Free Starbucks VIA taste test, Oct. 2-5.

This week, Starbucks announced the national release of its much-hyped VIA instant coffee. Personally, I like it just fine and drink it regularly, though this may have a lot to do with the fact that I have a free-coffee connection. But just in case you don't, you can get yourself a free cup of VIA coffee at Starbucks stores from Oct. 2-5, and do a blind taste test between it and Starbucks' house Pike Place Roast.

"From Oct. 2 - 5, Starbucks invites customers to join the Starbucks VIA™ Ready Brew Taste Challenge at their favorite U.S. Starbucks location. Participants can taste Colombia Starbucks VIA™ next to fresh-brewed Pike Place™ Roast and challenge themselves to guess which one is Starbucks VIA™. Starbucks VIA™ Taste Challenge participants will receive coupon for a complimentary Tall brewed coffee on their next visit as well as an offer for $1 off a Starbucks VIA™ Ready Brew purchase."

So even if you hate VIA, you'll still get a free tall brewed coffee out of the deal. And if you just hate Starbucks coffee in general, well... this probably won't convince you otherwise.