Starbucks Milano Duetto celebrates its commitment to coffee and craft

While some people just push a button and anxiously count the minutes till the hot, brown liquid fills the mug, others parse every bean before it is ground, steeped, and savored. For coffee drinkers who thirst for a sophisticated beverage, the new Starbucks Milano Duetto celebrates roastings’ influence on coffee’s flavor.

Arriving on International Coffee Day, Starbucks Milano Duetto blend is a new concept for the brand. As the name suggests, there are two blends, a light and dark. While the beans are sourced from Colombia and Sumatra, it is the dual roasting techniques that showcase how the same bean can be transformed in dramatically different ways.

Specifically, there is Starbucks Milano Sole and Starbucks Milano Luna. The “Sole” is a light roast and the “Luna” is a dark roast. Both blends use the same beans, but the roasting time, and resulting flavor, is quite different.

As Sergio Alvarez, a 15-year partner employee and coffee developer who was part of the team that crafted Starbucks Milano Duetto said, "The best way to understand the nuances and the effect roasting has on the coffee creation process is to compare the same blend roasted two different ways. Our hope is that after tasting these coffees, our partners and customers are inspired, and perhaps have that ‘aha’ moment that many baristas have when tasting coffee. The moment where one wants to learn more.”

While the same beans are used in both offerings, the two coffees are quite different. For coffee drinkers who appreciate coffee culture, this special duality conversation could expand their appreciation the craftsmanship in each roast.

The Starbucks Milano Sole, a light roast, is approach, almost easy drinking. While the acidity is quite apparent, the medium body coffee has sweetness. A touch of pomegranate and some creamy vanilla custard contrast with the warmth from nutmeg. It feels cozy even if the combination is slightly unfamiliar.

The Starbucks Milano Luna, a dark roast, is bold, robust coffee that is reminiscent of traditional Starbucks coffees. While it has low acidity, the flavor is rich. From the dark chocolate truffle to the roasted black walnut, this coffee is the one that demands attention.

The Starbucks Milano Duetto, Sole and Luna, will be the featured light and dark roast in Starbucks stores. Additionally, the two coffee offerings can be purchased as whole bean coffee.