Customer Reviews

Espressione 100% Arabica Coffee, 150-Count Pods

5 star:		(36)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

Using the Briel Chamonix machine I purchased from Amazon, I have produced delicious lattes using these pods. The smell of the Espressione pods (regular and decaf) when opened is incredible - dark, rich roasts. FYI - the pods are produced in Italy, which is a good sign. Also, each pod has a handy paper "tab" so that you can remove it from your machine without burning your fingers. I compared these pods to Starbucks espresso pods (regular and decaf), and the Espressione are my favorite. Only one warning: 150 pods (individually wrapped) take up a lot of space, so be sure you know where you're going to store them. More good news: each box of 150 is stamped with a "best if used by" date, which in my case was 16 months after the date of purchase.

After years of using Starbuck's decaf and regular single serving espresso pods, I finally found a substitute that's more economical and MUCH better tasting.

I've used three different brands of pods in my Starbuck's Barista machine, and have found that the quality of the pod and the flavor of the espresso inside is, by far, the best in the Espressione pods. The flavor is more full bodied and stronger than in the Starbuck's pods. I actually use one pod to make two shots of espresso, and the flavor is more intense than when I buy my specialty drinks from Starbucks or other coffee houses.

Also, the pod itself is of very high quality. Each pod is individually wrapped in an airtight, hard foil wrapper, and I've never opened a package yet that contained a torn pod with coffee spilling out. Such is not the case with other lesser brands.

The tab on each pod is also handy, making it easier to switch out a hot spent pod with a new one when making a second round of espresso.

I've purchased both the Espressione Espresso (classic) and the 100% Arabica. My vote is definitely with the 100% Arabica. The flavor has more bite and flavor (much more like European coffee than American).

I've tried the ESPRESSIONE coffee pods in both the 100% Arabica blend and also the Espresso blend. They are sensational.

Taste is excellent along with the AROMA.

The pods are also much less expensive that we can find in stores and on line from other roasters.

Though the "best used by date" is Nov '03 for the decaf, I am sure the pods will be used up well before then. The coffee taste compares well to the much more expensive (read almost twice as expensive)Illy pods, with a much more pleasing aroma and taste - more nut like - while the Illy has a more traditional espresso dark roast flavor (read burnt - which I am not as fond of, as there is a fine line between dark roasting and ending up burning the beans). The pods produce a nice crema, equal to the Illy. Most of the pods will be used to produce "crema coffe" and the flavor stands up well to sugar, flavored syrups, and steamed milk. (Crema coffee: Put sweetner in the bottom of your warmed empty cup / mug. Then brew into the cup mug: a double shot 3~4 oz - I brew each shot 25 seconds to draw out the most flavor, aroma. Add 3~4 oz 170 to 180 degree hot water, 3~4 oz steamed milk, and "cap" with Frothed milk or whipped cream.
I am extremely dissapointed, as of this writing (Late May, 2003) the decaf pods are the only available - been watching the Arabica pods for some time now - "coming in soon" has been the mantra for the last month. I hope this coffee doesn't disappear, like so many other great offerings here at Amazon - will have to wait and see...
As to the one poor review I have seen here - I suspect the individual who submitted the poor rating does not have his machine set up for pods - different brew head, screen, and brew cup from what is used with ground coffee. If you do not know if there is a brew head for pods available for you machine, contact your dealer / manufacturer - the set up generally runs between thirty and fifty dollars. Although ground coffees can produce a superior cup of espresso - the convenience and the consitency of the brewed cup from pods far outweighs sometimes superior ground / brewed espresso. Highly recommended

Something odd must have happened to Mr. Kelly.

I have compared the espressione pods with those made by Illy, Starbucks, Saeco, and another I've forgotten, and the espressione pods produce the best espresso with the strongest taste of any.

These pods work perfectly, taste great, and cost a fraction of the pods from illy or starbucks.

one note: the editoral review says "decaffinated". This particular product (100% Arabica) is NOT decaf!

I purchased the LUNA by Espressione wall mount pump espresso machine which is designed for use with the ESE pods. The machine had two pods to test in the box and I'm tried them.

The coffee was rich, had a great aroma and sensational taste.

I ordered the 100% Arabica from amazon and am extremely happy with this coffee. 150 came in the box and I need to order again!

I am using a Briel espresso machine and these pods are great. I use the "Classic Espresso" variety, I have not tried the "Arabica" yet. These are very nice flavor and result in a nice crema (not sure if that is more the result of my machine though). Much much better than the Illy pods and in my opinion equally as good as the Starbucks pods but much less expensive.

Now I'm ordering my next box of 150 pods. They are so much easier than the ground espresso that I was using previously. To get the right cup, I use two pods which I had expected...

The espresso is very good and fast. Definitely get thus stuff--5stars.