illyCoffee, Intenso iperEspresso Capsule, Dark Roast Espresso Pods, Compatible with illy iperEspresso Machines, (21 ct), 140.7g (packaging may Vary)

This is a warning: A love for good espresso is an expensive habit!!!I've been making my own espresso at home for 20 years. Every morning I would grind the beans, measure and tamp them into the filter, add water, steam my milk, and then wash the entire machine and repeat. I have to wake up early because this is a time consuming process. I've tried other pod machines, and they just don't make a good cup of espresso.I recently began using the illy Francis Francis Y1 with iperEspresso capsules, and the result is better than my manual method, and takes a little over a minute a cup.Generally, I take my cappuccino cup and heat an ounce of milk in the microwave for 30 seconds, use a hand frother for just a few seconds, press the button on the Y1, and in about 20 seconds it brews a 1 or 2 ounce shot of perfect espresso (you have to depress the button when you think it is finished - there is no auto shutoff). Wham, bam, done!As far as I know, the iperEspresso system is the only "pod" that comes close to a real cup of espresso with crema. And this crema is really a thing of beauty. If you don't know what I'm talking about, try it once and you'll understand. As someone who likes strong coffee, the dark roast is almost not strong enough, but the flavor is so well balanced. It's the perfect blend of bitter and sweet with a body worth savoring.This isn't cheap, and it's more wasteful than grinding your own beans. So take that into consideration. But, I've only had espresso this good in Italy. Constant trips to Italy would be very wasteful and expensive, so that's my barely rational justification.I'd also like to share that the Y1 seems to be the most affordable offering in illy's line of iperEspresso systems. It retails for $295, but illy offers a promotion where you can buy the Y1 for $125 when you order a minimum of 2 canisters (21 count) through illy's website (illyusa.com). There are no other requirements to fulfill. So the machine and the coffee adds up to less than the cost of the machine itself. I took advantage of this deal and I couldn't be happier.This coffee will put a new spin on your day. Not to sound too cheesy, but I can't wait to wake up each morning and enjoy my first cup.

Everyone complaining about the price should really take a walk to a coffee store or caffe. Coffee has risen in price the past couple years. Add to that the euro and you'll know why these capsules are more money.BTW, currently Amazon has a 6 pack of canes for 89.99. That's free shipping and comes out to $14.99 which is what the cans costed when they initially rolled out the iperEspresso system.I have been using the black can for some time now. Do not even consider buying the red, medium, roast. This dark roast is exactly what espresso should be like, dark and bold and delicious. The crema produced from this coffee is very very good. sugar will sometimes just sit on the top, as a proper espresso should.My review is for the black top can, which is my favorite one.I have also tried the red, blue and green. I've already given my impression on the red, it's so-so. The blue top can is for luongo(long) shots. These are excellent for making an Americano. Use two of these pods plus very hot water(6-8ozs) and you'll have an absolutely delicious Americano coffee.The green top cans are decaf and I am not a big fan of decaf but they are decent. I always have a can around for when guests like to have a decaf espresso.So each espresso will cost you 95 cents. While that is a pretty hefty price, you are getting caffe quality espresso, which would run you about $2 in any coffee shop. It's a lifestyle choice, you could always get a stove top macchinetta from Bialetti and make espresso that way but you will never ever achieve the quality and crema like these illy capsules produce.Enjoy your coffee everyone!

I love my Illu espresso maker and pods! The simplest way to make great, Italian espresso. It even creates the yummy crema on top! (The creamy frothy goodness on top of only well made espressos). Take from me an Italian girl. We love our espresso. In Italy, we only go to cafes that have the Illy sign out front. The best! Replacing the pods isn't cheap but if you can afford Starbucks it's cheaper than that for sure! Pair it with a legit milk frother and you have awesome cappuccinos as well. Oh and this is for sure the best flavor (black/bold). We tried the blue one because it was cheap and it wasn't good.

It has been often said that you get what you pay for. And generally that is true. But not always. I'm happy to say that this is a true statement here. Yes- these capsules are not cheap. The issue is are they worth the price? And the resounding answer is YES! I also have the Francis Francis X1 machine that takes the paper lined pods. The X1 is a much nicer machine than my X8. Yet I cannot pull as consistently as good a shot using the paper pod as I do using the capsule. I would say the paper pods are great 80% of the time. The capsules are great 95% of the time and have a better, thicker creama. The dark roast is especially good. My wife and I prefer it to the normali (red banded can) roast. It has a deeper flavor with less acidity.

Pods are defective - deposit just a few drops into the mug

Best brand, very smooth and easy to use.