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Crossover brew? Starbucks tests coffee that tastes like a Guinness

You might not be able to get away with "beer for breakfast" but if Starbucks tests go right, you could get the flavor of a Guinness in your morning joe.A few Starbucks stores in Ohio and Florida are testing a "dark barrel latte," a Starbucks spokesperson said Monday. The coffee features a chocolaty stout-flavored sauce and is topped with whipped cream and a dark caramel drizzle.Marketing materials
Starbucks barrista serves up cafe
A Starbucks Coffee barrista readies a beverage for a customer in the new 42nd Street store August 5, 2003, in New York City.Stephen Chernin / Today

You might not be able to get away with "beer for breakfast" but if Starbucks tests go right, you could get the flavor of a Guinness in your morning joe.

A few Starbucks stores in Ohio and Florida are testing a "dark barrel latte," a Starbucks spokesperson said Monday. The coffee features a chocolaty stout-flavored sauce and is topped with whipped cream and a dark caramel drizzle.

Marketing materials for Starbucks said it was "inspired by the rise of craft beers."

According to some online reviewers who say they've sipped a sample, it tastes similar to a Guinness, for better or for worse.

The+dark+barrel+latte+at+Starbucks+literally+tastes+like+drinking+a+Guinness+in+the+early+morning...+So+yuck

—+Noel+(@noelwoodss)+September+16,+2014+


The chain is known for its flavored lattes. For instance, Starbucks has sold over 200 million "pumpkin spice" lattes, a seasonal offering, since 2003. In select regional markets in the past Starbucks has tried out flavors like "Chestnut Praline Latte" or "Cherries Jubilee Mocha."

Starbucks said it's looking forward to learning more from the test but had no information on when the malty beverages might be available. As the slogan goes, "Good things come to those who wait."