What Is Starbucks Reserve?

We've begun hearing more and more about Starbucks Reserve coffees recently. But what is Starbucks Reserve, exactly?

As is often the case when "reserve" is tacked on after a brand name, Starbucks Reserve was made to be the top of the line. "Of the thousands [of coffees] we encounter, only a precious few are deemed exceptional enough to become Starbucks Reserve coffees," the company states on their website. "These intriguing offerings are only available for limited times at select stores."

29 Reserve coffees are currently available, according to the site, with exotic names including Burundi Ngozi, Sumatra Blue Batak, and Zambia Peaberry Terranova Estate. Clearly an effort to attempt to compete with more upscale single-origin roasters like Blue Bottle, these "exotic, rare, and exquisite" coffees also carry a higher price tag.

Starbucks has also opened their first Starbucks Reserve Roastery and Tasting Room in Seattle, a "one-of-a-kind coffee shrine" where you can purchase fresh-roasted Reserve coffee, unique accessories, as well as bags of coffee beans; those coffee beans can also be purchased online.