Yes, the in-store Starbucks is once again brewing albeit with a stanchion-ed maze. There were even these new post-COVID19 cups.

This milk coffee gold has been a nice complement to my usual Royal Mills/Ito-en Iced Cappuccino. Not as sweet and heavy but still a nice flavor.

Might have to visit Costco sooner rather than later. And on a related note, how can Target not have any coffee creamer? Not one single bottle of any size or flavor in the refrigerated section. Even the workers confirmed this Rona shortage.

Looking like a typical 12 fl oz can, the contents is only 9.6 fl oz so the can is light and you can tell there’s space inside.

Not very sweet, minimal nitro bubble feel to the drink.

Am I supposed to shake this? The directions on the back say to “Gently tilt can once…”

Nitrogen is on the ingredients list, albeit last.

Consistency is thin and definitely not creamy like an Ito-en canned drink. The entire can is only 45 Calories though.

Cost is high, around $4 per can?? Or was it 2 for $4? I would only get again if it were on sale.

Here’s a quick video of what it sounds like when the can is opened.

I’ll give you a clue. That cup was about half full a few seconds before the picture was taken.

Still stumped? Here’s another clue.

And here are better pictures of this all-too-real myth.

I must say the presentation of the iced version in the clear cup is very attractive.

The only draw back of this drink is how to best experience its flavor. This drink comes with the no-straw lid (the future of all cold Starbucks drinks) so without a straw to mix the cloud with the “ground,” the first few sips are all sweet foam, no espresso. So I gave in, got a straw, and mixed everything together. The drink is pretty good. Nothing exceptionally different from other espresso-based drinks but tasty and looks great. Of course, I need to conduct a few more tests to come to my final disposition of this drink

The drink was okay but nothing memorable. But then again, since I was on the road, I didn’t take a sip for about 10 minutes.

The Starbucks Reserve Roastery location in the Waikiki Trade Center is the only place in all of America where you can order a Haupia Nitro. Yup, that’s a nitro cold brew infused with a coconut blended mixture. The walls of the special Reserve cup are lined with condensed milk (I think), and the finished drink looks like this.

Like any other Nitro cold brew, this drink is amped on caffeine. The taste is kinda strong for my preferences, but the haupia mellows it out overall. This is an expensive libation though, coming in at $6 for a grande, but keep in mind that since there’s no ice added, it’s all unadulterated coffee.

If the Haupia Nitro is not for your palette, be sure to check out the other unique menu items at the only Reserve Roastery in Hawaii.

Or better yet, ask the barista for a recommendation, and let her photobomb her creation for you.

My latest Starbucks obsession is the Nitro Freddo. This drink starts with nitro cold brew on tap. Then it’s topped off with a dark caramel foam and a sprinkle of what looks like Starbucks instant VIA coffee.

Alone, the Nitro Cold Brew is a potent drink – highly caffeinated and all coffee flavor. The Freddo balances the cold brew with that wonderful foam. If possible, don’t savor the drink and let it sit. Drink the layers as is before everything dissolves together and enjoy the waves of flavor.

Unfortunately, this drink is only available at two locations on Oahu – Waikiki and Nuuanu. Yup, the Nitro Cold Brew is only on tap at these two stores. And this drink is expensive with a grande coming in around $5.70. But since the drink has no ice, it’s all Nitro Cold Brew, but it does get lukewarm quickly. Also, this drink has its own special lid made for sipping, not for straws.

It’s foamy on top, and it doesn’t come sweetened or with any kind of milk or cream. According to the barista, it’s the most caffeinated drink on their menu, and I believe it. After a few sips, I started getting a headache that I tend to encounter after too much caffeine throughout the day. But did I feel more awake and alert.

The Nuuanu Shopping Plaza has gotten a resurgence with the arrival of Starbucks. Before whenever I would drive by, the parking lot had some cars, but the smallish lot is now packed with Starbucks patrons I’m guessing. The lot was completely full yesterday afternoon with several cars jockeying for an open stall. But as one of the few Starbucks serving Nitro Cold Brew, you gotta go and make a visit.

Other matcha items I should have tried…

Ah heck, I wish I tried these non-matcha goodies as well…

Missing the different items available in Starbucks Japan…

My canned coffee drink was sadly dumped at Haneda Airport when we had to go through security for a second time. Having gone through security at Hiroshima, I figured it was safe to buy bottled drinks. But when changing to international travel at Haneda, there was another screening with typical restrictions. So there it went. Instead, I conclude this series with a playful artistic cup of my Starbucks Chocolate Cake Frappuccino with Matcha Shot.

Again, I didn’t want a drink that could go bad during the day so bitter black it was.