Fast Fiction

First of all, I have to state that I like McDonald’s. For certain things anyway. I know, some of my dear readers think that I’m a Prius-driving, vegetarian, whale-hugging econut. That’s not exactly true.

Sure, I like natural fibers and I drive an efficient car. I like to buy fair trade products. But I also like egg mcmuffins (no meat though).

I’ve also enjoyed thousands of cups of McDonald’s coffee over the years. I like their coffee. It’s a little weak, but it’s cheap and as long as you go during peak hours it’s always freshly brewed. I’m not a coffee snob. And I don’t drink “coffee drinks” (the occasional latte, but never flavored or whipped or anything).

Now McDonald’s is offering Premium Roast (in selected areas). And you know what? It’s good. No, really.

First, they’ve changed the cups. McDonald’s used to offer coffee in styro cups, which on top of being noisy always made things taste a little plasticky. They’ve gone to paper cups (and little protective sleeves for delicate fingers). They also abandoned the white plastic lids where you had to open them for sipping. They’ve gone to the standard black grown-up sippy-cup top.

Next, they put good coffee in. I don’t know what they’ve changed, but it’s definitely a stronger brew, with a good full taste to it, not too bitter or burnt. I’ve never really cared for Starbucks. It’s consistent to be sure, but has always tasted like brewed pencil shavings to me. This McDonalds brew tastes the like smell of coffee, which is what I always like. The smell of fresh brewed coffee and the taste to back it up.

My morning cup will still be the stuff I get from the cafe on the lot here, branded Mocha Kiss (Coffee to the Stars!), mostly because of the consistency and convenience. But this is a great plus to my weekly McMuffin (no meat). Not only that, but they’ve got a special going right now, free 12 oz cup with any breakfast sandwich. I usually get a value meal for $3.39 (and don’t eat the hash browns) because it’s cheaper than buying a cup of coffee and sandwich. Now I’m only spending $2.25 and getting EXACTLY what I want. Really, it is a good value.