Crema e Gusto Ground Coffee, Medium Roast, Arabica and Robusta Blend, 8.8 oz Brick (Pack of 4)

This is absolutely my favorite coffee, and I rely on it heavily to keep me going through insanely intense work weeks. As a chemist I'm extremely concerned with the potency of my coffee. By potency I'm referring to the amount of the coffee that actually gets extracted from the grounds via the brewing process. Crema e Gusto has to be the strongest coffee I've tasted and probably requires about half the grounds to achieve the same potency compared to other coffees. I've tried a wide variety of other coffees such as Kicking Horse which is another highly rated coffee on Amazon. Although Kicking Horse's Kick Ass Coffee has an arguably better, more complex flavor than Crema e Gusto, it suffers from the same lack of potency like other coffees. I believe the reason for Crema e Gusto's strength lies in the fact that it is 70% robusta beans which are known to taste stronger than arabica beans. Additionally, the caffeine content of robusta beans can be up to double that of arabica which lends to the enhanced stimulant properties of Crema e Gusto versus other arabica based coffees. The question is now why not just get 100% robusta coffees for maximum potency. The problem with that is that you'll sacrifice flavor for the potency. I believe some cheap coffees such as Folgers often contain 100% robusta beans since robusta beans are overall cheaper to produce than arabica. As everyone is well aware, these coffees taste bad and tend to be bitter. On the other hand, Crema e Gusto is perfectly balanced (containing 30% arabica) to deliver a smooth, bold flavor while retaining the potent nature of robusta-based coffee. If you're a flavor snob who only drinks coffee for a great taste, go for something like Kicking Horse, however, if you're like me and need a nuclear charge to keep you going all day long but value taste as well, Crema e Gusto is the perfect coffee.Update: Almost four years later I'm still buying this stuff by the case (20 bricks per case). I religiously brew two Crema e Gusto espressos every day using this espresso maker Mr. Coffee Automatic Dual Shot Espresso/Cappuccino System, ECMP50. Other brewing methods are simply not as efficient at extracting the coffee.Trying many other coffees since my initial review has only reaffirmed the superiority of Crema e Gusto because it is 1. super potent in caffeine content 2. rich in flavor and 3. very cost effective. A fourth quality I've seen related to points 1 and 2 is the size and uniformity of the grind. It's not too small which will clog the portafilter, yet small enough to achieve excellent extraction while pulling an espresso shot. I've tried grinding whole beans, and even with a bur grinder, I've found it difficult to match the perfect grind of this coffee.I recent received my PhD and have this coffee to thank in helping me to work productively all those years.

Tastes good and smooth. I've liked all of the Lavazza coffees; I haven't yet come across one that I didnt like. I look forward to this cup every morning. Lavazza is one of the tops in coffee in my opinion, and thats why Ive been drinking it for years.

I take this Crema e Gusto and mix it 50/50 with Lavazza's Qualita Rossa for my morning espresso/latte double shot. I pull my shots from a De’Longhi Classic Espresso Machine and together they produce an amazingly smooth espresso with lots of crema.This coffee produces the right amount of acidity and blends well with the Lavazza Qualita. I started this mix in a Moka Pot and it works just as well in an espresso machine.As coffee and espressos go these days, it's an excellent value and is highly recommended.A must try for anyone who loves coffee.

This is some of my favorite coffee. Came quick and was packaged well.

From my experience, this is one of the best ground coffees you can get in this price range. It has a rich, bold flavor that really stands out. I use it with a Moka pot and it works perfectly every time. Great value for the quality.

My parents brought this back from Italy and I am now spoiled for coffee. It is the best espresso I've ever had. I bought a new espresso machine for the full experience. Then I got vanilla syrup and a pump. Then a caramel ounp. I don't have to swing by the coffee shop anymore. I am the coffee shop. 10/10 coffee.

Most commercial Italian coffees sold in the US—including major brands like Lavazza—are specifically formulated for the American market. To cut costs, these brands use a much higher percentage of low-quality Robusta beans. They then roast the coffee so dark it is practically burnt, a tactic used exclusively to mask the harsh, bitter notes of the cheap beans. The result is a terrible, burnt, aroma-less dry dust masquerading as authentic espresso. It is truly horrible stuff, and it is a mystery how anyone can drink it. There are exceptions, of course. Illy remains unchanged, maintaining its premium quality and formula—though it comes at a premium price. After trying Lavazza (the absolute worst of the bunch), Kimbo, and Borbone as well as others i don't even remember, Illy stands out as the only drinkable choice left. What a disgrace! Interestingly, this formula degradation seems to affect ground coffee only. The Nespresso capsule versions reportedly haven't changed, likely because that remains a highly profitable market segment for these companies. The difference is undeniable when viewed side-by-side in the photo I uploaded: on one hand, you have a super dark, burnt, and hollow powder (Lavazza), and on the other, a beautiful, rich "coffee-colored" grind from Illy that delivers a well-rounded, aromatic taste.

We really enjoy this! It has a lovely robust flavor without being bitter. Almost creamy in flavor but excellent espresso flavor!

Coffee had no aroma and was tasteless

Se conserva la frescura gracias a que viene en 2 distintos paquetes.

Best. Coffee. Ever.

taste fantastic, not too strong and well ground. Great price.

Tastes alright. Good for my moka pot.