This is the Starbucks Malty Hazelnut Mocha, which consists of espresso with chocolate malt powder, ground hazelnuts, and steamed milk, topped with whipped cream, hazelnut topping, and a green chocolate leaf.
When consumed hot, the chocolate malt powder imparted a nuanced toasted caramel flavour to the mocha’s chocolatey notes. The sweetness remained restrained, allowing the bold, dark roast of the coffee to emerge, asserting itself as a proper coffee beverage. The hazelnut added a subtle yet enjoyable grittiness that released a bright hazelnut flavour upon chewing, culminating in a rich nutty finish. While the whipped cream melted into the liquid and was hardly noticeable, it contributed to a creamy consistency without overwhelming milky notes. The green hued white chocolate leaf melted smoothly on the palate, enhancing the overall experience.
This Malty Hazelnut Mocha was purchased from Starbucks in Sydney, Australia in June 2024.