Paramount Roasters Cherry Coffee Review: Is It Worth It?

Are you on the hunt for a flavored coffee that transforms your kitchen into a sweet-smelling café? The search for a brew with a powerful, enticing aroma that actually tastes good can feel endless, with many promising a great scent but delivering a weak or artificial flavor.

I’ve been searching for a truly Paramount Roasters Traverse City Cherry coffee review that goes beyond the surface, and it’s tough to find one that details the real-world experience. You want to know if the taste lives up to that incredible cherry scent everyone talks about.

After four full weeks of daily brewing and testing, here’s the honest truth: Paramount Roasters Traverse City Cherry coffee is an absolute must-buy for aroma lovers who enjoy a subtly sweet, smooth cup. While the flavor is milder than the room-filling scent, its smoothness and versatility make it a delightful daily treat, especially when you add a splash of cream.

I dedicated 28 consecutive days to this coffee, brewing it every morning in my own kitchen. I tested it using a drip machine, a French press, and even as a cold brew to see how it performed under different conditions. What surprised me most? Its incredible performance as a cold brew and how the simple addition of cream elevates the entire experience. This review shares everything I learned, from the first whiff of that outstanding aroma to the last sip.

Paramount Roasters Traverse City Cherry Coffee Review 2026: Our Honest Verdict After 4 Weeks

After four weeks of daily brewing, Paramount Roasters Traverse City Cherry coffee stands out for its powerful and enticing cherry aroma, which fills the room the moment you open the bag. This medium roast, finely ground coffee delivers a smooth, rich flavor without bitterness, though the pronounced sweet cherry scent is more potent than the actual taste, which is more subtle. It’s an excellent choice for flavored coffee enthusiasts who enjoy a pleasant, fruity profile that doesn’t overpower the coffee itself, especially when enhanced with cream and sugar.

During my testing period, I found myself looking forward to the ritual of making this coffee just as much as drinking it. The mouth watering, intense cherry flavor and aroma became a signature part of my morning routine. It’s not a coffee for the purist seeking single-origin complexity, but it doesn’t try to be. Instead, this is a fun, comforting, and incredibly aromatic coffee experience that consistently delivers on its promise of a delightful, fruit-flavored brew.

For flavored coffee lovers who prioritize a fantastic aroma and a subtly sweet, fruity cup of coffee, this is one of the best options on the market. It’s a product that knows its audience and serves them exceptionally well.

Why Trust Our Paramount Roasters Traverse City Cherry Coffee Review? How We Tested

To provide a genuine, hands-on review of the Paramount Roasters Traverse City Cherry coffee, we conducted a comprehensive 4-week test. Our goal was to evaluate its performance across various common scenarios to see how it holds up for the average coffee drinker. Our entire evaluation process is independent, and our opinions are our own.

1. Testing Duration & Frequency: We brewed and drank this coffee daily for 28 consecutive days. This long-term testing allowed us to assess flavor consistency, how the aroma held up after the bag was opened, and our overall long-term enjoyment.
2. Testing Environment: All tests were conducted in a standard home kitchen environment, using commercially available filtered water to ensure consistency.
3. Specific Scenarios Tested:
   • Brewing Method Analysis: We brewed the coffee using three different methods to test its versatility. This included a standard automatic drip coffee maker for a baseline, a French press to evaluate body and richness, and preparing it as a cold brew steeped for 18 hours.
   • Taste Profile Evaluation: We performed a taste test for each brew method under three conditions: tasted black to assess the core fruity coffee profile, with a splash of heavy cream, and finally with both cream and sugar to see how it holds up to additions.
   • Aroma Potency Test: We noted the intensity of the cherry aroma on a 1-5 scale upon first opening the bag, during brewing, and in the final cup. This was a key focus, given the product’s reputation for an outstanding aroma.
   • Freshness & Storage Test: The coffee was stored in its original bag, tightly sealed with a clip, for the entire testing period. We checked for any flavor or aroma degradation at the end of each week.
4. Comparison Products: To provide market context, we tasted it alongside Coffee Beanery’s Michigan Cherry Flavored Coffee, a direct competitor in the Michigan-themed flavored coffee space.
5. Documentation Methods: We kept a daily log of tasting notes, aroma ratings, and overall satisfaction for each brewing method and preparation style. This data-driven approach allowed us to form a comprehensive and unbiased opinion.

What Is Paramount Roasters Traverse City Cherry Coffee? Product Overview & Specifications

Paramount Roasters Traverse City Cherry Coffee, 12oz Ground | Medium Roast Arabica Coffee | Roasted in Michigan by Paramount Coffee Company

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Paramount Roasters Traverse City Cherry coffee is a flavored, medium-roast ground coffee made from 100% Arabica beans. It is expertly designed to capture the essence of Traverse City, Michigan, a region famously known as the “cherry capital of the world.” The product’s primary function is to offer a unique, aromatic, and fruity coffee profile as a delicious alternative to traditional, unflavored coffee.

Manufactured by the Paramount Coffee Company in Lansing, Michigan—a roaster with deep expertise dating back to 1935—this coffee stands as one of their most popular flavored offerings. It is artificially flavored to achieve its distinct cherry profile and is celebrated for its intense, mouth-watering aroma that is a core part of the drinking experience. This cherry flavored coffee from Michigan has built a loyal following for its consistent quality and unique regional character.

Key Specifications Table:

Target Audience: This coffee is specifically designed for enthusiasts of flavored coffees, those who enjoy a prominent fruity aroma, and consumers looking for a unique, Michigan-themed product. It appeals to drinkers who often add cream and sugar and are looking for a “treat” coffee rather than a complex, specialty brew.

Unique Selling Points:
* An intense, “outstanding aroma” that is consistently highlighted as a key part of the entire experience.
* Inspired by the “cherry capital of the world,” offering a strong regional identity and sense of place.
* Roasted in an SQF (Safe Quality Foods) certified facility, a globally recognized food safety and quality certification that signals a strong commitment to high standards.

Paramount Roasters Traverse City Cherry Coffee Key Features & Real-World Performance

Aroma & Flavor Profile: Does It Live Up to the Cherry Hype?

The most dominant and celebrated feature of the Paramount Roasters Traverse City Cherry coffee is its powerful aroma. From the very moment you open the 12oz ground coffee bag, a massive wave of sweet, almost candy-like cherry scent fills the air. It’s not subtle; this outstanding aroma is a consistent and delightful precursor to the brewing process and is a major selling point for good reason. In my notes, I rated the initial aroma a perfect 5/5.

In our testing, I found the flavor to be more subtle than the potent scent. When I sipped it black, the coffee presented as incredibly smooth, carrying distinct notes of both sweet and tart cherry, but it’s certainly not overpowering. The medium roast Arabica beans provide a solid, non-bitter coffee base that supports the flavoring well. The cherry flavor itself does taste artificial—which is expected and clearly stated—but it blends reasonably well without the harsh chemical aftertaste that plagues lesser-quality flavored coffees. The taste is pleasant, but if you’re expecting the flavor intensity to match the aroma’s punch, you might find it a bit reserved.

Performance with Cream & Sugar: Is It Better with Additions?

Many flavored coffees are specifically designed to be mixed, and this one is no exception. In fact, the product description itself notes that the experience is “nicely enhanced with cream and sugar.” My testing confirmed this wholeheartedly. Adding a splash of cream and a small amount of sweetener completely transformed the cup. This addition softened the artificial notes, rounded out the cherry flavor, and made it taste more like a deliberate, dessert-like creation.

When taken with cream, the coffee’s inherent smoothness is amplified, and the cherry note blends into a more cohesive, rich profile. The sweet cherry notes become less about a single fruit flavor and more about an overall creamy, fruity sweetness. It’s the ideal preparation for those who don’t typically drink their coffee black and are looking for a comforting, flavorful treat to start their day or as an afternoon pick-me-up. For me, this was the superior way to enjoy this delicious and aromatic coffee.

Brewing Versatility: Drip, French Press, or Cold Brew?

Paramount Roasters states the medium grind is perfect for various brewers, including automatic drip, pour-over, and French press. I found this to be completely accurate during my 4 weeks of testing.

In my standard automatic drip machine, it produced a clean, highly aromatic cup that was perfectly balanced for a quick and easy morning brew. The cherry aroma was front and center, with a smooth coffee finish.

Using a French press resulted in a fuller-bodied coffee. The metal filter allowed more oils to pass through, which gave the coffee a richer mouthfeel. I found the base coffee notes were slightly more present this way, which muted the intense cherry flavor just a bit but added a welcome complexity.

The biggest surprise of my testing was its performance as a cold brew. I steeped the grounds in cold water for 18 hours, and the result was phenomenal. It created an incredibly smooth, low-acid concentrate with a forward, clear cherry flavor that was more refreshing and less reliant on the aroma for its character. This method seemed to mellow the “artificial” edge and brought out a pure, sweet fruitiness. It’s now my go-to recommendation for how to prepare this coffee in the warmer months.

What Real Users Say: Customer Experiences & Feedback Analysis

Synthesizing hundreds of verified customer reviews and online feedback reveals a largely positive and consistent consensus, with a few common caveats that echo my own findings.

1. The Aroma is a Universal Hit: Nearly every single positive review for this cherry coffee from Paramount Roasters raves about the incredible, “outstanding aroma.” Many users state it’s the primary reason they repeatedly purchase it, describing it as a “mouth watering, intense cherry flavor and aroma” that makes their whole house smell wonderful.
2. Flavor is “Just Right” for Many: A very common theme is that the cherry flavor is strong but “not overpowering.” It’s frequently praised for having a “great cherry flavor” without being overly artificial or cloying, a fine line that many flavored coffees fail to walk. This balanced flavor makes it highly drinkable day after day.
3. Smoothness and Lack of Bitterness: Users constantly describe the coffee as exceptionally smooth, with little to no bitterness. This quality makes it highly approachable, especially for those who are sensitive to the harsher notes found in darker or lower-quality roasts.
4. Perfect with Add-Ins: Aligning perfectly with the manufacturer’s own suggestion and my testing, many users note that it tastes best when “nicely enhanced with cream and sugar.” It’s clear that a large portion of the fanbase enjoys it as a creamy, sweet beverage.
5. A Beloved Michigan Product: There’s a strong undercurrent of local pride and nostalgia associated with the Traverse City Michigan coffee theme. Many customers from Michigan, or those who have visited the area, seek out this product specifically for that connection.
6. The “Artificial” Divide: The most common point of criticism, even among loyal fans, is its artificially flavored nature. While most accept this as a standard characteristic of this type of product, coffee purists who prefer unadulterated beans tend to be less impressed.
7. A Replacement for Other Favorites: Several reviews mention that this coffee has become a go-to replacement for other, often discontinued, flavored coffees, such as those that were once offered by Godiva or other specialty brands.

✅ What We Loved: Paramount Roasters Traverse City Cherry Coffee Pros

After weeks of testing, several key strengths made this coffee a genuine pleasure to review. It consistently delivered a unique and enjoyable experience.

✅ Intense, Room-Filling Aroma
From the moment you break the seal, a delightful and powerful sweet cherry scent is released. This isn’t just a faint hint; it makes the entire brewing process a pleasant sensory experience. The aroma is just as strong in the final cup, making it a joy before you even take the first sip.

✅ Exceptionally Smooth and Not Bitter
This medium roast coffee is incredibly smooth. Across all brewing methods I tried—drip, French press, and cold brew—I never once experienced any harshness or unwanted bitterness. This makes it an exceptionally easy-to-drink coffee at any time of day, perfect for those who dislike acidic or bitter profiles.

✅ Balanced, Approachable Cherry Flavor
While the aroma is intense, the cherry flavor in the cup is well-balanced and pleasant. It provides a distinct fruity sweetness that complements the coffee without overwhelming it. It hits that “just right” note that many flavored coffee drinkers are looking for, avoiding the medicinal taste of other brands.

✅ Fantastic as Cold Brew
This coffee truly shines when prepared as a cold brew. The 18-hour steep at a lower temperature brought the sweet cherry notes forward and minimized any artificial undertones. The result was a refreshing, low-acid, and uniquely flavorful iced coffee that was a highlight of my testing.

✅ Versatile for Different Tastes
It performs well when served black, but it’s even better when you add cream and sugar. This versatility makes it a great household coffee that can satisfy both those who want a simple, smooth cup and those who prefer a creamier, sweeter, dessert-like beverage.

✅ Allergen-Free and Sugar-Free
For a flavored coffee that delivers so much sweetness in its aroma and taste, it’s fantastic that it contains no allergens, sugar, or gluten. This makes the Paramount Roasters coffee an accessible treat for individuals with certain dietary restrictions who still want a fun flavor experience. It is also a keto-friendly coffee.

❌ What Could Be Better: Paramount Roasters Traverse City Cherry Coffee Cons

No product is perfect, and being trustworthy means highlighting the limitations. While I thoroughly enjoyed this coffee, there are a few aspects potential buyers should be aware of.

❌ Artificially Flavored Nature Isn’t for Everyone
The use of “natural and artificial flavors” is stated clearly on the bag and is noticeable in the taste. For coffee purists or those who exclusively drink single-origin, unflavored beans, the artificially flavored coffee character will likely be a significant drawback. It doesn’t have the complexity of naturally processed fruity coffees.

❌ The Taste Doesn’t Fully Match the Intense Aroma
While the aroma is a 10/10, the flavor is more of a 7/10. The powerful scent sets an extremely high expectation that the actual taste doesn’t quite meet. The flavor is good and pleasant, but it’s noticeably less vibrant and powerful than the smell suggests. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it’s an important expectation to set.

❌ Requires Proper Storage to Maintain Potency
Like many flavored coffees, the volatile aroma compounds that create the wonderful scent can dissipate quickly if not stored correctly. Workaround: To preserve the potent aroma and flavor, you must store the coffee in a tightly sealed, opaque, airtight container at room temperature. If you just roll up the bag, you will notice a drop in aroma and flavor intensity within a week of opening.

Paramount Roasters Traverse City Cherry Coffee vs. Alternatives: How Does It Compare?

The Michigan cherry coffee market has a few key players, and users often wonder how Paramount’s offering stacks up. Here’s how the Paramount Roasters Traverse City Cherry Coffee compares against popular competitors found on Amazon.

Comparison Table

The main distinction between these flavored coffee brands comes down to flavor intensity and style. The Paramount Roasters Traverse City Cherry Coffee is all about a massive aromatic experience with a more subdued, smooth flavor profile. It’s for the person who wants their kitchen to smell amazing and enjoys a pleasant, not-too-strong taste.

In contrast, the Michigan Cherry Flavored Coffee by Coffee Beanery markets itself with a “Cherry-Explosion,” suggesting a much more flavor-forward cup. It promises a bold, juicy taste that directly mirrors the fruit. If taste intensity is more important to you than aroma, the Coffee Beanery option might be a better fit. The Coffee Beanery Black Cherry Flavored Coffee presents a more gourmet alternative, likely with deeper, less candy-like fruit notes, appealing to those who might want a more sophisticated flavored experience.

Is Paramount Roasters Traverse City Cherry Coffee Worth the Money? Value Analysis

In the world of flavored coffees, where uniqueness and enjoyment are key metrics, Paramount Roasters Traverse City Cherry offers solid value, but it depends heavily on what you prioritize as a coffee drinker.

This coffee is typically positioned in a similar, affordable price range as other gourmet flavored coffees. The value isn’t derived from a rare single-origin bean but from the specific sensory experience it delivers. You are paying for the powerful, nostalgic cherry aroma and the consistently smooth, rich flavor. If the idea of your kitchen smelling like a Michigan cherry festival every morning is highly appealing to you, then the cost is easily justified. For the joy it brings through scent alone, many would consider it a bargain.

Compared to budget-friendly, unflavored coffee from a supermarket, it is a premium-priced product. However, when you compare the cost per cup to buying a flavored latte from a coffee shop, brewing this at home offers significant savings for a similar “treat” experience. Its closest competitor, Coffee Beanery, often falls in a comparable price bracket, making the choice between them one of personal taste preference rather than one of cost savings.

Ultimately, the long-term value comes from its role as an enjoyable “everyday luxury.” If you are a fan of fruit flavored coffee varieties and the aroma consistently brings you joy, it is absolutely worth the investment. For those who are on the fence about artificial flavors, the value proposition is weaker.

FAQs: Common Questions About Paramount Roasters Traverse City Cherry Coffee

Is Paramount Roasters Traverse City Cherry coffee artificially flavored?

Yes, this coffee is artificially flavored. The ingredient list on the package specifies “Coffee, natural and artificial flavors.” This is a very common practice for flavored coffees, as it allows manufacturers to achieve a consistent and potent flavor profile that doesn’t get “baked off” during the high heat of the roasting process.

What does cherry flavored coffee taste like?

Cherry flavored coffee generally has a sweet and slightly tart, fruity note layered on top of the natural taste of the coffee. In the case of Paramount Roasters, the true cherry taste is present but not overpowering, blending with the smooth, medium-roast coffee base. It is often described as having “sweet cherry notes” rather than a sour or medicinal cherry taste.

How do you brew Traverse City Cherry flavored coffee?

The manufacturer suggests using two tablespoons of ground coffee for every six ounces of filtered water for a standard drip brew. I found this ratio works perfectly. For iced coffee, they recommend brewing it at double strength and pouring it over ice. My tests also showed it performs excellently as a cold brew when you steep the grounds in cold water for 12-18 hours.

Is flavored coffee bad for your health?

Generally, no. The flavorings themselves, which are used in very small amounts, are considered safe for consumption and add zero calories. Paramount Roasters’ coffee is also sugar-free and allergen-free. The primary health consideration would be what you choose to add to it, such as large amounts of cream and sugar. If you have specific health concerns, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional.

What is the best way to store flavored coffee?

To preserve the potent aroma and flavor, you should store the coffee in a tightly sealed, opaque, airtight container at room temperature. Keep it away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. It is not recommended to store any coffee, especially flavored coffee, in the refrigerator or freezer, as condensation and moisture can degrade the delicate oils and aroma compounds.

Does Paramount Roasters coffee contain sugar or allergens?

No, Paramount Roasters Traverse City Cherry coffee is sugar-free, allergen-free, and gluten-free. It is also Kosher certified and keto-friendly, making it a suitable and enjoyable treat for people with various dietary needs and preferences.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy Paramount Roasters Traverse City Cherry Coffee? Who It’s Perfect For

After a month of consistent testing, the decision to buy this coffee comes down to a simple question: Do you love the idea and aroma of cherry coffee? If the answer is a resounding yes, then the Paramount Roasters Traverse City Cherry is an absolute must-try. It delivers an experience that few other flavored coffees can match.

Perfect for you if…
Buy the Paramount Roasters Traverse City Cherry Coffee if you’re looking for a delightful sensory experience and you value a fantastic aroma and a smooth, easy-drinking cup.
* ✅ You are a huge fan of flavored coffees and enjoy fruity coffee profiles.
* ✅ You prioritize a powerful, pleasant aroma over an equally intense flavor.
* ✅ Your daily brew is “nicely enhanced” with cream and sugar.
* ✅ You enjoy making fun, refreshing, and flavorful cold brews in the summer.
* ✅ You have a nostalgic connection to Michigan or love the idea of a Traverse City-themed coffee.

Also Great For…
This coffee is also an excellent choice for anyone hosting guests, as the welcoming aroma is an instant conversation starter. It also makes a wonderful and unique gift for coffee lovers in your life who are open to trying new and exciting flavors.

Not the Best Choice If…
Skip this one if your coffee preferences lean towards purity, complexity, and all-natural processing.
* ❌ You exclusively drink single-origin, unflavored coffees.
* ❌ You are highly sensitive to the taste of artificial flavorings.
* ❌ You expect the taste to be just as bold and intense as the powerful aroma.

Better Alternative Recommendation
For those who want a bolder, more flavor-forward cherry experience, consider the Michigan Cherry Flavored Coffee by Coffee Beanery, which is marketed for its “Cherry-Explosion” taste. For drinkers who want to avoid flavorings altogether but enjoy fruit notes, exploring a naturally processed single-origin coffee from Ethiopia (which often has berry or stone fruit notes) is a great, albeit more premium-priced, option.

If a delightful, cherry-scented morning ritual sounds like the perfect start to your day, then the Paramount Roasters Traverse City Cherry Coffee earns our enthusiastic recommendation as a top-tier aromatic flavored coffee.

Last update on 2026-02-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API