarista’s post, and made it my markout for the week. I tried it as an espresso and in a latte I made at home, and was surprised by how much I liked its sweet yet slightly smokey cocoa and nuttiness (super agreeable with milk!). My current store in Rome, Ga. also features a poster for the blend, yet no one really notices it. I think this is a blend that deserves a comeback.
i forgot about the viennese blend! since it’s so dark, when we serve french roast, i always recommend mixing it with blonde or pike. that’s the only way i can drink it [outside of a french press] 😉 it is a good mix, actually…b
I started my career in 2007. My peers still talk about Viennese Blend .
Wow! I love this conjured up so many memories! I’m jealous of the Viennese magnet!
You should try it with some whipped cream, in true Viennese Coffee fashion!
I mix quite a bit when making morning coffee. However, I use the French or Italian Roasts – both a staple – along with Decaf Pike – approximately 50/50 – and voila, a wonderful cup of coffee.
Oh Em Gee!! I am so glad I found your page… I was beginning to question my sanity. I remember Viennese blend, but of course can no longer find it in any store. When I’ve asked for it, the barista (who probably wasn’t even born when I was drinking this delicious blend) looks at me as if I’m crazy or just landed from another planet!
I will definitely try your recipe for the blend… IT IS MY ALL-TIME FAVORITE. Thanks for your post! 😀