Posted Mon Aug 12, 2002, 7:18pm Subject: Lavazza Beans
I was thinking on purchasing a bag of Lavazza espresso beans. I was planning on getting the Super Crema blend which is 80% arabica and 20% robusta. I would like to compare them to a local Roaster, which seems would be fresher. I have not tried home roasting yet, but I might try the Popcorn Machine method soon to see if I like it. Any comments on Lavazza?
Posted Tue Aug 13, 2002, 3:51am Subject: Re: Lavazza Beans
Until recently, the best prepackaged espresso I had ever tried was Illy whole bean. In a pinch I had gotten a can of Lavazza Gold (100% Arabica) that was preground but was very disappointed - the lack of crema might be understandable from a pre-ground coffe but the brew was not smooth like Illy or my other favorites. More recently my GF was in Italy and brought me back a 500gm bag of Lavazza whole bean. All black label and not even sure which blend it was but she bought it because "that's what they were selling everywhere" and lots of people were buying it. Have to say... it was exceptional - the best pre-roasted I've ever had. Better than the Illy and I only wish I had another bag. My concerne would be the big bag if it's like the one's I've seen (1 kg). Maybe you could get some ziploc valve bags and freeze smaller portiosn of it in hope of maintaining some freshness once the big bag is opened? Also... why not the blend they offer that has 100% Arabica - just curious. Oddly enough, the Lavazza she brought back for me is a labeling I haven't seen here in the US - not sure if it's the same as blends we get or not.
According to their site, Lavazza has three varieties they deliver in black bags in Italy, Top Class, Crema, and Crema Forte. They are all described as Santos, Java Robusta, and Central American blends.
joesl8 Senior Member Joined: 31 Aug 2002 Posts: 30 Location: Armpit of CA Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Izzo Alex Duetto II (Prior... Grinder: Baratza Vario Roaster: Air Popper, BBQ
Posted Thu Oct 10, 2002, 8:27pm Subject: Re: Lavazza Beans
I was given a bag of pre-ground Lavazza espresso (I've never seen it sold anywhere in the US or the internet) and I found it to be very smooth. It did lack crema, as did some other local blends I've tried? I doubt it's my machine but I just bought some fresh ground beans and they had almost zero crema? Do you guys know of a brand or roast out there (besides roasting them myself) that should get some crema? I'm getting some Illy ground beans soon to compare against the Lavazza. I must say my espresso taste way better than Starbucks and some of my favorite places in town but I'm kind of let down by the lack of crema! Thanks for any info.
Toto Senior Member Joined: 1 Mar 2002 Posts: 78 Location: NYC/Palermo Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Cimbali Junior DT/1 Grinder: Mazzer Mini
Posted Fri Oct 11, 2002, 9:48am Subject: Re: Lavazza Beans
CigarLord Said:
I was thinking on purchasing a bag of Lavazza espresso beans. I was planning on getting the Super Crema blend which is 80% arabica and 20% robusta. I would like to compare them to a local Roaster, which seems would be fresher. I have not tried home roasting yet, but I might try the Popcorn Machine method soon to see if I like it. Any comments on Lavazza?
I have tried some Lavazza beans (not sure which) with mediocre results. I consistently found (now I home roast) that Danesi "Gold" and "Brown" were excellent for a prepackaged bean. Illy was also so so at best...toto
roastmaster Senior Member Joined: 10 Oct 2002 Posts: 9 Location: Spencer Expertise: Professional
Grinder: MPE 3hp floor model Drip: Melita Roaster: two Probat L-12's
Posted Fri Oct 11, 2002, 3:35pm Subject: Re: Lavazza Beans
I am currently using a post roasted blend for my espresso, this is a 100% arabica two component blend I discovered about six months ago. For those of you unfamiliar with the term post roasted blend, this is the process of blending two different degrees of roast, a black and tan if you will in this case. The two components that I chose were Sumatran Mandheling grade 1 natural, and a Guatemalan Antigua San Juan Utapa S.H.B. washed. These two coffees were chosen to balance the acidity body and degrees of roasts with undertones of individual origins still present. I have found that blending a lighter roast with a darker roast produces an excellent crema, which can be difficult in a 100% arabica espresso blend. I am unfortunately unable to divuldge exact proprtions and degrees of roast, just some food for thought if anyone is interested. I find blending one of the most fascinating aspects of my business, approximately half of my offerings are blends. I have realized the value of blending for many years, you could get Colombian Supremo from anyone, but you can only get my blends from me. I have found that people are very loyal to their blends once they have found one they love. I'm rambling, too much caffeine?
GLENNZ Senior Member Joined: 27 Aug 2002 Posts: 73 Expertise: Intermediate
Espresso: la pavoni europiccola Grinder: bodum antiqua modified Drip: krups moka
Posted Sat Oct 12, 2002, 12:45pm Subject: Re: Lavazza Beans
i am using illy medium whole bean and it is very good. i would like to try something else as another option that i can get locally. and wondered if anyone knew if "peets" whole can hold up to illy and if so what blend for straight expresso shots as i can get that at whole foods market ? thanks
guido Senior Member Joined: 9 Nov 2002 Posts: 10 Location: Seattle! Expertise: Just starting
Espresso: Bezzera BZ99/Reneka... Grinder: Mazzer Mini Drip: Bunn
Posted Sat Nov 9, 2002, 11:23pm Subject: Re: Lavazza Beans
I've been using Vivace's (vivace.com) "vita" blend in my bz99 for over a year now and it is truly amazing. Thick, rich, dark milk shake crema. I was given an Illy gift box and shocked at how terrible their beans are. I wasted the tin attempting a decent pour. Very happy to be back to my beloved Vivace!
olypdd Senior Member Joined: 3 Jan 2003 Posts: 54 Location: Puyallup, Wa. Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Quick Mill Vetrano, Elektra... Grinder: Mazzer Mini, Innova... Drip: Only when I'm desperate and... Roaster: Espresso Vivace from Seattle
Posted Wed Jan 8, 2003, 1:51am Subject: Re: Lavazza Beans
I had Vivace at their Seattle Capital Hill coffee house, and it was incredible. I have never had better. I had a can of Illy recently, and I wasn't real impressed, and wonder if it's even possible to get Illy "fresh". Given that it's from Italy, I doubt it.
Posted Thu Feb 13, 2003, 5:03pm Subject: Re: Lavazza Beans
I just want to add that this is my 3rd day using my new Gaggia Espresso and I'm totally satisfied. I use the Capresso Burr Grinder Select. First I tried the free 8-oz. can of Illy that came with the Gaggia. I didn't much like the smell of the roast and the crema was mostly along the edges of the cup. But today I used the Lavazza Pienaroma beans that come in the 2.2-lb. bag. Whoa! A nice layer of reddish-brown crema and loved the smell and taste. I'm hoping that if I play around with the grinder settings, etc. more, I'll be able to enjoy the Illy also. I don't know how the Lavazza Pienaroma relates to any of the previous posts, however.
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