Sunday, July 14, 2002


orsini organic espresso "black"

it's tremendous stuff. just as good as the gold. no, it is a little sweeter. and this begets the problem.

the wood-roasted, organic, 6-bean blend "gold" with a touch of robusta is US$15 a pound, plus $13.50 2-day shipping UPS from oregon. the all-arabica black is said to retail for an amazing US$30 a pound, although my neighbor and i who shared a couple of pounds managed to get an internet deal of US$18. and we split the shipping. but still. . .

it's the classic 80-20 problem. the gold blend is definitely excellent. to improve upon it -- that's the last 20%. and you see that in the price, the difficulty of taking a really good thing even further toward the top. but heavens, even illy only sells for about US$24 a pound!

when i've finished this bag, i'm going to have to call max and ask him if he can tell me more about the price differential, if that won't force him to give up too many trade secrets. what's in it? some precious central american or kona bean that wholesales on its own for US$20?? only orsini knows. . . .

max makes a variety of coffees at different price points. if the black seems too rich for your blood, call his sales rep, gianna, and talk to her about their coffees. do find one that works for you, because orsini coffee is definitely most fine.

posted by fortune | 8:02 PM | top | link to this | email this: | | | 0 comments