illy Intenso Whole Bean Coffee is an 8.8 oz (250 g) tin of 100 percent Arabica coffee in illy's Bold Roast, meant to be ground fresh before each brew, with notes of cocoa and dried fruit. It is made in Italy and available as a single tin or a pack of 6, shipped fast from New Jersey.
illy Intenso Whole Bean: Bold Roast Arabica to Grind Fresh
- Bold roast, intensity 7 of 9 — full-bodied and robust, with more depth than illy's Classico Medium Roast
- Cocoa and dried fruit notes — a warm, rich finish with no added flavorings
- 100 percent Arabica illy blend — hand-selected Arabica beans blended and roasted by illy
- Whole bean format — grind fine for espresso, medium for drip, or coarse for French press right before brewing
- Works with standard and grind-on-demand grinders — a burr grinder gives the most consistent grind size
- Pressurized tin, made in Italy — 8.8 oz (250 g); roasted by illycaffè in Trieste; also sold in a pack of 6
How to Use
Grind the beans immediately before brewing for the fullest aroma. For espresso, grind fine and use 7 to 9 g per shot at 9 bar for 25 to 30 seconds. For drip or filter, grind medium and use about 2 oz (60 g) per 34 fl oz (1 L) of water at 194 to 205 F. For a moka pot, grind medium-fine and do not tamp. For French press, grind coarse and steep 4 minutes. Store the tin resealed in a cool, dry cupboard.
About illy
illy is a certified B Corporation founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy in Trieste, Italy. For over 90 years illy's roasters have worked with a single Arabica blend, sourced from growing regions across South and Central America, India, and Africa. illy Intenso Whole Bean is the bold, dark-roast expression of that same blend, sold whole so it can be ground to order. Browse more coffee in our Drink Collection. Learn more at illy.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does illy Intenso Whole Bean Coffee contain allergens?
No. The tin contains only 100 percent Arabica roasted whole bean coffee, with no added flavorings, milk, nuts, gluten, or soy. It is naturally free of major allergens. As with any imported food product, check the printed label on the tin for the current ingredient statement and best-before date.
How does illy Intenso Whole Bean differ from illy Intenso Ground?
Whole Bean lets you grind fresh before each brew for a more aromatic cup and full control over grind size, while the Ground version is pre-ground for convenience. Both share the same Bold Roast profile, with cocoa and dried fruit notes, from the same 100 percent Arabica illy blend.
What grinders work with illy Intenso Whole Bean?
The beans work with standard blade or burr coffee grinders and with grind-on-demand espresso machines. A burr grinder is recommended for the most even, consistent grind size, which matters most for espresso, where an uneven grind can cause fast or slow, uneven extraction.
Is illy Intenso Whole Bean Coffee made in Italy?
Yes. illy Intenso Whole Bean Coffee is roasted and packed by illycaffè in Trieste, Italy, in the 8.8 oz (250 g) tin, using the same Bold Roast recipe sold across Europe, not a reformulated version for the US market. Grind it fresh at home to get the closest cup to what illy serves in Italy.
I have been making a morning 3-shot espresso Mocha in a manual machine for years. I've gone through Starbks beans, Lvazza beans, and many others. Some are good but the problem with most of them, is after awhile, you get too much of some feature in the flavor of those beans and you get tired of it after a while and need a change.I don't know how they've done it, but Illy has made perfect espresso beans that have a perfect flavor for over and over daily drinking. I hate that it's the most expensive one, but I'm hooked, and this is all I order now. It's on subscription.
Illy is synonymous with consistency, quality and taste, and this blend pairs beautifully with a Brikka-type Moka pot. Velvety smooth yet flavorful.
I'll coffee has a great taste
Fresh
Love this coffee. Holds flavor.
best coffee in the entire world! can not dented and fresh
Coffee reviews are easy to read but very difficult to apply to our own tastes. Illy intenso whole bean coffee is no different. With all the great reviews on this coffee I finally took the plunge and here’s my review/opinion. #1: it’s definitely a pretty pricey coffee. Considerably more than other brands out there. #2: arrived on time and in a very cool tin to preserve freshness. A nice touch. 3:the beans were fresh and had a nice aroma when I opened the tin. I chose this bean because it was a dark roast and I like a good clean strong cup of coffee in the morning. 4: next morning came the moment of truth. I make my coffee using a French Press and use a mug that’s about 24 ounces. This means I consume a lot more beans per cup of coffee than if I had a regular sized mug. 5: My bottom line/verdict. Illy Intenso whole bean coffee makes a nice cup of coffee. Good taste, nice aroma and low acidity. But if I’m spending plus minus $26 a pound for coffee I want more than nice. I want great and illy intenso coffee in my opinion is definitely not intense. At this price point I definitely won’t buy it again. If it were better priced I would consider buying it again but not at this price point. A nice cup of coffee that I believe is definitely overpriced.