Is there anything more quintessentially Canadian than Tim Hortons' iconic double-double? Perhaps not. But how good does it actually taste? In an effort to become an honorary Canadian (and in an attempt to become someone with a simpler coffee order), I tried it for the very first time — and I was genuinely shocked.
For context, I am always up for putting my body on the line and trying new things at Tim Hortons, including Ryan Reynolds' new 'Ryan's Scrambled Eggs'.
So, when I told my Managing Editor, Helena, that I had never had a Tim Hortons double-double before, I could hear her yelling in disbelief across the Atlantic.
I know I'm Irish, but I can't claim to be an adopted Canadian if I've never tried this beloved concoction. So, I set about rectifying that.
Initially, I was confident I wouldn't like this because I never add sugar or cream to my coffee or tea. But one thing was for sure: it had to be better than the 9x9 "Wayne Gretzky" that I tried last week.
So, on Friday morning, I went to my local Timmies to order a medium double-double and to see if it lived up to the hype.
Ordering the double-double
When I entered my nearest Tims store, it was pretty quiet, which made it easy to slip in and out quickly.
I ordered a sausage and bacon breakfast sandwich, plus a honey cruller. I paid, grabbed my food, and headed home. Easy.
But just as I reached the front entrance of my building, it hit me. I froze. FOR GOD's SAKE.
I'd completely forgotten to order the double-double.
So I jogged back to Tims, and the server gave me a strange look — probably expecting a complaint. Slim chance from a little piggy like me!
Thankfully, ordering a double-double was way easier than trying to explain a Wayne Gretzky.
I was shocked by how quickly it was ready, and I went home to finally try my first double-double.
The taste test
My double-double was served with a coffee sleeve, so I braced myself for that first scalding sip.
But to my surprise, it wasn't piping hot. My usual order — a medium coffee with one milk and strictly no sugar — could melt your tongue if you're not careful. But this was pleasantly drinkable from the get-go.
I expected the double-double to be sickly sweet because of the two creams and two sugars, but it was actually smooth and surprisingly balanced. The flavour was subtle, not overpowering at all.
When I popped the lid, the colour reminded me of Barry's Tea — I wasn't used to seeing coffee that pale.
Unlike my attempt at the Wayne Gretzky, I actually finished this one… and was left wanting more.
The Tim Hortons double-double.Tomás Keating | Narcity
The verdict
While I don't think the double-double will become my everyday go-to because I do try to keep an eye on my sugar intake, I'd definitely treat myself to one every now and then.
It was worth the hype for me, and I was SHOCKED by how much I enjoyed it — especially since this is totally different to my usual order and I had pretty low expectations.
It was super tasty, and the sweetness wasn't overwhelming at all. I think I'll even start adding cream to my Tims coffee from now on. It just gives it that extra bit of richness and texture.
I usually make a big coffee pot in the morning and always have 0% skimmed milk in my cup of Joe. However, I now realize my coffee consumption has been very dull, and I need to spruce things up.
Thanks for changing my life, Timmies!
The remnants of an enjoyable first double-double from Tim Hortons.Tomás Keating | Narcity
Overall, for someone who doesn't take sugar or cream in their coffee, I am very satisfied after my first time trying a double-double from Tim Hortons. It's surprised me, really!
So... does this make me an honorary Canadian now?