I have had a problem with the Starbucks VIA sleeves since their launch back in 2009. A ready brew coffee, by one of North America's most beloved coffee joints seems like a marvelous idea, until you try to work out the logistics.

On the side of one panel a woman is carrying a tote, her VIA sleeve sticking out, on hand for use at any moment. Another panel shows a guy, a VIA sleeve in his shirt pocket. On the go! Clearly Starbucks VIA seems to be targeting those of us who don't like to stay in one place for too long.

But all I keep thinking is; where are these people going to get hot water? Someone suggested in a post on the Starbucks website that they would use it at the airport. I cannot think of a single airport that does not have a Starbucks, are they really going to make a Starbucks VIA, when freshly brewed Starbucks coffee is conveniently available? And even if there was no Starbucks or the Starbucks was closed, again, where would they get the hot water?

If people think other restaurants are just going to give them hot water, I would say they are quite likely going to be sadly disappointed. Maybe you will have to buy a tea and use the hot water to make the coffee? In fact, on a recent trip, I confirmed my suspicions that these VIA are problematic for people on the go. An independently owned Starbucks was charging clients for hot water. Oh, not 50¢ but the full price of a tea!

That said, Starbucks VIA could have some potential advantages. Thanks to a unique manufacturing process VIA can be easily dissolved in cold water or milk, so if you like cold coffee that would be great. Finding cold water should not be a problem as there are countless fountains available outdoors to fill up a bottle and add a VIA packet for a refreshing cold coffee. With Starbucks VIA selling for about 72¢ per sleeve, it is worth it?

Prepared as described with hot water, I found that the Starbucks VIA breakfast blend was very weak, however, both the French roast and the Italian Roast coffees were quite enjoyable. That said, I thought the flavored coffees were way too sweet. Then I prepared each with cold water and ice, and the tables were flipped. I liked the flavored coffees more, but found that they were not strong enough for me.

The only time I could see using something like this is on the Amtrak train between Montreal and New York (11hrs!). They serve Green Mountain Coffee on that train and I have to confess, that I cannot stand their coffee! I would have to pay for the hot water and I think I would be able to sweet talk the Amtrak service guy or galinto into refilling my coffee mug with more hot water after the first purchase. A sleeve of Starbucks VIA would be useful in that situation, plus it would give me an excuse to buy their awesome looking 10oz. VIA Tumbler!