Starbucks debuts new blend with free tasting

Newport-Mesa’s coffee drinkers got a free treat this morning, as Starbucks provided free 8-ounce samples of its new brew for half an hour beginning at 9 a.m.

The Seattle-based chain created its new brew, Pike Place Roast, after soliciting input from nearly 1,000 customers. The brew features a smoother flavor than the typical Starbucks blend, flavored with dashes of cocoa and toasted nuts, and will remain on the menu indefinitely.

At Starbucks stores around Newport-Mesa, servers offered shots of Pike Place Roast by the cash register and carried trays around the tables. Most of the cups disappeared quickly, although some customers said the heavily promoted brew didn’t taste much different than the regular one.

“It’s a little lighter,” said Liz Shickler of Corona, who stopped at the Starbucks at Harbor Boulevard and Adams Avenue. “It’s not very strong.”

MICHAEL MILLER may be reached at (714) 966-4617 or at michael.miller@latimes.com.