I Am Defeated: The End Of Weird Coffee Reviews

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  • Опубликовано: 7 окт 2024
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Комментарии • 913

  • @jameshoffmann
    @jameshoffmann  4 года назад +1093

    You have all spoken and I have listened. The series will be on pause until I publish my own coffee soda recipe. (Other programming will continue, of course. The first video next week should please fans of this series...)

    • @adolfomartinezmontenegro4844
      @adolfomartinezmontenegro4844 4 года назад +7

      Ohhhh boy 🤦‍♂️

    • @Ucambulas
      @Ucambulas 4 года назад +8

      I mean do tonic/espresso or cold brew coffee/tonic

    • @jameshoffmann
      @jameshoffmann  4 года назад +59

      That's a separate video I'm working on.

    • @vagabondwastrel2361
      @vagabondwastrel2361 4 года назад +27

      Just wait for when you get sent durian coffee.

    • @Tenelia
      @Tenelia 4 года назад +12

      I'm giggling madly at 10pm. Thanks random internet folks.

  • @TheSilentFool
    @TheSilentFool 4 года назад +809

    When you said "hand brewed" I imagined some poor assembly line worker just holding coffee grounds in his hands, sobbing as someone pours boiling water over them. Hand brewed is truly the patrician's method, aeropress BTFO

    • @shatteredmatrixincorporate8755
      @shatteredmatrixincorporate8755 4 года назад +15

      I am glad i am not alone

    • @JohnEisenman
      @JohnEisenman 4 года назад

      @@shatteredmatrixincorporate8755 Local SF chain, Philz always called their coffee drinks "hand crafted" or similar. I think it means they make one coffee drink at a time and use some kind of hand pour over (also pouring back and forth to mix in cream for some drinks). www.tampabay.com/news/business/retail/slow-coffee-wave-spreads-fast/1250405/

    • @shatteredmatrixincorporate8755
      @shatteredmatrixincorporate8755 4 года назад +6

      @@JohnEisenman i mean more im glad im not alone in imagining some poor dude holding grounds well boiling water was poured into their hands.

    • @commentingisawasteoftime7195
      @commentingisawasteoftime7195 3 года назад +5

      What you imagined sounds like a Simpsons joke

    • @sonoftherighthand1843
      @sonoftherighthand1843 3 года назад +2

      I laughed so hard just now

  • @UkuleleNinjaMan12
    @UkuleleNinjaMan12 4 года назад +1619

    Does anyone else want to see James make his own coffee soda? 🥤☕️🤔

    • @AndyGait
      @AndyGait 4 года назад +20

      Yep. That seems like the perfect logical step. If everything else is so bad, then we need James Hoffman series of creating his own.

    • @dewrunning
      @dewrunning 4 года назад +2

      I thought the same thing ! We “Yanks” need something better ;-)

    • @jameshoffmann
      @jameshoffmann  4 года назад +229

      Your wish...

    • @EnnPeeCee
      @EnnPeeCee 4 года назад +3

      🖐 🙋‍♀️
      I do!!!

    • @SamwiseOutdoors
      @SamwiseOutdoors 4 года назад

      I bet that it would be brilliant.

  • @JKenjiLopezAlt
    @JKenjiLopezAlt 3 года назад +304

    As a New Yorker I find Manhattan Special also kinda revolting yet it has a special weird nostalgic and prideful place in my heart that makes it hurt to hear anyone but another New Yorker criticize it, no matter how fair the criticism. It has taste memories of the burnt coffee you’d could get food trucks, bagel shops, and corner bodegas growing up.
    Also for a future weird coffee review, try La Colombe’s canned lemon iced nitro cold brew which sounded weird but I found quite refreshing and delightful.

    • @thedeathstar420
      @thedeathstar420 3 года назад +5

      Love your channel Kenji ❤️

    • @RedRoverTW
      @RedRoverTW 3 года назад +3

      La Colombe is legit coming from a Philadelphia / New York guy.

    • @ryubot4000
      @ryubot4000 3 года назад +7

      Yup. I agree with everything the man said. But he is entirely wrong. I love Manhattan Special, but I'd probably pay not to drink it. It's like diner coffee, objectively bad, but in context it works.
      I'm also pretty sure the 32oz bottles only exist so your aunt can bring them by at holidays.

    • @davidmckean955
      @davidmckean955 Год назад

      I like that other big RUclipsrs will sometimes get into RUclips channels and watch all their videos too

  • @Arnogorter
    @Arnogorter 4 года назад +762

    Nooooo James, you have to do these! Your suffering is our entertainment!

  • @IndiTheBull
    @IndiTheBull 4 года назад +494

    Love the sophistication of James and then out of nowhere "who is smashing 32 fl. Oz. Of this?" xD

    • @jameshoffmann
      @jameshoffmann  4 года назад +124

      I mean, who is this for?!

    • @IndiTheBull
      @IndiTheBull 4 года назад +8

      @@jameshoffmann sadists perhaps?

    • @zoeyloco
      @zoeyloco 4 года назад +6

      Truck drivers I reckon 🤣

    • @damfadd
      @damfadd 4 года назад

      @@IndiTheBull with no palette

    • @auralynn3862
      @auralynn3862 4 года назад +2

      @@zoeyloco too fancy for truck drivers, innit?

  • @DeceptionOfTheState
    @DeceptionOfTheState 4 года назад +448

    'I've got nothing left but eugch.'
    James Hoffman, 2019

    • @TomPywell
      @TomPywell 4 года назад +14

      "I'm out of words. I'm into sounds."

    • @maciej-36
      @maciej-36 4 года назад +3

      W don't watch those reviews for the actual review of the product, we watch it because it's good content watching who will manage to find worst coffee product. ;D

    • @craigbryant9925
      @craigbryant9925 4 года назад +1

      This was him predicting 2020.

    • @leonardpearlman4017
      @leonardpearlman4017 4 года назад +2

      And then he takes another sip! This is dedication. I was impressed, and cringing a little.

    • @richard-8710
      @richard-8710 4 года назад

      And he goes for another swig ???

  • @anggasatya69
    @anggasatya69 4 года назад +506

    *James start smelling
    "Oh no.. oh dear.."
    THIS GONNA BE GEWD!!

  • @segamble1679
    @segamble1679 4 года назад +167

    I'm still holding out for the James Hoffman "oh no" mug or shirt that someone suggested.

  • @mr_glasses
    @mr_glasses 4 года назад +383

    So, I guess the next, most obvious step is to create your own... right? Show 'em how it's done, boss!

    • @jameshoffmann
      @jameshoffmann  4 года назад +83

      It's on!

    • @springfieldleo6184
      @springfieldleo6184 4 года назад +1

      Can't wait

    • @mr_glasses
      @mr_glasses 4 года назад +2

      @@jameshoffmann woohoo! Looking forward to this... Also would he fun to see your reactions to your potentially failed attempts... Assuming there are any.

    • @zbsfm
      @zbsfm 4 года назад

      @@jameshoffmann oh shit!!! psyched for that!

    • @flipperdapriest
      @flipperdapriest 4 года назад

      Eric Gunderson boss coffee is already trademarked

  • @ianhu7755
    @ianhu7755 4 года назад +112

    “I drink these so you don’t have to.” This is great community work you are doing James, we appreciate your service

    • @Nightmark2
      @Nightmark2 4 года назад

      "Nostalgia Critic of drinks, it's that you ?" xD

  • @HairySon92
    @HairySon92 4 года назад +553

    Video idea: you get people to brew you the cup of coffee they drink every morning, and you rate it.

    • @davidf2244
      @davidf2244 4 года назад +57

      Yes! And then he coaches them through making coffee with their favorite method using only tools they already have and sees if they like it better :O

    • @ramflyer1899
      @ramflyer1899 4 года назад +16

      *and you hate it.

    • @ExplicableCashew
      @ExplicableCashew 4 года назад +19

      And slowly turn into Gordon Ramsey

    • @craigbryant9925
      @craigbryant9925 4 года назад +3

      I'm watching this a few months after it was published. Social distancing, even full on lockdown is totally a thing and I read this comment thinking HA! How different things were just mere months ago.

    • @BenQuigley
      @BenQuigley 4 года назад +1

      Yes, this!!!!

  • @rajcherukuri6040
    @rajcherukuri6040 4 года назад +283

    Remember it's delicious because it won a gold medal

    • @JayFunningham
      @JayFunningham 4 года назад +16

      I immediately asked myself "Gold medal in what? In competition with whom?". What's the standard of competition here?

    • @EnnPeeCee
      @EnnPeeCee 4 года назад +1

      Jordan Cunningham good question

    • @Can_Driver
      @Can_Driver 4 года назад +1

      @@JayFunningham Neatest correct entry with a stamped self-addressed envelope.

    • @mobile_vic
      @mobile_vic 4 года назад +3

      @@JayFunningham I don't think they told anyone else they were having a contest...

    • @JeffDvrx
      @JeffDvrx 4 года назад +2

      The gold medal itself probably tastes better that the contents of that bottle lol

  • @JeffStarr
    @JeffStarr 4 года назад +24

    Harsh! As a New Yorker who has walked past the Manhattan Special factory a million times smelling fresh coffee and hearing the glass bottles jingle on conveyer belts I have a nostalgic fondness for this soda. The first time I didn't care for it either, but trust me it grows on you. I've found that freshness makes a big difference in flavor so I would be curious to know how old that 32 oz bottle was. It needs to be served cold and then poured over ice. You will get better fizz and a thick "crema" layer for a nice textural feel. The coldness changes the flavor profile. As the ice melts the drink dilutes and it will hit a peak moment before it becomes too watery. I'm still glad to see you tried it. I really enjoy your channel. You have helped my home espresso brewing a lot. Cheers!

  • @28MalMan
    @28MalMan 4 года назад +95

    Thanks Mr. Hoffmann.
    Who is smashing 32oz of this!? 😂
    Please keep these reviews going. It's just fun.

  • @godnaut
    @godnaut 4 года назад +76

    Please keep doing these!
    They are way too much fun to watch.

  • @MarcellusPye
    @MarcellusPye 4 года назад +17

    My great great grandfather invented Manhattan Special. Growing up in NY, I got the impression many middle-age or older men of Italian descent were aware of the existence of the beverage, though I dont know how many had actually tried it. I myself never have; the last time I was in NY I tried to get some, but the deli I went to stopped stocking it as the last several cases they purchased had arrived flat. My Grandfather told me his grandfather left the business for personal reasons way back when, maybe that was a good thing lol.

    • @jdmarino
      @jdmarino Год назад

      It was my great grandfather that invented it and I love it! When I was young it came in 7 oz bottles.

  • @mulciberus
    @mulciberus 4 года назад +8

    Loud and proud, indeed. I'm a multi-generational NY'er who grew up on this beverage. I haven't had one in years, but to be honest, watching you drink it set off a craving in me. But to be clear, growing up I never confused it with coffee, which I love (why else would I be here?) It was just a super-sweet, weird, bold flavor that rang my taste buds. For those who are familiar, it actually tastes closer to Russian kvass than coffee. Even before your brilliant reviews (please don't stop) I knew that any such attempt to capture coffee's flavor in another beverage was doomed to failure. Doesn't detract from the pleasure of watching you prove it. Thank you.

  • @nibaljbn8572
    @nibaljbn8572 4 года назад +361

    Writing "delicious" on the bottle is not confident, it's a massive red flag.

    • @jameshoffmann
      @jameshoffmann  4 года назад +169

      In hindsight, you are clearly correct.

    • @ryansmith8
      @ryansmith8 4 года назад +14

      @@jameshoffmann They shouldn't have to tell you their beverage is delicious, the product should speak for itself when you drink it.

    • @somefreshbread
      @somefreshbread 4 года назад +10

      "PREMIUM"

    • @roblucchetti2993
      @roblucchetti2993 4 года назад +1

      I've tried it, it's a HUGE Brooklyn thing...i don't get it.

    • @andrewthomasestrada
      @andrewthomasestrada 4 года назад

      Tried one today. It was actually quite delicious 👌🏼

  • @tomgwerzman3644
    @tomgwerzman3644 4 года назад +78

    4:12 James is channeling some serious disappointed dad vibes over here XD

    • @icedefence3119
      @icedefence3119 4 года назад +3

      This hit a little too close to home.

  • @TomPywell
    @TomPywell 4 года назад +213

    Can you attempt to make an actually good coffee soda beverage? That would be a good mini-series and challenge coming from your background.

    • @jamesring6947
      @jamesring6947 4 года назад +2

      Tom Pywell big yes

    • @xNarwhalxUprisingx
      @xNarwhalxUprisingx 4 года назад +1

      Matchlessss

    • @corwinblack4072
      @corwinblack4072 4 года назад +1

      Just try espresso tonic and you will know how it can taste.
      Its not hard to make good taste coffee soda. It might be hard to make it so it can last some time. Actually, I guess I will try it. :D

    • @NorexGG
      @NorexGG 4 года назад +1

      Manhattan Special is an actually good coffee soda. (My opinion is biased since I'm from NY and drink this more than coke).

    • @CyberMachine
      @CyberMachine 4 года назад

      Coca cola has one. It's only sold in asia but very good

  • @ConnorNolanTech
    @ConnorNolanTech 2 года назад +4

    every time I drink a Manhattan Special: *sip* "I have no idea if I love this or hate it" *keeps drinking it until I'm out* "guess I need to buy another so I can figure out if I hate this or not"
    and then that just keeps happening.

  • @jackywchen
    @jackywchen 4 года назад +8

    "Just slams me in the face with this bitter harsh unpleasant, just no good bad yick coffee"
    You know what that sounds exactly like typical NYC coffee before mid-2000s. So they got that going for them.

  • @perryroobay
    @perryroobay 4 года назад +27

    "C R E O S O T E "
    😂🤣😂💀
    I legit snorted. Thank you +James Hoffmann

  • @joemamaisfat
    @joemamaisfat 4 года назад +50

    The look of defeat in your eyes just says everything😂

  • @clericneokun
    @clericneokun 4 года назад +24

    Speaking of that poster, I really hope you do a part 2 of your espresso history video.

  • @Juju_Miner
    @Juju_Miner 4 года назад +56

    Your coffee scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.

    • @grantous67
      @grantous67 4 года назад +2

      10 Goldbums out of a possible 10 Goldblums

  • @MrKachannie
    @MrKachannie 4 года назад +2

    This guy is just awesome, I love that he answers a lot of comments an really does videos about things people are interested in. Love your work James ♥️

  • @PaulEtherton
    @PaulEtherton 4 года назад +37

    What about a coffee stout?
    Siren "Broken Dream" is genuinely delicious.

    • @hjelliottca
      @hjelliottca 4 года назад +6

      A local brewery near me does a cappuccino stout and it's actually delicious. Thinking I should buy one tonight now that you mention it.

    • @sethgz420
      @sethgz420 4 года назад +1

      Bent river brewery has a uncommon coffee stout and a java stout that is to die for🤤

    • @MichielStegen
      @MichielStegen 4 года назад +1

      Stouts are defined by the roasted barley in them, which, for a lot of people, remind them of the tarmac taste in badly roasted coffee. At least for me I haven't had any nice or new craft beer brews because of this

    • @sethgz420
      @sethgz420 4 года назад

      SuperBearBro I had a couple of their coffee stouts. Not bad but I feel they are over done. I like Brent River cause they have a coffee taste but it’s a a good taste not harsh

    • @damfadd
      @damfadd 4 года назад

      @@MichielStegen porters?

  • @angelabuenafeYT
    @angelabuenafeYT 4 года назад

    @jameshoffmann this is probably one of my favorite videos of yours:
    1. Very entertaining, a lighter / playful and more relatable side of most of your videos. Though probably not for all time, i love the spontaneity of this particular video.
    2. Same set but somehow the lighting , sounds , generally the whole feel of the video is very relaxing.
    Im saying this because i really want contents like this.

  • @juuush
    @juuush 4 года назад +3

    Hey James, at the cafe I work at I've been making what I believe to be what the "Manhattan Special" is trying to achieve. I've been making a kind of mild iced long black with soda water and a touch of sugar. It's pretty simple: single shot (double ristretto works well, too) over a glass full of ice, topped with soda water. You can carbonate it yourself if you have the means to get way more pop than any bottle-bought soda water can provide, and you can sweeten it to your personal taste (without any sugar it's pretty un-refreshing). I'd recommand a hint of vanilla in there too if you're game to experiment. It ends up being oddly refreshing, and very light on the palate thanks to the cold and the fizz.

  • @SimpleIdeaz
    @SimpleIdeaz 3 года назад +1

    I'm from Brooklyn and this is the best stuff ever!! But I also grew up with it

  • @dewrunning
    @dewrunning 4 года назад +25

    My daughter found this channel James. She said you and I must have been separated at birth :-o Seems I’m not the only one with “discerning” taste, a preponderance of facial expressions, and a quick wit ...... I’m now a subscriber :-) thank you for your passion, the world needs more of it !!!!

  • @AmanPatelPlus
    @AmanPatelPlus 3 года назад +1

    The whole point of these videos is to see your beautiful reaction when you first sip the stuff. It's priceless! Keep it coming!

  • @RannXXV
    @RannXXV 2 года назад +4

    This was an extra special dose of the "James insists on drinking bad things" where he keeps edging it towards his mouth but can't quite get it there because he's not done saying how awful it is yet.

  • @4ll3sb4n4n3
    @4ll3sb4n4n3 3 года назад +2

    3:59 This reminds me so much of Star Trek Generations when Data asks for a drink and says: "I hate this. It is revolting." "More?" "Please!" XD

  • @smoothoperator9901
    @smoothoperator9901 4 года назад +9

    “Ugh... creosote. It’s like tarmac.”
    LMAO... I’m dying. Welcome to meme country. 🇬🇧

  • @danielpace3163
    @danielpace3163 4 года назад +1

    You have a big fan base in Australia, we love your video’s down here, my Sunday morning routine isn’t complete without watching your videos whilst brewing and drinking my coffee at home 🙏🏻

  • @NLLHW
    @NLLHW 4 года назад +8

    I live for that first "oh no" in each of these videos.

  • @hamishsandison
    @hamishsandison 4 года назад +2

    I actually love these reviews so much. I would love a "James reviews everything" series where he branches away from just coffee related products haha

  • @AdamHHI
    @AdamHHI 3 года назад +12

    Every reaction shot deserves to be made into it's own reaction gif. With best hits like 2:52 "long sigh", 4:11 "no, NO", 4:37 "who are you ??", and 4:43 "I don't get it, I just don't get it at all"

  • @iamaseal6604
    @iamaseal6604 3 года назад +1

    Haha glad to see Manhattan special again. Born and raised in NYC and I have Italian American relatives-so this means I grew up with Manhattan Special in my childhood.
    Personally, I love manhattan special. But I guess it’s the nostalgia talking haha. Fun vid :)

  • @ericchandler90
    @ericchandler90 4 года назад +9

    Just keep drinking till you're addicted. Creosote is an acquired taste.

  • @muhammadiq
    @muhammadiq 4 года назад +2

    Please don't make this Coffee reviews show end James, I LOVE it....

  • @liamvictor
    @liamvictor 4 года назад +30

    Have you ever tried brewing a decent coffee and then carbonating it? I wonder if a cold brew + soda stream type thing might work better.

    • @michael.burman
      @michael.burman 4 года назад

      Isn't this what Starbucks is selling? The nitro something. I tried it, I didn't like it - and I didn't understand the point. It's like the waterish cold brew that's sold everywhere in US, but then there's bubbles and "foam" that add nothing to the taste.

    • @TheEmeraldboy100
      @TheEmeraldboy100 4 года назад

      What about replacing regular water with carbonated water?

    • @CrimsonStrider
      @CrimsonStrider 4 года назад +4

      That's basically nitro cold brew.
      I've had one really good one at a Starbucks that probably "did it wrong". It was carbonated perfectly. Reminded me very much of Guiness or a dark beer.
      Every other nitro brew I've had was "flat" even though I was assured it was done "correctly".
      So YMMV. I've had literally one good nitro brew and a bunch of meh. But that good one also happened to be my first one. So it's sort of stuck with me

    • @mamaharumi
      @mamaharumi 4 года назад +1

      @@TheEmeraldboy100 people do that with moka pot for a faux crema. The carbonation doesn't stick around after heat is applied.

    • @mamaharumi
      @mamaharumi 4 года назад +1

      @@michael.burman Its more akin to a beer carbonation rather than soda. It's about mouthfeel not necessarily flavor. Its not bad but I dont care for it.

  • @DERIKTHEGENERAL
    @DERIKTHEGENERAL 4 года назад +1

    There was a good coffee soda here in New Zealand which unfortunately has been discontinued. It was called strange brew and was made with cold brew, and had a lemon flavor too. It was great! They also had blood orange and ginger variants.

  • @BassWhiz92
    @BassWhiz92 4 года назад +9

    As a first generation Italian-American New Yorker, I love my espresso.
    That being said, I love my Manhattan Special because it's not about being a true "coffee soda." I can understand your reaction; it's popularity must be a New York thing.

    • @mommachupacabra
      @mommachupacabra 3 года назад

      How is it over ice cream, like in a float?

  • @salvatorefrisina5959
    @salvatorefrisina5959 4 года назад

    Every pizza/sub shop in Staten Island had this in their fridge when I was growing up. It’s a strange combination, but I love Manhattan Special to wash down an Italian sub on semolina bread. Your tasting notes may be right, but it’s all nostalgia for me!

  • @Lastprogramer
    @Lastprogramer 4 года назад +45

    I live in New York, this has been my favorite soda since I was a child, it's great in a float with vanilla ice cream, and I've learned the colder you can get it the more delicious it is! hands down my favorite carbonated beverage. I'm honestly surprised you don't like it, I started typing before you took a sip lmao.
    honestly try it over vanilla ice cream, even my friends who don't like it enjoy that!
    edit: bitter and harsh, just like New York!
    I still think you're out of your mind, tho, you expect a perfect coffee flavor, but Americans love a bitter coffee, for some goddamn reason. I'm not a coffee drinker, but I'll drink a 32 oz of this any day!

    • @samx36
      @samx36 4 года назад +4

      Bitter and harsh are the New Yorker way! I love this when I absolutely need a caffeine punch asap but don't hate myself with red bull or the others.

    • @ariellenathanson1640
      @ariellenathanson1640 4 года назад +1

      I too really like this. I grew up in NY and I can only assume I love it because nostalgia.

    • @LouisHansell
      @LouisHansell 4 года назад

      Where do you buy it?

    • @Lastprogramer
      @Lastprogramer 4 года назад +2

      @@LouisHansell since I literally live in New York I can get it at 2/5 local gas stations, and I'm upstate. If you're not in NY, or maybe a hipster-y city with enough newyorker in it for the pizza to be crispy, you probably gotta order it online.

    • @samx36
      @samx36 4 года назад +2

      @@LouisHansell I usually get them at Italian Bodegas. Benny's in Ridgewood Queens almost always had them in regular and decaf.

  • @teddvidler6830
    @teddvidler6830 4 года назад +1

    I have to hand it to you James. Your reaction to the scent alone was priceless. On my occasional trips south I will make certain that I pass on that one. Thanks for your honesty. Love your recipes on brewing app.

  • @SeraphimKnight
    @SeraphimKnight 4 года назад +31

    Try Fernwood's Coffee Cream Soda. I've seen quite a few coffee nerds love it so maybe that'll be the one.
    ...then again you don't like cold brew so maybe you won't like that either

  • @increiblepelotudo
    @increiblepelotudo 3 года назад +1

    Fun facts, as a native NYer, the true enjoyment is achieved by heavy doses of suspension of disbelief (makes me feel like I'm living in the 1920s when I have one) also, the Manhattan in Manhattan Special means Manhattan Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

  • @cararose720
    @cararose720 4 года назад +6

    ...eventually I am expecting James will no longer wish us a good day at the end of the video. He will wish us a day filled with frustration and lies, not unlike this beverage.

  • @camillecady-mccrea690
    @camillecady-mccrea690 4 года назад +2

    Espresso and tonic water is as close to a good coffee soda I’ve gotten. I adore everything about this channel, James.

  • @dmytrosurname1609
    @dmytrosurname1609 4 года назад +4

    I tried something like that in Italy, in Calabria
    I believe it's nearly the same. It has really funny taste. It's terrible but somehow i drank the bottle. But you cannot drink all of it in a matter of seconds bcs after few sips you hate it
    But when time passes and you forget the taste, somehow you want to drink again. Idk maybe its just me

  • @beepboopsloane
    @beepboopsloane 4 года назад +1

    I may be the crazy one but I LOVE Manhattan special! But I also love Italian bitter drinks like chinotto and Campari soda.

  • @olivtrees8749
    @olivtrees8749 4 года назад +14

    I've lived in NYC my whole life- born and raised and I've never seen or even heard of this drink.

    • @kaiwilliams1613
      @kaiwilliams1613 4 года назад +7

      They make it in Williamsburg and I think all the bodegas around there are required by law to carry it. They must be, because god knows no one buys it more than once.

    • @jeanniefromtahini5197
      @jeanniefromtahini5197 4 года назад +1

      Yeah, I lived in the city for 15 years (most of it in Brooklyn). Never saw this.

    • @jeanniefromtahini5197
      @jeanniefromtahini5197 4 года назад

      @@kaiwilliams1613 lol!

    • @samx36
      @samx36 4 года назад

      I grew up in Ridgewood, the Italian family bodegas had them. Dad loved them and eventually so did I.

  • @TubeSomeYou
    @TubeSomeYou 4 года назад

    Please keep these up - they are so entertaining. And you are the reason I stepped up my coffee brewing.

  • @maccompatible
    @maccompatible 4 года назад +8

    *In this video, James Hoffman shouts at a cup of bad coffee soda.

  • @kcb5150
    @kcb5150 4 года назад +2

    I have been around that stuff my whole life here in NYC. You may have just got a gnarly bottle. It's really not bad at all, but I suspect it doesn't travel well... I find it is best in the tiny bottles with the real sugar. When you pour it out the creamy foam can be overbearing, the bottle sort of contains it. It has to be as cold as you can make it without crystallization forming. They make tremendous cream soda and sarsaparilla as well. If you are ever here in the city and anything is left in business by then, buy a small bottle fresh here and you will probably have a better experience.

    • @andrewthomasestrada
      @andrewthomasestrada 4 года назад +2

      Just had one the small bottles earlier today, and I genuinely enjoyed it. I'd seen James had negatively reviewed a coffee soda, and I was pretty surprised to find that it was the same one I tried!

    • @kcb5150
      @kcb5150 4 года назад +1

      @@andrewthomasestrada idk why but it isn't as good in the larger bottle. It should not make a difference but it does.

  • @jasonreardon8620
    @jasonreardon8620 4 года назад +9

    I'm starting to think all these coffee drink recommendations that you're getting are just group trolling efforts.

  • @ijimpattison
    @ijimpattison 4 года назад +1

    The comments that James makes brought me to tears !! I have no words only sounds

  • @luizantonio9076
    @luizantonio9076 4 года назад +13

    I’m waiting for the Ultimate Aeropress Recipe !!

    • @karelbooysen3604
      @karelbooysen3604 4 года назад

      ruclips.net/video/pDznkxkdg2E/видео.html
      The best I could get..

  • @dysgregulated
    @dysgregulated 4 года назад +2

    "People, apparently, are really into this right now. But it's not good!" - man, this is how I feel about 90% of stuff other people have told me is good.

  • @unknownmemoirs
    @unknownmemoirs 4 года назад +21

    Please keep doing this. I enjoy your... suffering.

  • @jacobp.6973
    @jacobp.6973 Год назад

    Native NY’er here. As a kid I had a MASSIVE bottle of this in the fridge (this plus half&half sent me to adult heaven). Something must have bumped into the temperature dial and set it to ice cold, causing the giant glass bottle to explode, filling the fridge with shards and Manhattan special. Still love it and drink it regularly

  • @suwashack4503
    @suwashack4503 4 года назад +6

    I truly enjoy watching James torture himself with these hellish beverages.
    i'm not a sociopath i promise

  • @argmooner6524
    @argmooner6524 4 года назад

    Manhattan Special came in small glass bottles . We have loved it very much for a long time . Once they moved the company ,changed the bottle and began with a diet version it was all downhill. There was never a 32oz. bottle back in the old days. Granted, we never knew coffee the way you do . Nor were we able to search the taste as you can . Coffee taste and sugar , that's what we liked about it .Here in Brooklyn we have loved it for a long time. Love the videos . Keep up the good work .

  • @jacobsack
    @jacobsack 4 года назад +78

    we need other people to taste these to see if it's the coffee or James

    • @mobile_vic
      @mobile_vic 4 года назад +14

      It's the coffee. I had the misfortune of trying the PBR "malt coffee beverage"...I didn't have (printable) words to describe it.

    • @jacobsack
      @jacobsack 4 года назад

      @@mobile_vic 😂😂😂

    • @davetlane
      @davetlane 4 года назад

      🤣🤣

    • @markholm7050
      @markholm7050 4 года назад

      mobile_vic PBR says it all.

    • @themadscientest
      @themadscientest 4 года назад +5

      It's him, the flavor of Manhattan Special is an acquired taste for sure but if you are a fan of iced coffee it will be an instant favorite. You really have to be raised in the NY area and be Italian American to understand the importance of this drink, it is that summer treat that gets you going when it is a heat wave.

  • @kellymckenzie1935
    @kellymckenzie1935 4 года назад

    Please don't stop these!!! The you tasting things are my favorites!

  • @golen87
    @golen87 4 года назад +3

    This feels biblical, somehow. We never deserved you, yet you sacrifice yourself for us.
    God bless, James.

  • @casparwhittey
    @casparwhittey 4 года назад +1

    There’s not enough words in the English language to describe the entertainment I get watching you review these things.

  • @sonderful.
    @sonderful. 4 года назад +3

    Your reactions are so incredibly wonderful...

  • @beny.391
    @beny.391 2 года назад +1

    As someone who enjoys the occasional Manhattan Special I wouldn't mind a better and unsweetened carbonated espresso drink. Manhattan Special only comes in regular, diet, and diet decaf. A pure carbonated espresso on the go would be neat.
    Also like most things regional to the NYC area if you didn't grow up with it chances are you won't dig it.

  • @ronniesodhi2070
    @ronniesodhi2070 4 года назад +6

    You honestly need to make your own coffee soda - just to show it can be done!

  • @boygenius538_8
    @boygenius538_8 3 года назад +2

    I literally saw this in the grocery store a few days ago and thought: “James should review this”

  • @January-last
    @January-last 4 года назад +4

    The look on your face when you've first tasted this confident beverage is golden :D On a serious note though: I'm sad you had to go through this =\

  • @malikalansi
    @malikalansi 4 года назад

    You got the best smart scale comparison and the best hand grinder, now what’s left to complete the holy trinity is the best electric coffee kettle .

  • @thomaskoch8608
    @thomaskoch8608 4 года назад +5

    "I don't get it"
    "Who smashes 32 oz of this? Who are you?"
    "NO!!! NO!"

  • @dmanning1133
    @dmanning1133 4 года назад +1

    My heart broke for you there James.. Genuinely sat here in stitches!

  • @guitarjoel717
    @guitarjoel717 4 года назад +5

    I certainly hope you never stop these coffee beverage reviews! They are equally informative and hilarious. I feel bad for your punished senses, but I think you are doing a public service by trying these drinks “so we don’t have to” 🙂

  • @bluebuddha74
    @bluebuddha74 4 года назад

    Growing up Italian from NY this was for many kids their introduction to coffee since the real thing was an adult beverage. I used to love it and it brings up fond memories of bbq’s with my family from Brooklyn. However, having it again many years later as an adult is quite less enjoyable to say the least.

  • @nster3
    @nster3 4 года назад +3

    Péché Mortel from Dieu du Ciel! in Montreal, Canada, was my favorite beer for a long time! I`d love to see your grimaces on youtube drinking it :D

    • @MatchBookNotes
      @MatchBookNotes 4 года назад

      All he has to do is cold brew some brazillian and mix it with a thick mix of toasyed oats, molasses and a hint of stone fruit

  • @ginger404
    @ginger404 2 года назад +1

    That rubber coffee taste/smell is called "skunk coffee" at our house. :)

  • @filiph2919
    @filiph2919 4 года назад +5

    "dark roast nasty ugh.. aspect" ❤️

  • @jameshaulenbeek5931
    @jameshaulenbeek5931 4 года назад

    I made a "soft brewed" coffee soda many years ago:
    Strong brewed coffee (pour over)
    Sugar
    Champagne yeast
    The yeast and sugar were strictly for carbonation. It wasn't sweet at all. And it was ABSOLUTELY delicious. Very soft carbonation.

  • @adamberkeley2127
    @adamberkeley2127 4 года назад +3

    Thank you for enduring for our sakes and education. May your tongue recover soon.

  • @major_miniatures
    @major_miniatures 8 месяцев назад +1

    Manhattan Special is an excellent drink. Especially with a big Brooklyn Style hero sandwich. Reviewers harsh words are comical to those that know what good is.

  • @nicholaskida
    @nicholaskida 4 года назад +3

    I don’t know anyone who’s “into” these.. but I know A LOT of people who are really into getting other people to try it 😂😂. It’s an experience

    • @lootedcorpse
      @lootedcorpse 4 года назад

      Nicholas Kida Coca Cola is making one, Pepsi has one too. People want this to work.

  • @antonc81
    @antonc81 4 года назад

    The incredibly popular (in Japan) BOSS canned coffee. In particular the unsweetened black coffee. It really isn’t bad, especially when served cold on a summer’s day.

  • @JeffDvrx
    @JeffDvrx 4 года назад +13

    Dear James: were you honestly expecting anything good would come from the combination of _United States coffee preferences_ with _industrial United States product?_
    I'll be honest: I do enjoy watching you react to these lol

  • @horseshoe_nc
    @horseshoe_nc 2 года назад +1

    At this point, we may be better off making our own. A Soda Stream and a shot of strong coffee.

  • @ngzipenglloyd2021
    @ngzipenglloyd2021 4 года назад +15

    "Yeh Oldie Coffee Soda"
    James Hoffman, 2019

    • @hs1626
      @hs1626 4 года назад +1

      Frxsted Ye Olde rassclart

  • @veronicak4938
    @veronicak4938 4 года назад +1

    I mean it’s coffee soda, not coffee!! Adjust expectations. We live in NJ and buy this at our local shop sometimes, but we get the diet version (which sounds even worse lol). We like it plain, but if you really want to kick it up a notch, add some
    cream. It becomes like a coffee ice cream float :) We don’t buy it as much as we used to, but we still like it!

  • @chinechinecherie
    @chinechinecherie 4 года назад +3

    I knew James was seriously put off when there's no epic opening or dramatic music to go with weird coffee drink. RIP.

  • @ff8123
    @ff8123 3 года назад

    I can drink this stuff all day. Absolutely love Manhattan Special, all 6 flavors.

  • @michaeljohnson9760
    @michaeljohnson9760 3 года назад +3

    🤣🤣🤣🤣
    James:
    "I can't keep punishing my self, even if it's a service to you!!!"
    Also James one year later, holding back vomit, while drinking coffee from 1950:
    "Oh, dear god! That's really um,...it's bad. That's really bad.
    🤣🤣🤣🤣

  • @CroonerNAAE
    @CroonerNAAE 4 года назад +1

    I don't even like coffee yet I love your videos!

  • @JadenNeko
    @JadenNeko 2 года назад +3

    Watching the masochist called James encounter another bad life decision is one of the funniest things on earth. When he did the close-up when he was asking the questions I lost it. Don't even drink coffee and watch this because he's so entertaining 😂 🤣

  • @mikecasella8043
    @mikecasella8043 4 года назад

    I was born in Manhattan and have been drinking Manhattan Special since I was old enough to handle that much caffeine. Perhaps I grew to like it over time. I am very fond of Manhattan Special. It was hard to get since I moved to New Jersey; but as you said, now its everywhere. I drink it a number of ways. I diluted it with water, since my taste buds have changed since I have been cutting back on sugar and sweets. I also mix it with milk and ice.
    If you get to read this comment, I have a suggestion for a video -- equipment ideas for a beginner coffee afficianado. Maybe as part of the 2020 Holiday Gift Ideas Video. Not necessarily for me, but perhaps there are many like me at the early stage of their quality coffee journey. I have a Starbucks Verismo Coffee Maker, Bodum French Press, Mellitta pour-over kit, a Generic Moka Pot, a food scale, an inexpensive blade grinder and a Cuisinart Grind and Brew Coffee Maker.
    Since watching your videos, I have been learning more about coffee and correcting many of my beginner coffee enthusiast mistakes.
    I wasn't using the french press or pour-over properly. Maybe that's why I didn't get consistent results.
    I'm ready to take the next step in my coffee journey.
    I think my next step will be a Burr Grinder, electric or manual. I may repurpose my French Press as a milk frother. I am considering an Aeropress. I will rewatch some of your video reviews of grinders to help in my selection. I am also considering buying some basic items like small milk pitchers for latte art practice, one or more cups to grind coffee into, and canisters / jars to store my coffee in after opening the bags. My grown daughters are always looking for gift ideas their Dad would appreciate.
    Another video suggestion is a session on decaffinated coffee. I being this up for medical reasons. I'm 65, in ok shape but have mildly high blood pressure. My physicians have asked me to limit my daily caffeine to the equivalent of 1-2 cups of coffee. Is it true that dark roast actually has less caffeine than light roast? It is hard for me to find a decaf roast that is as pleasing, or even close to full caffeine coffee beans. I have found that for Lattes the decaf esspresso's in the coffee shops are close; but not the decaf brewed coffees. I would appreciate your thoughts. Is good tasting decaf coffee and espresso the holy grail of coffee? Searched for but never found.
    ML Casella
    Bedminster, NJ