Coffee Review: Intelligentsia Coffee's Classic Black Cat Espresso

Intelligentsia Coffee, headquartered in Chicago. is one of the most prestigious roasters in the United States...and perhaps even the world. It has roasters and corresponding coffee houses in the Chicago and Los Angeles metros. Mike Phillips, a winner of multiple US Barista Championships, is one of Intelligentsia's long-time baristas.

Intelligentsia's Classic Black Cat Espresso, part of its Black Cat Project designed to create the worlds best espresso, is Intelligentsia's staple blend. It is made from beans in Brazil and Tanzania grown from an altitude between 1125 and 1800 feet above sea level. It is grown on the same farms through Intelligentsia's Direct Trade agreement with regional producers.

Tasting: Aroma****; powerful scents of buttery spice and roasted caramel. Acidity*; little to no acidity. Smooth and balanced. Body***; medium, well-balanced with a silky texture lingering lightly on the back of the tongue. Flavor*****; intense notes of honey, juicy apricot, and sweet tangerine.

I recommend this coffee as a nice mid-day coffee or, obviously, as espresso. Its silky texture mixes perfectly in a latte or cappuccino. However you brew it, you can't go wrong with this coffee. Intelligentsia's reputation proceeds it.