I have not been to a Starbucks in a few years but, if I recall correctly, you can order a dark or lighter roast. In any event, I don't like to order coffee that has already been made, regardless of guarantee of freshness. I prefer my order to be made on the spot, so I normally order a long espresso (~twice the water). Freshness is more certain and it has a full-bodied taste. I order mine with a little bit of hot milk, much less than you would get in a cappuccino or cafe au lait (latte). Give that a try, at Starbucks or elsewhere.