Illy coffee was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy. Today, Illy markets a single blend of remarkable coffee made of 100% Arabica beans from nine different growing regions in Africa, India, South America and Central America. It is this blend of beans from different growing conditions that gives Illy its unique taste.

Illy thinks of coffee rather like a fine wine? they describe the tasting experience as something that not only affects the palate, but the entire person through all the senses. They strive to create a consistent coffee with every cup, offering richness, a mixture of flavors including fruity and flowery, with hints of caramel, chocolate, almond and honey blending together to create an unforgettable cup of coffee.

Illy coffee is best experienced as espresso. Illy believes that espresso is the quintessential method for true coffee lovers to enjoy coffee. The Illy espresso blend features notes of caramel and chocolate, toast and honey. It is velvety and sweet, setting the stage for the pleasant bitter tingle that is soon to follow. An authentic Italian coffee, Illy's espresso awakens the spirit, caresses the senses, and opens the doors of the mind. Their espresso is available in a fine grind, a medium grind, as whole bean, or in moka, if you use a moka pot for preparation. They also make ESE (easy serving espresso) in pods, to use in any ESE-compatible coffee maker. Illy's newest coffee innovation is the Hyper Espresso Capsules, to be used in the Francis Francis Hyper Espresso Machine. Any of these can be used to make creamy cappuccinos as well.

For perfectly brewed coffee every time, Illy recommends its medium grind for use in automatic drip coffee machines. Illy makes their medium grind available in a medium roast for those who prefer a smooth flavor with notes of caramel and chocolate; for those who prefer a more robust flavor, they offer a dark roast with deep notes of cocoa and hints of creamy caramel.

For those who like using moka pots, Illy offers a special coarse grind. For those who don't know what a moka pot is, think of a better designed percolator. It is used on the stove top, cold water is put in the bottom, coffee is put in a filter, the lid is put on, and as the water heats, and it rises through the filter. When the coffee begins to sputter, it is done.

Illy coffee can also be brewed using a flip pot, a French press, or in the thick Turkish style.

Illy coffee makers are state of the art, too. They offer the Francis Francis X1 Espresso Machine, the Hyper Espresso System for the Hyper Espresso Capsules, and the Francis Francis Trio, which work with the ESEs. All are true works of art, designed by architect Luca Trazzi.

And finally, to finish off the perfect coffee experience, Illy began commissioning cups from Italian designer Matteo Thun in 1990.The first edition was available to the public in 1992. Illy offers these cups in signed limited editions, treating the cup as canvas. Each edition is decorated by a different artist.