Blind Assessment

Understated to the point of self-effacement. The aroma is subdued but sweet and enlivened with a tickle of dry, fruit-toned chocolate. In the cup round, rather deeply dimensioned, with just enough acidity to keep the cup subtle rather than banal.

Notes

Sold roasted and ground in a (very handsome) 8.8-ounce can. Compared to other coffees in the cupping very pricy at $1.14 per ounce. Illy Caffe produces some of the world's most refined espresso coffees and is a worldwide advocate for quality and technical sophistication in coffee production. This coffee apparently represents Illy's effort to appeal to the more upscale end of the American grocery store market. Visit www.illy.com or call 1-800-USA-ILLY for more info.

Who Should Drink It

A balanced cup for those for whom refinement is synonymous with understatement. Go easy with the whitener or sweetener or you will overwhelm the coffee.

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