illy coffee has a recognisable style: one carefully composed blend of one hundred percent arabica, available in different roasts and formats. Still, the range raises questions. What is the difference between Classico and Intenso? And what exactly are Iperespresso capsules? In this guide we explain the illy range step by step, so you can choose with confidence.
The story of illy in brief
illy was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy in Trieste, the Italian port city that has played an important role in the coffee trade for centuries. The company is still owned by the Illy family and is known for its scientific approach to coffee: from the selection of the beans to the pressurised packaging, which keeps the coffee fresh for longer. You can taste that focus on consistency in every cup.
One blend, one hundred percent arabica
Where many brands carry dozens of different blends, illy deliberately chooses one signature blend. It consists entirely of arabica beans from different countries of origin. The result is a smooth, rounded taste with notes of chocolate, caramel and fruit, without sharp bitterness. Because the blend is always the same, you know exactly what you are getting, whatever format you buy the coffee in.
Classico, Intenso and Decaffeinato
The illy blend is available in different roasts. The name mainly tells you something about the intensity.
- Classico: the classic, medium roast. Balanced and smooth, with the signature notes of caramel and chocolate.
- Intenso: a darker roast with more body and a fuller, deeper taste. Ideal if you love a bold espresso.
- Decaffeinato: the same blend, but caffeine-free. Perfect for the late hours, without giving up much on taste.
In addition, illy regularly releases single origin varieties, the Arabica Selection, which let you taste beans from a single country of origin, such as Brazil or Ethiopia.
Beans, ground or servings: which format do you choose?
The same blend is available in different formats. Which one you choose depends on your machine and your convenience.
- Coffee beans: the most versatile choice. Freshly ground coffee gives the most aroma, ideal for bean-to-cup machines and espresso machines with a grinder.
- Ground coffee: available in a grind for espresso machines and one for filter coffee or moka pot. Pay close attention to which grind you need when ordering.
- E.S.E. servings: pre-dosed paper pods for espresso machines that support this system. Little waste and always the right dose.
- Iperespresso capsules: illy's own capsule system, explained below.
What is Iperespresso?
Iperespresso is the capsule system illy developed for its own machines. The capsule works with a two-stage extraction method, in which the espresso is prepared entirely inside the capsule and the coffee never touches the machine. The result is an espresso with a dense, long-lasting crema. Important to know: Iperespresso capsules only fit Iperespresso machines, not machines from other systems. If you own one of these machines, you will find capsules in the flavour varieties you know from the beans, such as Classico, Intenso and Decaffeinato, plus lungo variants.
How to choose within the illy range
In short: first choose the format that suits your machine, then the roast that suits your taste. If you have a bean-to-cup machine or an espresso machine with a grinder, go for beans. If you make espresso with an Iperespresso machine, choose the capsules. If you like smooth and balanced, take Classico; if you want more power, Intenso is the logical choice. Browse the full range in our illy collection or go straight to the Iperespresso capsules. That way you bring the signature taste of Trieste right into your home.
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