Peet’s Holiday Blend for Christmas

While the debate rages on over “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays,” trying to be more and more politically correct without offending anyone other than those who are offended over the loss of “Christmas,” we are, indeed, blessed with Peet’s Holiday Blend.

While this delicious Holiday Blend is presented in a beautifully bright red shiny bag, getting us all festive for the season (whatever we’re calling it), as is the Starbucks Christmas Blend, the difference lies in the beans chosen for the mixes, if you will.

Both amalgamates boast Latin American and Indonesian beans, though Peet’s added a surprising layer of complexity with East African coffee as well. The result is a beautifully juicy, mouth-watering, balanced gift in a mug. It’s dark, but not smoky. It’s light enough to have a brightness to it, yet without a hint of being highly acidic. They’ve done it again – luscious and juicy, in spite of the ages Sumatra it contains.

Meanwhile, Starbucks Christmas Blend, lingering with aged Sumatran earthiness, celebrates its 30^th birthday. For a roast that’s heavy, dark, and smoky, the Latin American beans add complexity, but in no way vie for predominance. Christmas Blend is also offered in Blonde Roast, which remains nutty and light, and Espresso Roast, roasted even darker than the “traditional” Christmas Blend.

This season, the Christmas Blend will pair up nicely with chocolate cake or cinnamon rolls. Anything rich and buttery will be awesome as well.

At the same time, Peet’s Holiday Blend, also offered in decaf and K-cups, will be a first place winner served alongside blueberry scones.

Maybe your choice depends on whether you celebrate “Christmas” or “The Holidays.” Perhaps it’s dependant on taste. Still, for some, it’s all about what’s being served.

Maybe it’s because I prefer the taste of Peet’s Blend. Likely, it’s because I bake entirely too many scones. My family won’t drink coffee that “tastes like rubber,” which is how they’d define this year’s Christmas Blend. Regardless, it’s all in spite of the fact that “The Holidays” are abhorrent to me, as a replacement for “Christmas.”

Yet, the fact of the matter remains: I will be taking the coffee out of the bag to brew it. I can celebrate my choice of holiday regardless of the coffee (as can you).

I prefer one over the other. And so it is that this Christmas, I’ll be serving Peet’s Holiday Blend.