A Review Of The São Café Intenso Italian Coffee
This Sao Cafe consortium of the top Italian coffee roasters has created a deliciously dark roast that you definitely need to try as a part of your next breakfast.
When I first encountered São Café at the supermarket, it was a backup choice because there was a shortage of our favorite Kimbo, so we thought we should give it a try. I prefer a stronger coffee flavor, so the description of Intenso was all I needed to throw it in our basket.
In Italy, there is no shortage of coffee styles available, but there are regional differences that are important to be aware of. For me, the style of roasting coffee that is preferred in Rome and further south is my style. It is a darker, stronger roast that my Moka does a great job of brewing, and I was hoping that this brand that was new to me fits that description.
The History Of São Café
The São Café Consortium was founded in 1971 thanks to the initiative of several prominent Italian roasters operating in different regions of Italy. After comparing their respective experiences, they decided to offer the best of their blends to the Italian coffee market.
São Café is one of the best-known brands among Italian consumers (apart from me, obviously), and it is also enjoying growing success in foreign markets, thanks in part to the growing interest in authentic Italian espresso.
The São Café Consortium is currently comprised of four distinct companies, each a leader in its own region:
- Caffè Trombetta Spa of Rome
- Guglielmo Spa of Catanzaro
- Pellini Caffè Spa of Verona
- S.A.I.C.A.F. Spa of Bari.
These companies combined have approximately €100 million in sales annually. It is also estimated that more than 44 Million Lbs. (20 million kg) of green coffee are roasted annually and then distributed extensively through all traditional channels that guarantee rapid delivery.
All Of The São Café Products
I am reviewing the Intenso coffee, but São Café offers a range of other roasts. Here is their current offerings:
- São Intenso – A blend with a bold flavor and a rounded, full-bodied aroma, dedicated to those who love strong sensations and caffe latte enthusiasts.
- SãoPiù – The newest addition to their lineup. A blend waiting to be discovered, protected by innovative and functional packaging. Available as ground coffee in 250 gram bags.
- Pods – Their renowned espresso blend packaged in convenient single-serve pods for a simple, zero-waste espresso.
- São Oro – The blend for special occasions. A smooth and fragrant taste thanks to the high content of the finest Arabica beans.
- São Classico – A blend with a balanced flavor that has garnered countless unsuccessful attempts at imitation.
- Espresso Bar – A blend for home espresso machines, tested to deliver optimal results with every type of machine.
My São Café Tasting Experience
My first impression of this intense roast is exactly what I was hoping for. It is a dark roast with grounds that offer a delicious chocolatey perfume. It is not too acidic, but does maintain its bitterness and balance.
I enjoyed this being brewed in a Moka, but I unfortunately don’t know any bars around me that offer this coffee from a proper commercial espresso machine. Maybe sometime in the future I’ll have the space and funds for a professional machine, but for today, it’s my Moka.
How does it compare to my favorite Kimbo? Well, I don’t think my tastes are as common as I like to believe, so my love of intense bitterness probably isn’t a fair comparison. That said, this coffee has a strong flavor that is a bit less intense than my favorite. I would expect this would be popular with more people because it does have a ton of flavor, but a calmer intensity.
São Café Price and Availability
The price of this Italian roast is competitive with other popular brands. I believe it can be purchased in the local grocery store for around €3.50 for a 8.8 oz. (250 gr.) vacuum sealed bag. Again, this is a typical, competitive price for a non-specialty roast.
As for availability, I have not found a bar that offers this coffee, so you will be limited to enjoying this roast at home. As I mentioned, I enjoyed this brewed from a Moka, but any stovetop coffee maker will brew a delicious version of this.
Conclusion: Is São Café Intenso Worth It?
In a word: “Yes!”. This is a delicious, full bodied and intense roast that is consistent with others from the south of Italy. It is a little less intense than a few from Naples, but still will wake you up in the morning. Give it a try and I believe you will be happy you did. Hopefully I’ll be able to taste some of their other offerings in the near future.
More Italian Coffee Experiences
If you enjoyed this São Café Intenso review and are interested in learning more about various Italian coffees and the culture that embraces it, you should check out some of our other posts:
- Review: Passalacqua Mehari Coffee Is A Neapolitan Favorite.
- My Danesi Coffee Review Highlights The Best Coffee In Rome.
- Danesi Gold Review Of Another Roman Delight To Wake Up To.
- Let My Pellini Coffee Review Be Your Guide To Flavor.
- My Kimbo Coffee Review Celebrates The Best Coffee In Italy.
- illy India Coffee Will Start Your Morning With Flavor.
- Our Caffè San Giusto Review Will Have You Flying To Trieste.
- A Caffè Motta Review – Another Coffee Favorite From Naples.
- Battista Coffee In Puglia Roast Coffee You Need To Try.
- Review: Caffè Kosè By Kimbo Is A Delicious Surprise.
