Starbucks today debuted a new everyday brew called Pike Place Roast in all Starbucks Company-operated stores.

The coffee is named after Seattle's historic Pike Place Market, where Starbucks opened its first store in 1971. The company offered a coast-to-coast simultaneous coffee tasting by giving all customers a short (8 ounce) cup of the new coffee at participating stores.

This afternoon, the Ward Gateway Store is holding a special tasting from 2 to 3 p.m. with Coffee Master John Wong.

The demonstration will include what the company calls the three elements of a proper coffee tasting experience:

(1) Smell First; (2) Slurping Makes Sense; and (3) The Geography of Your Palate.

This event is open to the public.