Reviewed by CHTraveler from Chapel Hill, NC, USA on September 04, 2016
Been using a Breville barista almost daily for 6 months. Been grinding fresh, full-city roast Costa Rica Terrazo beans for every cup. Really happy with the full, balanced flavor, mouth-feel, aroma, aftertaste, etc. The great reviews of the San Marcos Espresso bean intrigued me, so I thought I'd give it a try. The dominant characteristic to both my wife & me is it's distinct peppery taste. There really is no unpleasant aftertaste at all, however. If one is used to a bit of a bite in their espresso, this likely is the bean for you. However, it's a bit disappointing to us. That being said (actually, written!) I will continue to make espresso/cappuccino for myself until the bag is empty, as it's not distasteful - to my taste buds, however, it's just does not have the fully pleasant characteristics we've come to be used to with the Costa Rica Terrazo beans. Though our experience with the espresso beans was not as expected, we remain confident that San Marco Coffee is of high quality, & we will continue to purchase the few other varieties we enjoy so much in our daily coffee brew.
127 of 129 people found this review helpful
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Reviewed by x from North Carolina, USA on November 18, 2019
I have used San Marco espresso whole bean coffee for over 15 years. No other brand I have tried and compared over the years offers the same quality and consistency, much less pricing, as does San Marco(or San Giorgio as it was previously branded). And at a rate of 4# per month for personal consumption, only, I should know.
127 of 140 people found this review helpful
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Reviewed by Doc from Minneapolis. MN, USA on April 01, 2016
Used this for over a year now for espresso plus pour-overs and will continue using it as it's 'the best I've found'. For espresso, I grind with a Vario Baratza and produce shots with a Breville BES900XL/B Dual Boiler Espresso machine at 9 bar. For the pour-over, I use a combination of 1:2 ratio San Marco to Starbucks French Roast. Both, absolutely outstanding!!
127 of 260 people found this review helpful
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Reviewed by xxx from WNC, USA on June 27, 2020
It is espresso, only one way to use it. Straight up w/o sugar or other additives.
127 of 145 people found this review helpful
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Reviewed by El cafecero from Fort Mill, SC, USA on January 27, 2015
I prepared this coffee on a Breville espresso machine and the result was outstanding. I ordered a bag of Lavazza Super Crema Espresso and the difference is obvious: San Marcos is fresher, more aromatic, much more flavor, more balanced. If you want a good coffee bean you have to order it from your local roaster and San Marcos is the way to go if you live in the Carolinas. I'm ready to place another order
122 of 245 people found this review helpful
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Reviewed by micheb from Madisonville, Ky, USA on February 05, 2014
This has to be by far the finest espresso I have had. I used to own a coffee shop and we went exclusively San Marco products. By far the best out there.
121 of 121 people found this review helpful
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Reviewed by Coffee and horses from Hershey PA, USA on April 23, 2015
We use this esspresso blend to make straight espressos or Lattes using a Rncilio Silvia and a Rancilio grinder. The coffee is consistently good with balanced acidity, great aroma and amazing smoothness. We have tried Illy, Lavazza etc blends but nothing compares to this. best bang for your buck.
118 of 118 people found this review helpful
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Reviewed by Joey from Florida, Usa on September 17, 2023
Love this espresso bean blend excellent crema and a great flavor
104 of 108 people found this review helpful
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Reviewed by Dudette from Cary, NC, USA on December 07, 2012
The caffeine has a smooth uplifting affect. It is not a jolt or a shot where you get a tall high to come off of, and it does not interfere with sleep. If you give it a try, you will never go back to the other stuff. :)
33 of 37 people found this review helpful
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Reviewed by Precisiontampermaker from Palm Beach, Florida, USA on June 09, 2013
Great for Viet Nam latte - Café sá»a đá. 1/4 Sweetened condensed milk. Double shot espresso. Stir them up and pour over glass of ice. Don't forget to tamp your coffee ground. -Precisiontampermaker.
32 of 32 people found this review helpful
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