Illy Espresso, Medium Roast, Fine Grind, 8.8-Ounce Canisters (Pack of 2)

illy is known throughout the world as the coffee of choice for people who know and love coffee. That's because illy has spent nearly 70 years perfecting the espresso coffee process to bring you the most satisfying coffee experience. illy's dedication to quality and excellence is a family passion that has spanned three generations. What Francesco Illy began in Trieste, Italy in 1933, when he set out to produce the world's finest coffee, continues to this day under the expert guidance of his son, Dr. Ernesto Illy, and grandson, Andrea Illy. Combining authentic Italian tradition with advanced science and technology , illy has earned its reputation as the world's leading coffee authority.

First of all, I LOVE strong, smooth coffee. I had previously enjoyed the Illy dark roast espresso, and I thought that a lighter roast might be healthier, since it is roasted with less heat/ time. I tried this and was not disappointed. Do I prefer it to the dark (?); I have not decided, but it is equally tasty when made on my stove top percolator. Increasingly, I am shopping based on ethics AND value, so if anyone knows of an organic coffee as good as this, please post!

After having Illy at the espresso bars in Italy, well, no other espresso tasted good to me! Illy tastes great made in a good pump espresso machine. It also tastes great made in a steam espresso machine (e.g., a low end Krups) and a Moka (an Italian poor-man's espresso maker). The rich flavor isn't burnt tasting like many espresso roasts. Everyone I've made an Illy espresso for raves over the flavor compard to espresso from chain coffee stores.

A tip when brewing espresso using a steam espresso machine: Shut off the valve before any steaem comes through the coffee. The high temperature steam will leach unwanted flavors into the coffee.

If you can't find Illy a good runner-up is Lavazza, however, its flavor isn't as intense as Illy.

I was first introduced to Illy in Paris. My friend used it in a drip coffee maker and I couldn't believe how smooth it was, whether the scoop as level or heaping. Stronger maybe, but just as smooth. Moved on to Italy and would only hit coffee bars with the Illy insignia. Could only find it in the Italian North End in Boston, nowhere else. Finally, finally, it started showing up at Whole Foods and I started to buy it again. I've had Kona, I've had Jamaican Blue Mountain- they don't hold a candle to Illy. I use the expresso fine grind in my auto drip. I just use a paper filter and let it go a few minutes over the finished brew alarm because it's so finely ground, it's a slow drip. But it's worth it! I'm not taking a chance with the medium ground for the auto drip. I don't want to muck around with perfection.

Introduced it to a special person this summer and I think I can honestly say, I've added a smidgeon to his quality of life.

I think the headline says it all.

Simply put, I've never had better coffee in my home. With a BUNN machine (Thermos-carafe style) and the filters that fit the BUNN properly, Illy espresso is perfectly brewed every single time. Upon sipping the first cup in the morning I actually say (out loud!) "Ah, great coffee!"

Pricy, yes. But SO worth it.

If you like Starbucks, you will love Illy. :) Much better aroma, but similar style (more-or-less over-burnt).
My wife prefers it to Lavazza, and I have to oblige. If I were single, I would stick to Lavazza: great aroma, not over-burnt and half the price.