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I Gagged on a Starbucks Chestnut Praline Latte

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Sounds worse that it was, but it’s the truth. Upon my first sip of a cold Chestnut Praline Latte, I sucked in a praline crumb (which I wasn’t expecting) and coughed and hacked it out. I just wasn’t expecting a hard item in my CPL so it caught me off guard.

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The drink itself isn’t bad. It’s very nutty and kinda vanilla-ish (to me but I guess that would be the caramelized chestnut and spice flavors). It seems like I’ve tasted a variation of this drink before in the past. Not overly sweet like the Pumpkin Spice Latte or the Salted Caramel Mocha. I haven’t tried the hot version and not all stores are selling the CPL before the official November 12 launch.

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When you take your first sip of a CPL, watch out for them praline crumbs. 😉

Franken Frappuccino. I Had To.

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I just had to do it. Pulpconnection readers know I’m not a fan of the Frappuccino. A non-coffee-based Frappuccino is downright egregious, but with Starbucks offering the Franken Frappuccino, I had to get this monstrosity. Based off a green tea Frappuccino, the Franken also has white mocha, java chips, mocha drizzle, whipped cream, and either peppermint or classic syrup, and my Franken creation looked this this.

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The best part of this is the $3 cost after 2pm. Until October 31, you can get the Franken Frappuccino (or any grande Frappuccino) for only $3. That’s really a deal for this normally $6+ drink.

I have to admit that the Franken isn’t my style. The taste is unmistakably green tea, but the overall combination was kinda odd. While I’m not lactose intolerant, I will admit that the Franken gave me a run for the money.

Starbucks Clover Comes to Hawaii (for real)

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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!

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Swell Bottles Now at Starbucks Hawaii

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swell2I had not heard of S’well bottles until today when I walked into Starbucks and saw these somewhat-out-of-place vibrant orange bottles. On one side it said S’well, on the other was a picture of the Hawaiian islands along with the text Starbucks Hawaii.

Swell bottles are stainless steel and double insulated like many others out there and keep drinks hot or cold for 24 hours. So what’s the big deal about Swell? It’s gotta be the fashion aspect. Yes, they do look swell. I thought the cover color should have been more Starbucks green but still this is a nice looking bottle. Worth $35 I’m not sure, but because of its stylish looks, usefulness, and branding, I’m thinking these will sell well for the upcoming holiday season.

Okay, okay, so I complained that Hawaii got oat cakes instead of online pre-ordering and the Chestnut Praline Latte, but I will admit that this Hawaii-specific item is pretty and cool.

Starbucks Hawaii Gets Oat Cakes?!?

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In Portland, Oregon, Starbucks fans can pre-order and pay for their drink using their mobile devices. The Midwest has already experienced the new forthcoming holiday drink, the Chestnut Praline Latte or CPL. In Hawaii, well, we have the Hawaii Oat Cake. Yes, an oat cake. How exciting.

On a backhanded positive note, our state is getting Clover brewing systems as we wait until November 12 for the national launch of the CPL. All of these oversights will be forgiven, however, if I happen to be one of the ten “Starbucks for Life” winners. From December 2 to 25, Starbucks will run its biggest promotion to date – a “lifetime” of free drinks. To enter, all you have to do is to use your registered Starbucks card or mobile device to make your Starbucks buys.

More Starbucks Clovers in Hawaii

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Whoa now, what’s this? Starbucks is expanding their locations featuring the Clover brewing system. Originally, this specialty brewer was only available at the new-ish Aina Haina location. But yes, though it’s there, the Clover is “out of commission” awaiting personnel training. So I’ve heard that training is indeed underway with a target date of October 23 as the Clover launch at Aina Haina and Koko Marina.

Say what?! Another east side Starbucks getting a Clover? That doesn’t seem fair. But wait, there’s more. How about Clovers in Kaneohe and in town? We’re talking Windward City and the Airport Trade Center locations.

Check out the official Starbucks map (as of October 15, 2014).

Clovers as of 10/15/14

How to Get Teased by a Clover?

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You visit the Aina Haina Starbucks location with the only Clover Brewing System on Oahu and learn that it’s still not in production. Only this time, it’s not the hardware; it’s the “software.” As in the workers aren’t trained to operate the Clover.

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Sad but then again, patience is a virtue I hear. And an iced coffee stylized in the Waterlogue app is pretty cool looking.

Painted in Waterlogue
Not Clover brewed

Cool Tea Names and an Oat Cake

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Starbucks latest line of teas has some cool names. We’re talking Royal English Breakfast, Passion Tango, Youthberry, and Pineapple Kona Pop.

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Then there’s this Hawaii-themed oat cake. Yeah, I’ll pass on that lava rock of an oat cake, and what makes it “Hawaii” anyways?

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A Distinctive Starbucks and One That Could Be

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I love the Starbucks in Manoa. It’s distinctive with its old school look matching the community so well.

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Starbucks Manoa

You know what other location could be iconic for Starbucks? The old Queen Theater in Kaimuki.

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Yeah, I understand the dream is for a rebirth of the theater, but in all my years, I remember Queen Theater just as pictured – rundown and bussup. Just taking the corner portion with the sign, can’t you see an upright Starbucks beacon with the siren logo topping it off? How about becoming the first Starbucks Evenings location in Hawaii? Probably the best place with a matching vibe to serve alcohol alongside coffee and espresso and chill out after work.

So many possibilities.

Dashing the Latest Starbucks Rewards Dash

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dash5locationsStarbucks latest Rewards promotion is literally a dash. The challenge? Visit a specified number of different Starbucks locations and receive bonus stars. The number of locations varies based on your personal Starbucks habits. I got a dash challenge to visit five locations for five stars, and I’ve seen a challenge of visiting two locations for three stars.

This dash ain’t so bad since I already visit a variety of locations.

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