Today, we’ll be discussing a coffee that’s been on my radar for a while: the Tim Hortons Colombian blend. Known for its competitive price point of $0.50 per ounce and its association with a well-established brand, this coffee intrigued me. It’s not every day you stumble upon an affordable option that promises a Colombian blend’s deep, bold flavors. That being said, did it meet my expectations? Let’s find out.
Tim Hortons Colombian Coffee Breakdown
1. True Roast: (3/5)
Let’s begin our journey with the first step, which is evaluating the roast of the coffee. From my years of coffee tasting, I’ve learned that the roast can significantly impact a coffee’s flavor profile and the overall experience it offers.
When it comes to Tim Hortons Colombian, the first whiff of the coffee hinted at a robust, hearty aroma characteristic of a dark roast. The brewing process solidified this impression, with the scent intensifying and filling up the room rather pleasantly. This held up in the cup, delivering on its promise of being a dark roast coffee, earning a solid score of 3 out of 5 in the True Roast category.
2. Body: (2/5)
Next up is the body of the coffee, which was where my high hopes began to wane. A dark roast Colombian coffee like this one should ideally exhibit a full-bodied profile. It should feel substantial, almost heavy on the palate. Unfortunately, this was not the case with the Tim Hortons Colombian.
The body felt thin, lacking the weight one would expect from a dark roast coffee. It felt like it wanted to dive into a classic Colombian coffee’s rich, satisfying depths but couldn’t quite get there. This discrepancy led to a score of 2 out of 5.
3. Flavor: (2/5)
Diving deeper into the coffee cup, we’ll examine the flavor, which is crucial in determining whether a coffee experience is unforgettable or mediocre. With Tim Hortons Colombian, the flavor fell into the latter category. It lacked the depth and complexity that make a coffee intriguing and memorable.
While the taste wasn’t offensive, it was more pedestrian than inspiring—simply put, it didn’t sing. Instead of the rich, dark notes typically found in Colombian roasts, it offered a rather flat experience, earning it a 2 out of 5 on the flavor scale.
4. Acidity: (1/5)
One of the most glaring issues with Tim Hortons Colombian coffee was its acidity. While some acidity is desirable in a coffee—giving it that kick or brightness—it should be balanced and not overpowering, particularly in a dark roast.
However, this coffee’s acidity was too pronounced, almost jarring. It carried a sharp, vinegary quality, a stark contrast to the smooth, low acidity we look for in a quality dark roast. This glaring mismatch led to the lowest score of 1 out of 5 in the Acidity category.
5. Aftertaste: (2/5)
The journey doesn’t end when the coffee leaves your mouth. The aftertaste lingers, continuing the coffee experience. It should complement the flavors of the coffee, leaving a pleasant, lingering reminder of the cup you’ve just enjoyed.
Unfortunately, the Tim Hortons Colombian blend didn’t hit the mark here either. Its aftertaste was relatively short-lived and carried a slight bitterness that didn’t add anything positive to the experience. It was neither unpleasant nor memorable, and for this, it received a score of 2 out of 5.
6. Price to Quality Ratio: (4/5)
Despite the less-than-stellar performance in the taste, body, and acidity categories, the Tim Hortons Colombian coffee did shine in one area: price-to-quality ratio.
Coffee enjoyment is a subjective experience, and for the everyday coffee drinker who values cost-effectiveness over a gourmet experience, this coffee could be a worthwhile choice. It provides an okay cup of coffee without breaking the bank, so it earned a solid score of 4 out of 5.
Tim Hortons Colombian Coffee Final Score: 2.3
Taking everything into consideration, the Tim Hortons Colombian blend earns an overall score of 2.3 out of 5. While this coffee is not an absolute no-go, it might not be the best option for someone seeking a rich, full-bodied, dark roast coffee.
Related: Dunkin’ Midnight Coffee
It has its merits, especially when it comes to the price-to-quality ratio, and could serve as an acceptable choice for those on a budget. However, my advice is to explore other options for those seeking a traditional Colombian dark roast experience—complete with low acidity and deep, complex flavors.
The world of coffee is vast and diverse. It’s all about finding the cup that suits your taste buds, preferences, and budget. So, while the Tim Hortons Colombian didn’t quite hit the mark for me, it could be the perfect fit for someone else. The beauty of coffee lies in its diversity and subjective taste, which continues to make each cup, blend, and brewing experience unique.
You might also like: MJB European Roast Ground Coffee Review
