Starbucks Clover Comes to Hawaii (for real)

This time it’s for real. The Starbucks launch of the Clover Brewing System in select locations happened today, Thursday, October 23, 2014. There were a few months of Clover teasing, but today was the official day.

What’s on the Clover menu? Here’s what you can order, and yes, a grande of Jamaica Blue Mountain is nearly $5.

But here’s the thing. The pairing of the Starbucks Reserve coffee with the Clover Brewing System makes a great cup of coffee, one that’s on a whole different level. I can’t explain it, but I can taste it. I sampled the Colombia, the Ka’u, and the Jamaica Blue Mountain, and they all tasted unique. No cream, no sugar, just pure extracted flavor, and the Clover Brewing System extracts a lot of flavor.

Watching the Clover process is watching an orchestrated performance. I can see why the baristas needed training before properly using a Clover. It starts with freshly ground Starbucks Reserve then the Clover dance begins with the grounds rising and falling. Hot water is added, the grounds are stirred, then the elixir is suctioned out leaving a pancake of coffee grounds.

A few things to note. The Clover-brewed coffee is scalding hot, considerably hotter than the normal brew. In a typical insulated tumbler, your Clover drink stays hot for hours. The entire Clover process takes several minutes, so if you’re in a rush, you probably don’t want a Clover. I’m not sure about the caffeine content of the Clover brewed. Since it’s like a French press, lots of coffee grounds are used, so I’m guessing there’s a caffeine kick to contend with.

And here’s a bonus I discovered by accident. Leave your Clover in your enclosed car for several minutes as you run an errand (don’t worry, it’ll still be hot). When you come back to your car, take in that aroma. Your entire car will have the delicious smell of a coffee shop. No shame as you sit for a few minutes breathing it all in.

Thanks for bringing the Clover Brewing System to Hawaii, Starbucks!