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Illy Coffee Beans

January 1st, 2003

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Illy Coffee vs other Italian Coffee...what makes ILLY worth the price?

I don't really consider myself an amazing coffee critic. I do enjoy a bean that is flavorful, well roasted (not burnt), not too oily (or air roast), very little oxidation, and freshly ground. Thats not asking too much... right?

So I came across a $12 can of Illy. I do love a good italian roast bean. Espresso done right, can be quite lovely. I've heard raving reviews on Illy and decided to buy some to see what the fuss was about. Sadly... I was left feeling disapointed, and $12 short of amazing. Not impressed at all.

I can't see what makes the price tag. What exactly am I looking for? What makes this coffee so much better that I should be paying twice as much for it, as I do for other brands like Torrefazione Italia Coffee, or even good ol' "starbucks" italian roast?

OK, I'm Italian, living in Italy, and I'm disappointed too by Illy
But first, can you tell me more about the can you bought? The weight...? Just to compare to price in Italy (I think in the US cost much more because of custom taxes).
Anyway, if they were beans and you had to grind them, it's very important the way to grind fits the way you're going to make the coffe, finally (American way, with a moka, with an electric espresso machine, etc).
No. 1 for selling in Italy is Lavazza http://www.lavazza.com/default/channel/index_eng.jsp
I personally like the most Lavazza Dek, with both Moka and electric machine.
Lavazza Qualità Rossa is the more common, Qualità Oro is better quality. Cream & Gusto (different kinds) is perhaps the best for moka.
Other brands you may try (among the most common and easy to find, I hope) Splendid and Hag (both now part of Kraft group: Splendid is "original Italian" from Piedmont, Hag was born in Germany, but Italian coffe is made in Italy), Kimbo, Segafredo, Mauro, Chicco d'Oro, Sao and Pellini.

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