Fortunately, it's neither weak nor like Dunkin Donuts coffee. Coffee beans are roasted to temperature. Higher temperatures result in darker coffee beans. French and Italian are examples of dark roast coffees. At higher temperatures, the oils begin to seep from the bean - which is why dark roast coffee beans often look shiny. The proper term for the new Starbucks Coffee is "city roast", or "full city roast". These beans are a lighter brown, and even lighter where the bean cracks during roasting. The result is a coffee that reveals the flavors of specific origins, and not so much the carbony taste from the roasting process.
My guess is that Starbucks decided to market this new coffee because of the popularity of city roast coffees at the micro-roasters. I think they finally caught wind of the fact that people who like small roasters had nicknamed them "charbucks" because of that carbony treatment they previously gave the majority of their beans.
For those that have been afraid or at least hesitant to try it - I have wandered down the path of the new SBX "Blonde Roast" Veranda, and it's a very tasty cup of coffee. Before now - most times the only brewed coffee they had on hand was that really mediocre Pike Place - of which I am not a fan. Subsequently I usually ordered a latte or americano when visiting SBX. However - my last two visits have resulted in my enjoying a cup of the new Veranda. Not bad, Starbucks. Not bad.
