New Brew on the Block

By Lisa McLaughlin

What's a doughnut without a good cup of coffee? That's what the makers of Krispy Kreme doughnuts have finally decided: they are now offering four blends of coffee--Smooth, Rich, Bold and Robust Decaf--both by the cup in their shops and in bags to take home. In an effort to create a coffee as addictive as its glazed treats, Krispy Kreme barrel-roasts all the blends daily in small batches. We asked a panel of eight coffee aficionados to compare one of Krispy Kreme's new coffees with house blends of its most prominent coffee and doughnut rivals:

Krispy Kreme: $9.99 for a 1-lb. bag. The newcomer was the winner with most of our tasters, who praised the Mellow & Mild Smooth blend for its "solid, smooth taste" and "great smell." The dissenters complained of an aftertaste and wished for a bolder flavor.

Starbucks: $9.95. The mild house blend placed second with our tasters, who liked the "slightly tangy, full flavor."

Dunkin' Donuts: $5.99. The original blend was tops with two of our tasters, who thought it was the smoothest brew, but most found it "a little bitter" and thought the taste was "blah and funky." --L.McL.