Illy Issimo

Product Type:Coffee Drinks; Container: 250 ml
BevNET Review: This drink, which is named after a coffee beverage that blends espresso with steamed milk (as opposed to the reverse, which is a caffe latte), is probably the most authentic tasting espresso drink that we've ever sampled from a can. Using a formulation that relies mainly on coffee, milk, and sugar, this beverage maintains a very fresh flavor that has almost perfect balance between the three main flavors. Packaging looks elegant and attractive, making good use of the only well known brand name that might possibly upstage the Starbucks franchise. The 250 ml can is probably a good choice for this product, steering clear of the glass bottles and 16 ounce cans that are the mainstay of the competition. The only thing that we might possibly change is the silver backdrop, which makes the can somewhat hard to read from a distance. Otherwise, this is a superbly executed drink that's practically perfect.Reviewed on: 2/9/2009

Product Type:Coffee Drinks; Container: 200 ml
BevNET Review: The Caffe variety of Illy Issimo is essentially what would traditionally be called a Café Americano (espresso with additional water in it), meaning that it has an espresso like flavor but the strength of traditional drip coffee. Added to the mixture are sugar (11g), potassium bicarbonate, and potassium citrate. The resulting mix is mostly coffee and finishes with a touch of sweetness. The resulting mixture is a very good one, with a strong base of coffee that stays pretty true to the Illy name. However, the lack of dairy probably relegates this to a niche market as, for better or worse, the American consumer seems to prefer latte style drinks. Packaging is attractive, using a 200ml can that's been decked out with a European-esque design that displays the Illy logo prominently. The use of a shorter can is a smart move, adding some sophistication to the product while also helping identify it as the "special" flavor of this three flavor brand. Overall, this is a technically well done product, but likely will be the slowest seller of the three.Reviewed on: 2/9/2009