Starbucks’ Muan Jai Blend is a blend of beans mostly from Thailand, complemented with other beans from around Southeast Asia.

The Muan Jai Blend is a medium-bodied coffee with nice, balanced acidity. Now here’s the thing about it that really got me: when I read the packaging and it said “peppery”, I wasn’t expecting it to literally taste like black pepper! I though maybe it’d be a complementary flavor or something, but no; drinking the brew from these beans seems almost like you’re drinking a beverage extracted from black pepper, but with the mouthfeel and texture of coffee. It’s quite something!

The peppery flavor is bold and immediately prominent; it’s the most defined flavor, though not overpoweringly so. It is complemented by very subtle spice undertones that may not be easily apparent unless one pays close attention while drinking. It finishes with a subtle, earthy flavor and texture that lingers for a few seconds before quickly and cleanly disappearing.

In conclusion

Simply put, Starbuck’s Muan Jai Blend is a nice, simple, and smooth drinking experience. One could say that it brings some novelty to the table, if you will; it’s certainly an entertaining cup, to say the least.

I’d definitely say that the Muan Jai Blend is deserving of your attention – I’m just not sure if it’s the kind of coffee that one would want to have on an extended basis, once the novelty of its flavor wears off. The Muan Jai Blend is on limited stock, currently available at most Starbucks stores.