A little under $8/lb and my family and I, all fans of the darkest of roasts, can't get over the excellence of this dark roast. You can't beat this price point. So good. Note: I use a nothing-fancy grinder (Hamilton Beach) and it grinds it up well with no problem I also grind to the finest level (i.e., powdery) possible.

Ordered Coffee Bean Direct two years ago for a wedding favor and decided to try it for my espresso. Love getting such a big quantity because we go through it fast. Tried the first cup today and it was delicious! I actually was excited to see the organic fair trade and will only be buying this. Would like to see more of their products with this!

I would rate this blend too mild. I have been buying Starbucks espresso beans at the grocery store for the convenience and they have a much stronger profile. I prefer espresso to let you know you're drinking a strong coffee, and unfortunately I didn't find that with these. In fact, this is the mildest espresso I've had in awhile.

Disappointed! The first bag I bought was excellent - 5 star, than this past order was abysmal. No flavor, certainly not Italian Roast Espresso, aroma was stale (at best) and brewed coffee tastes like the cheapest grocery store brand.

This was my 3rd attempt on Amazon to find a bean that lived up to its rave reviews - success. I use a Rancillio Rocky grinder and a Silvia espresso machine and Brita-filtered NY water. I grew up in Europe which means I like short, strong, flavor-full coffee with rich crema.

My last 2 attempts were with the #1 and #2 brands (highest number of 5-star reviews and lowest number of 1-3 star reviews). Summary prior to this purchase as follows: Ok price, wonderful customer service, excellent packaging.....disappointing end-product.

Even with very short shots of espresso, the output was uninspiring. Sure, it was coffee, a lot better than you get at a diner but not what you would expect from a specialist supplier. The espresso was light in color, modest in flavor with minimal crema. Not bad in any particular way but overall disappointing. A thousand or more other reviewers were experiencing something very different. It was a mystery to me.

I conclude from this unscientific research that coffee bean reviews are highly subjective and cannot be relied on!

Moving on to Coffee Bean Direct Italian Roast Espresso: If you like full flavor, dark, Italian style espresso with a rich layer or crema then this is the brand for you. The beans are slightly oily which I typically don't like but the packaging is high quality and seals in freshness and flavor. The first shot fillled the kitchen with the pungent aroma of coffee. The finished beverage is as good as I have tasted anywhere.

What more could you want? Now I just hope they stay in business!