geek ramblings

A so-so product in a nifty can

Aug 3, 2005

by Dougal Campbell
product

Wolfgang Puck’s Gourmet French Vanilla Latte

★★☆☆☆

This morning, I tried out one of those self-heating coffee drinks, in particular the French Vanilla Latte from Wolfgang Puck. Many geeks have been interested in discussing the can technology, which is simple, yet interesting. But what about the beverage itself?

Okay, before I discuss how the “latte” tastes, let me say this: the self-heating can is pretty cool — er, I mean hot. I followed the instructions, and a few minutes later, I had a beverage hot enough to burn my tongue. I do find it mildly annoying, however, that the first couple of steps require you to start with the can upside-down. I don’t know why that bugs me, but it does. Surely they’ll eventually redesign these things to reduce the acrobatics.

Okay, so I’ve got a hot beverage. How does it taste? Let’s just say that it’s nothing to write home about. In fact, I was pretty disappointed. My overall impression: too watery, too sweet, and a definite “artificial flavor” aftertaste. If I was Douglas Adams, I’d probably describe it as something almost, but not quite entirely, unlike a latte. Sorry, Wolfie, but I’d much rather spend my two bucks on an ice-cold can of Starbucks Doubleshot. It tastes much better, and they have a good ad campaign, to boot.