illy Whole Bean – The Best Espresso Outside of Italy?

illy Caffe Normale Whole Bean (Red Top) Coffee, 8.8 Ounce Tins (Pack of 2)

“I’ve been drinking espresso since 1983 when I was introduced to it by Signor Forza in Rome. I found out that Italians have a saying ‘Only women and babies drink cappuccino after 9:00′. What that means is that all the men take a coffee (espresso) break at 9:00. Well since I returned to the states in 1985 I have tried all kinds of esxpresso beans, using mostly Starbucks. I happened across a can of Illy beans at a Tucson store. I vaguely remembered the Illy brand from my 8 months in Italy and decided to try it. It is unarguably the best espresso I have had since returning from Italy.” Michael A. Dominy (Sierra Vista, AZ)

The coffee world always fascinates. The best espresso outside Italy is made from Brazilian coffee beans!

Probably not as crazy as it sounds, which leads to another fascinating coffee quandary – is the quality in the bean or in the roast? The beans are Brazilian Arabica but the roast is distinctively Northern Italian- a few shades lighter than French. It makes a difference in ways that us mere mortals will probably never understand. The one sure thing, however, is that illy whole bean makes a smooth tasting and very enjoyable cup of espresso that you would happily make for anyone.