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If I show you a can of Illy coffee, chances are high that you instantly know what it is. For decades, the iconic Illy can with the red square logo has been featured in grocery stores, hotels, coffee shops, and even airplanes. Illy was my introduction to espresso and coffee; therefore, it will always hold a special place. After many years of trying all kinds of specialty coffee, it’s time to give it a fair review.
Illy Coffee History
From the Illy Coffee website: “Francesco Illy founded illycaffè in 1933. His 1935 invention of the illetta, considered the blueprint for modern espresso machines, revolutionized coffee preparation. His innovative packaging method, based on pressurization, enabled illy’s initial exports to Sweden and Holland during the 1940s. Francesco Illy’s method remains the standard for preserving and enhancing coffee’s freshness during transport and storage.”
Ernesto, Francesco’s son, who doctorated in chemistry, joined the company in the late 1940s. In the 1950s, he spearheaded the company’s expansion into homes, selling smaller cans of ground coffee for the first time.
Illy E.S.E. Coffee – Single-Serve Coffee Capsules & Pods – Coffee Pods – Photo from Amazon.
In 1974, Dr. Illy furthered the company’s lead in coffee innovation with ESE, the first pre-measured espresso pods, making café-quality espresso simple and easy at home or the bar. In 1988, he introduced and patented a photo-chromatic means to identify the highest quality beans, one by one, right at the source.
Illy Coffee: The power of marketing
I confess that I am a sucker for marketing and good packaging. I am fascinated by products well presented in sleek packages and the overall experience that goes with them. In the early 2000s, I traveled a lot for my work, and I kept encountering the elegant Illy logo in desirable places such as fancy coffee shops in upscale areas of cities I was visiting or fancy hotels. At the time, I did not drink coffee, but I started trying Illy espresso every time I was at a place serving it. I quickly realized that I liked it very much.
At that time, Illy collaborated with Francis Francis to offer a gorgeous line of espresso machines, like the X1 and the X3. These beautiful machines were inspired by mid-century Italian design and offered in multiple colors. They could be used with the Illy ESE pods, popular back then, or regular ground espresso coffee. I liked the Illy so much that I pampered myself with a Francis Francis X3 espresso machine for my 30th birthday. That was the beginning of my love story with espresso and coffee.
Illy also offered a fabulous line of coffee cups commissioned by famous artists back then. Being a true Illy fanboy, I received a few sets; I still enjoy using them almost 20 years later.
Illy Coffee, my daily grind
Living in Belgium, I could find the emblematic Illy 250g coffee cans for 6 Euros at my local grocery stores. I was stunned when I saw them for less than 4 Euros during a trip to Italy. I started with Illy pods and Illy pre-ground coffee. The best day of the week was when I was opening a brand-new pressurized can of coffee. The delicious whiff of fresh coffee was so enticing. Later, I started to explore other coffees, especially the outstanding choice offered by my local coffee roaster. Still, Illy was my reliable “daily grind,” and I always had some cans handy. I replaced the pre-ground coffee with whole beans when I bought a grinder. I tried many (cheaper) grocery store alternatives for my espresso: Lavazza, Kimbo, and Segafredo, for instance, but I was always coming back to Illy.
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In 2008, we moved to the US. The stylish 220V Francis Francis X3 was part of the voyage, helped by a bulky 2000W step-up transformer to make it work on the American 120V power. Illy was available in most grocery stores in the Chicago area but at a steep price: over $12 for the same 250g can I found for 6 Euros in Belgium. That price was over double as alternatives such as Peets Coffee or Starbucks. I love nice things but am highly value-oriented; I could not spend so much when I knew what it cost in Europe. I began exploring the American alternatives, only occasionally splurging for a can of Illy or asking family members to bring some when they were visiting from Europe. Over the years, I started discovering many coffee options from local roasters and no longer considered Illy since it was as expensive as fresher delicious specialty coffee.
Now it’s time to review Illy Classico Whole Bean
Like I did with Starbucks, it would be fun to revisit my former daily espresso and review Illy Classico Coffee objectively.
You can read my review of Starbucks Pike Place Coffee Beans here.
Illy Classico Coffee – Espresso review
My first espresso shot has a thin body and only a little crema. For an “industrial grade coffee,” it offers a decent balance with moderate bitterness. I detected the typical Illy nutty sweetness I enjoyed when I began my espresso journey with this coffee. That flavor transports me back to 20 years ago. I wish it would have more viscosity, but the taste is pleasant, sweet, and nutty with light acidity and moderate bitterness. If anything, it lacks character. It does not compare to a good espresso blend from a skilled roaster, but it is a decent daily sipper. There is nothing wrong with it. I would be happy to find an Illy can in my pantry when I run out of my preferred fresh beans for my morning espresso. If only it could cost the same price as in Europe.
Illy Classico Coffee – Pour-over review
I was only drinking espresso then, but it would be interesting to see how Illy does with other brewing methods. As a pour-over, it is surprisingly smooth. I find the same nutty, sweet flavor familiar with the espresso but toned down a lot. I do not detect any acidity or bitterness. Surprisingly, It is a smooth coffee, straightforward to drink, but it’s a bland coffee that lacks character. I suspect it would be a crowd-pleaser, though: it is much smoother than most commercial coffees. Compared to any typical coffee pod, it yields a better cup of coffee thanks to its smooth sweet, nutty profile. However, I prefer a little more excitement.
Illy Classico Coffee – French Press review
Immediately, I was surprised by a more pronounced acidity that I did not find with the espresso or the pour-over. At the second sip, I detect the familiar nutty sweetness (although it seems more diluted here), but it is complemented by a welcome touch of brightness that makes the cup more balanced. The French press works much better than the filter for this coffee, and I recommend it. It is not the most complex cup of coffee, but it is a delicious, smooth, balanced coffee. As my daily drinker at the office, I would have no problem with it.
The Bottom Line: a great coffee if you can buy it at the right price
As a grocery store option, Illy Classic Blend remains an excellent coffee for espresso and other brewing methods. Unfortunately, in the USA, it is as expensive as most specialty coffee options that are objectively better and more interesting. However, if you live in a country where you can find it at a reasonable price, go for it; it is a delectable daily coffee.
References
IllyCaffè History – Tradition and coffee culture; https://www.illy.com/en-ww/who-we-are/illycaffe-history#:~:text=Francesco%20Illy%20founded%20illycaff%C3%A8%20in,and%20Holland%20during%20the%201940s.
