Italian Espresso

There's a lot of confusion out there as to whether these pods work in the Starbucks Verismo brewer. Technically CBTL pods are not compatible with K-Fee brewers (like the Verismo), but they do work with the following caveats: 1) The CBTL *brewed coffee pods* (like their French Roast, which is far better than any of the Starbucks brewed coffee pods) generally work without a problem. On the rare occasion when a pod does get stuck, let the pod cool before trying to eject it. 2) The CBTL *espresso pods* have a filter disk in them, which helps build extra pressure for brewing espresso. This disk can cause the pod to get stuck in a Verismo, as the disk is rigid, not flexible like the body of the pod. Typically if you let the pod cool before trying to eject it, it won't get stuck. Sometimes it takes gently working the Verismo lever open and closed a few times to dislodge a pod and for those truly stuck pods you may need to use a toothpick to pry it out. Another thing that works is sticking the tines of a small fork through the foil lid of the pod, then turning the fork to loosen the pod so you can pull it out with the fork. 3) The espresso pods can sometimes build up enough pressure that it causes a blow-through of the pod filter and you end up with grounds in your espresso. This is more likely to happen the longer you let the pod brew. I've never had a problem with a single-shot of espresso, but anything more than that is a risk. You will usually hear a change in the pump sound which indicates you're near the point of blow-through, so push the espresso button again to stop the flow of water before it happens.

Excellent flavor. It tastes exactly as the Starbucks Verismo Expresso ones (for Latte). I am a coffee lover and side by side they are similar. The pods size is identical the Verismo ones. They DO NOT get stuck on the machine, just follow this tip: Wait at least 10 seconds after the coffee is done, so the pressure applied by the machine while brewing is released. Finally just open the level slowly and they will fall 100% of the times to the container. Even with he original pods, if you open the level quickly they will get stuck. There is a plastic filter inside the CBTL cups, but the Verismo 600 can make the holes without any problems. I always do a quick motion, to close it to be sure the pods are punctured good enough (Verismo and CBTL), BE SURE to push the Expresso Button, not the Brewing one at the Verismo machine. Finally remember to open slowly so they do not bounce and get stuck. You won't have ANY trouble at all, trust me. They are less expensive and probably the ONLY other brand with pods compatible (K-FEE) with the exclusive Verismo 600 machine. A package costs almost the same as the Verismo pods, but instead of 12 you get 16 with CBTL. More value for the money. Also warranty WON'T be voided, because in the very same Verismo 600 manual says, compatible with other K-fee pods too, so it is all good. Verismo and CBTL are the only K-fee pods in the market, so they work. Thanks and enjoy great coffee :)

Based upon other reviews, I decided I'd give these CBTL pods a try as an alternative to the Starbucks ones. Simply put, they're a great alternative with only one small downside. The flavor of the expresso is very strong, bold and deeply on the smoky and chocolaty side. I'd compare this flavor to the French Roast, but it's much stronger in flavor and aroma. It's a classic espresso with a decent crema, that also provides a unique taste that is quite different than the Starbucks classic expresso and Guatamalian roasts. This is a regular in my pod drawer. As for the one downside, I've noticed that the coffee output is slightly lower with the CBTL pods than the Starbucks pods. If I had to estimate a figure, I'd say you get 5-8% less in your cup, but you wouldn't notice unless you had them side by side. The problem with this is that your discarded pod bin in your Verismo starts to fill up with water. If you don't clean out the bin regularly you'll start to develop a funk in there. As a test, as soon as I finished brewing, I pulled the discarded pod out and it still had water being retained. When compared to a Starbucks cup, this isn't the case. Either way, it's a small issue and the cost easily wins out.

My coffee profile for reference: Male dark coffee drinker, no sugar. Black or a little non-dairy liquid creamer is my preference. Cow milk allergy means I don't drink latte's, cappuccinos, espressos or anything except 'coffee'. I prefer to sip a big cup American-style over the tiny European-style. Machines: I have both CBTL and Keurig single-server brewers. The Keurig is a superior machine in most ways except size and heating time. However, my Keurig has been stored away since I discovered this flavor (Italian Espresso Dark). In my side-by-side tests, the CBTL flavors are usually only slightly better than Keurig flavors. Italian Espresso Dark Capsule: This is unlike any coffee that I've ever had. It is thick, a little foamy, and very complex in flavor. It is strong even though I usually use the "coffee" size buttons on the machine so that I can enjoy it for a while (the small espresso sizes are good for fast jolt of caffeine). An important thing to me is to add a bit of International Delight "Hershey's Chocolate & Caramel" creamer for more complexity and to tone down the bitterness. Wife's Opinion: She does not prefer dark coffee and her normal preference is a weak cup of Nescafe with LOTS of dairy milk. She has also become crazy about the Italian Espress Dark + International Delight Hershey's combination...rarely drinks the Nescafe anymore. Basically, it's the only coffee drink we agree on :-)

The best espresso coffee bar none it taste amazing, wish Amazon will bring back the 16 ct boxes this coffee is pricey but the taste is superb

I really like the taste of CBTL Expresso. I like the strength of it without a bitter taste. I discovered my favorite way to enjoy this expresso. I put a small amount of cream and canned coconut milk in the bottom of my coffee cup then heat in microwave for 15 sec. Then draw my expresso into my cup and enough water to fill it. Yum just perfect. Makes great iced expresso also!

I was shocked at how strong the flavour was. I made a double shot latte in my Verismo, and it had me flying through the day. These pods are such a bargain as compared to the Verismo pods. I actually logged on to buy more CBTL pods and decided to write a review. Will be a repeat buyer. My only gripe is that a 16 count is the largest size it appears to come in.

Flavor was excellent. Warning: I bought this based on other reviews that the pod works in the Verismo / K-fee machine. The pod fits but the machine pump labors to pump the water through and the lever/locking mechanism is harder to push down. I cut a pod open and found a hard plastic strainer that the delicate blades and tubes of the machine are trying to push through. I don't recommend these pods for the Versimo machine. Too bad, they taste great.

I love the flavour of this Italian espresso and used to order it regularly. But lately the price has tripled so I’ve had to switch to something else

These do not actually work in my Starbucks Verisimo. It sputters and spits out a 1/4 of what it should. If you run it a few times, you can manage to get a cup of coffee but slow and messy is not worth the minimal cost savings.