BNN legitimizes McDonald’s–Tim Hortons coffee war in excruciatingly long taste test
We knew the country’s post-Olympic patriotism would settle down, but not like this. The Business News Network spent nearly 20 minutes analyzing every last drop of the McDonald’s–Tim Hortons coffee war, and, long story short, they believe McDonald’s coffee tastes better than Timmies’.
After two business school professors offered their take on McDonald’s move to give out free coffee, Toronto baristas Sam James and Matthew Taylor from Mercury were invited to offer their expertise, waxing poetic about coffee much like a wine connoisseur would.
On Tim Hortons:
JAMES: It’s fairly neutral. I can tell it’s been brewed fresh at least. It’s got liveliness to it.
TAYLOR: It has a nutty note to it. It’s probably a blend of beans so that you can cover up certain flaws.
On McDonald’s:
JAMES: I prefer this. It’s got more of a fruitier profile. To me, it tastes like it’s roasted fresher.
TAYLOR: It has a sweeter profile and a bitterness that balances it out. It’s not as flat as the other one.
Viewers also agreed with the baristas in a vote, but when it comes to deciding between cheap coffees, one viewer put it best: “It depends on the lineup.”
McDonalds coffee is comparable to Tim Hortons. I find that Timmy’s makes a better cup than McD’s but they are not nearly as consistent. I have had some god awful cups from Tim’s in the past and cannot say the same about McDonalds…cheap coffee at its best
A number of factors go into my choice of a favorite coffee. Firstly, I like the 18% cream in my TH coffee. Then, I prefer the aroma of fresh donuts & muffins to burgers & fries and finally, it’s a patriotic thing to go to Tim’s. I feel like I’m burning the Maple Leaf when I drink coffee at McD’s.
McDonald’s coffee is definitely better than Tim’s now. And anyone who feels unpatriotic about buying McDonald’s should give their heads a shake – Tim’s was 100% wholly-owned by Wendy’s (a US company) for years until they went public a few years ago. McDonald’s Canada is a Canadian company and has been in Canada for almost as long as Tim’s (40 years+). So get off this whole “It’s a Canadian” thing. McDonald’s contributes millions to Ronald McDonald houses all across Canada and has been a big part of Canadian society for a long time. Just because it’s a global brand (which Tim’s is also trying to be) doesn’t mean they are not just as Canadian.
I think McDonalds coffee is waaaaaaaay better than Tim’s. Eh!
was always a loyal Timmie’s fan, but I must say McDs coffee, is better…I find when I go to Tims now…their sizes are smaller, their prices are higher and frankly either their coffee is worse than it used to be or McDs is just that much better….
MCD’s beats Timmys day in and day out! Timmies has the pencil shavings taste I dont enjoy!.
Timmies is horrible. Hard to find to locations that have similar tasting coffee! McD’s is always consistant and tastes better!
These comments must be comIng from Americans. They aren’t too bright
And are satisfied with bland ordinary foods and beverages.
Timmy’s coffee is hands down the better tasting of the two.
Is it true McDonalds bought the rights to Tim Hortons previous beans? Or outbid who Tim Hortons had a contract with?