Lavazza 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.

Just love this espresso coffee, I’m finding there is no bitter taste from the coffee at all. I was buying Cafe Buestleo espresso blocks at the grocery store. When I started they were reasonably priced at $3.25 for an 10oz block here recently they have been selling for $6.97. I get 4- 8.5oz blocks for $16.00.So I get 40oz. Of Cafe Burstelo for $27.92Or 34oz of Lavazza for $16.00

I love this coffee! Great aroma, ideal strength and great value for the money.

Perfectly balanced taste. Great value. I like it

Excellent product and price (at least compared with standard price in the US). I buy this often and taking off one star only because more than once it happened that at least one pack didn't arrive vacuum sealed. Need better quality control before shipping.

the coffee was protected very well and arrived intact. the coffee itself is fresh and flavorful. delivered on time. will use this seller again.

This espresso is one of my favorites for my morning start. It produces such a lovely creme and a very lovely bold taste. I love that it comes with multiple bricks so I never run out and they do hold the flavor for storing prior to use. It’s on the strong end as far as brew so I am more then set for the day with my double espresso. Definitely worth the try if you enjoy a classic espresso or use in a delicious homemade latte.

It's the coffee I buy in Italy .It is excellent coffee, roasted dark and asit should be to lose acidity. The price is very good and it arrives fast. It is much better than local brands that try to imitate Italian espresso.