Doughnuts are a religion around here, and lucky for us there is no shortage of places to worship. One of our favorite spots is Blackbird Doughnuts, an artisanal endeavor that takes pride in their adventurous flavor profiles.
To celebrate National Doughnut Day, we took a trip to their new Brighton location (hi, neighbor!) and picked up a box of their gems for an all-team tasting. After sampling 10 doughnuts, each with their own personalities, we gifted them with yearbook-style superlatives based on their character and flavor. Here is what we came up with.
Most artistic doughnut: Peach Ring (photo above)
This doughnut stood out based on its appearance, wearing a peach ring gummy like a little beret. It will certainly test your personal affinity for the peach flavor. Senior Producer Stacy Buchanan thought it was the perfect summer doughnut. “The glaze is steeped with just the right amount of peach,” she said. “And Blackbird's buttery brioche base is light, airy and is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.”
Doughnut most likely to be eaten on the way home: Sticky Bun
All it took was one bite to decide this doughnut was the team favorite. Although not the most photogenic of the bunch, the cream cheese middle was a real game-changer. “This is the best doughnut I've tasted in a long time,” Digital Editor Ellen London said. “All of the taste and cakiness of a sticky bun but with the mousse on the inside, so it's less messy to eat!” It is truly what is on the inside that counts.
Most nostalgic doughnut: Chocolate Sprinkle
We enjoyed the retro look of this yeast doughnut, with its chocolate ganache and rainbow sprinkles. “It’s a classic doughnut that reminds you of childhood,” Digital Content Co-op Audrey Wang said. “I love the texture, and how fluffy and light it is.”
Most controversial doughnut: Everything Bagel 'Doughnut'
Is it sweet or is it salty? This doughnut was the most divisive for the group. It also elicited the strongest opinions. “As long as you’re going into your first bite with the mentality that you’re about to devour an everything bagel stuffed with a thick layer of cream cheese – this doughnut will 100 percent knock your socks off,” Digital Social Producer Zack Waldman said. “This b̶a̶g̶e̶l̶ doughnut is my spirit animal and would fit right in at any NYC delicatessen. No joke.”
Doughnut most likely to be the life of the party: Salted Caramel Pretzel
A doughnut that will definitely please fans of the sweet and salty combo. The pretzel garnish is fun and welcoming - a visual flag that the flavor profile is going to be a party. “I would have liked the taste to have been a little stronger,” Digital Intern Julia Corbett said. “I was expecting more of a ‘pop’ based on the decoration.”
Doughnut most likely to be on the cover of Time: The Blackbird
Simple, elegant, refined, classic. You can’t go wrong with Blackbird’s signature flavor. “This is a no-frills treat,” Senior Producer Stacy Buchanan said. “Proof that all you need are quality ingredients and traditional cooking techniques to create the perfect cake doughnut.”
Doughnut most likely to break your heart: Strawberry Honey
Strawberry Honey caught our eyes like a summer fling. And one bite was all it took to fall in love. “I was surprised at how NOT sickly sweet this doughnut is,” Digital Producer Ellen London said. “The strawberry is quite mild and honey balances out the fruit tartness.”
Best dressed doughnut: German Chocolate Cake
Coconut frosting, chocolate drizzle and toasted coconut flakes. This doughnut wears its handsome clothes well. “I love anything with coconut, so this combination was a winner for me.” Digital Producer Meghan Smith said. “The rich chocolate cake wasn’t overly sweet, allowing the gooey spread on top to really shine.”
Doughnut most likely to cheer you up: Boston Cream Bismarck
This doughnut was also a team favorite, the balance of chocolate ganache and vanilla custard being a topic of discussion. “The vanilla bean custard is delightful and pairs well with the rest of the flavors without being overwhelming,” Digital Content Co-op Audrey Wang said. “They perfectly balance each other.”
Doughnut most likely to win an Oscar: Chocolate Old Fashioned
“I always appreciate when sweet flavors are not too sweet, and this one is absolutely perfect to me,” Digital Producer Meghan Smith said. “I loved the crumbly glaze. I could have eaten 10 of them.” The classy chocolate cake doughnut made with black cocoa will please the palette of all chocolate lovers.
Blackbird Doughnuts has several locations around Boston; blackbirddoughnuts.com
