Intelligentsia Black Cat Whole-Bean Espresso, Light Roast 12 oz — Syrupy Sweetness & Bright Citrus
Product details
| Management number | 253512703 | Release Date | 2026/10/24 | List Price | CA$23.53 | Model Number | 253512703 | ||
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Intelligentsia Black Cat Espresso is a light-roast whole-bean espresso blend built for sweetness, clarity, and layered flavor — delivered in a 12-ounce bag.
Since 1995, Black Cat has been Intelligentsia’s signature espresso, crafted to showcase syrupy sweetness and clean complexity. This blend balances fruity and cola-like notes with a bright orange lift that translates well across espresso-based drinks and filter preparations for home baristas and specialty coffee shops alike. Direct-trade sourcing and seasonal component adjustments keep the cup fresh while maintaining the blend’s recognizable profile.
What flavor profile should I expect from Black Cat Espresso?
Black Cat highlights sweet, clean, and layered flavors rather than heavy roastiness. Expect cherry-like fruit, cola sugar, and citrusy orange that combine into a syrupy mouthfeel and a bright finish.
- Primary tasting notes: cherry, cola, orange
- Mouthfeel: syrupy sweetness with a clean finish
- Acidity: lively but balanced, not sharp
- Roast level: light roast tuned for sweetness and clarity
How should I brew Black Cat to bring out its best?
For espresso, use a fine grind and aim for a brewed weight about 2.5× your dry dose to maximize extraction and sweetness. The beans also suit manual brewing methods—adjust grind coarseness and brew time to preserve fruit notes without over-extraction.
- Espresso: fine grind; 1:2.5 brew ratio (dose to yield)
- Pour-over: medium-fine grind, 2.0–2.5 minute total contact time
- French press: coarser grind, 4-minute steep with gentle plunge
- Start with fresh, filtered water at 195–205°F (90–96°C)
What makes Intelligentsia’s sourcing different from other brands?
Intelligentsia emphasizes direct trade partnerships, working straight with growers to remove intermediaries and invest in long-term quality. That approach supports consistent access to sweet, high-quality lots and gives the roaster latitude to rotate seasonal components while holding the blend’s character steady.
- Direct-trade relationships with coffee producers
- Seasonal component changes to ensure freshness
- Roasting and blending calibrated for stable profile year-round
- Traceability and quality focus at origin
How long will freshness last and how should I store this coffee?
Whole beans stay freshest when stored in a cool, dark place in an airtight container away from heat and light. Use the bag’s one-way valve for short-term storage and grind only right before brewing to preserve volatile aromatics and flavor.
- Keep in airtight container; avoid refrigerator/freezer for daily use
- Grind immediately before brewing for peak aroma
- Consume within 2–4 weeks of opening for best flavor
- Original bag has a valve to release CO2 while preventing oxygen ingress
Who is this for: Intelligentsia Black Cat Espresso 12 oz whole-bean is ideal for home baristas, café pros, and specialty-coffee enthusiasts who prefer a light-roast espresso with pronounced sweetness and a clean, complex profile. If you enjoy fruit-forward and syrupy espresso that plays well in milk-based drinks and straight shots, this blend delivers a reliable, seasonally refreshed expression of Intelligentsia’s signature style.
Product features:
- One (1) 12-ounce bag of Intelligentsia Black Cat Classic Espresso whole bean coffee
- Syrupy sweet, balanced espresso blend with cherry, cola, and orange notes
- Direct-trade sourcing to support growers and consistent quality
- Recommended espresso brew ratio: finished shot weight ≈ 2.5× coffee dose
- Seasonally adjusted blend components to maintain freshness and profile
Ingredients
100% Arabica Coffee
FAQ
Q: Is Black Cat Espresso whole bean or preground?
A: This product is whole bean coffee, packaged in a 12-ounce bag for grinding to your preferred brew method.
Q: What grind and ratio work best for espresso with Black Cat?
A: Use a fine espresso grind and target a finished shot weight about 2.5 times the coffee dose for optimal extraction.