---
product_id: 1791055
title: "Black Cat Espresso"
brand: "intelligentsia"
price: "R540"
currency: ZAR
in_stock: null
reviews_count: 9
category: "Intelligentsia"
url: https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/1791055-black-cat-espresso
store_origin: ZA
region: South Africa
---

# 12 oz whole bean bag Direct trade, ethical sourcing Balanced syrupy sweet espresso Black Cat Espresso

**Brand:** intelligentsia
**Price:** R540
**Availability:** ❌ Out of Stock

## Summary

> ☕ Elevate your espresso game with the legendary Black Cat blend!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Black Cat Espresso by intelligentsia
- **How much does it cost?** R540 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Currently out of stock
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.za](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/1791055-black-cat-espresso)

## Best For

- intelligentsia enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted intelligentsia brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Sustainable & Stylish:** Whole bean packaging preserves freshness and supports eco-conscious coffee rituals.
- • **Iconic Black Cat Blend:** A flagship espresso since 1995, delivering a perfectly balanced, syrupy sweet flavor profile.
- • **Freshness You Can Taste:** Seasonal blend adjustments guarantee consistent flavor and peak freshness year-round.
- • **Ethically Sourced Excellence:** Direct trade partnerships ensure premium quality beans and support for growers worldwide.
- • **Versatile Brewing Perfection:** Optimized for espresso with a recommended fine grind and precise extraction ratio for maximum flavor.

## Overview

Intelligentsia Black Cat Classic Espresso is a 12-ounce bag of 100% Arabica whole bean coffee, renowned for its syrupy sweetness and balanced complexity. Sourced through direct trade, this light roast blend features seasonal adjustments to maintain freshness and flavor consistency. Ideal for espresso lovers seeking a clean, bright cup with notes of cherry, cola, and orange, it’s a sustainable choice that supports ethical coffee growing practices.

## Description

Intelligentsia Black Cat Espresso is our flagship espresso blend and has been a staple in our line since the day we opened back in 1995. Designed to be a manifestation of Intelligentsia's style and substance, it's hallmarks are sweetness, cleanliness, and complexity. Notes of cherry, cola, and orange provide a syrupy sweet flavor profile that is perfect for specialty coffee lovers looking to explore the sweeter side of espresso

Review: Light Roast, Whole Flavor - I'm not really a big coffee aficionado so I can't personally attest to the flavor profile. I did not see a roast date on my package which many people commented on in their reviews. The beans were not dried and shriveled up like on other reviews. I used 2 cups of beans which wasn't even half the bag, so hopefully this bag is good for a month of use in a 1 person/1.5 cups per day household. I mostly got this as a way to stop paying for the canned harbucks coffees in the stores which are absurdly costly and take time out of my week to get. 10$/mo is a lot better than 90$ for the cans. The cold brew did not produce a black color which shocked my coworker, but the flavor was very high after a short 11 hour brew. The flavor is significant dulled after a shot of milk and vanilla. Both my taste testers thought the coffee was great. Coffee grounds are great for composting (green material) and your coffee bean grinder can also grind dried disinfected eggshells.
Review: delicious - I've been brewing this in my Aeropress for a while now, and it's become a favorite. this is a lovely coffee -- velvety smooth, slightly sweet, creamy flavor with perfect notes of brightness. it's not too dark, not too acidic, not too *anything.* deep without bitterness, crisp without too much acidity. very quaffable! medium roast, great packaging, no woody, dank or off-notes. the bag seals back up easily. check the roasting date when you get yours to make sure it's fresh (although I think the kinks have been ironed out here). grind right before brewing. I think you'll be happy.

## Features

- Contains one (1) 12 Ounce Bag of Intelligentsia Black Cat Classic Espresso Whole Bean Coffee
- Black Cat Classic Espresso: This syrupy sweet espresso blend has been the staple of our lineup since the very beginning. Supreme balance and a wonderful sweetness make our Black Cat Espresso truly a classic
- Direct Trade: Our commitment to direct trade allows us to cut out unnecessary importers and exporters, and enables us to truly partner with our growers to bring you the sweetest coffees in the world
- How to Brew: For espresso, we recommend a fine grind and your finished espresso should weigh 2.5 times as much as your coffee dose, which provides an excellent total extraction and maximizes flavor
- Seasonality: The components of our blends change throughout the year to incorporate new arrivals. We ensure freshness and optimize quality while the profiles remain consistent

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN  | B0055ZRUOO |
| Best Sellers Rank | #2,220 in Grocery & Gourmet Food ( See Top 100 in Grocery & Gourmet Food ) #30 in Roasted Coffee Beans |
| Customer Reviews | 3.9 3.9 out of 5 stars (4,820) |
| Item model number  | 510199 |
| Manufacturer  | Peet's Coffee |
| Product Dimensions  | 3.2 x 4.4 x 5.8 inches; 12 ounces |
| UPC  | 800222120124 |
| Units  | 12.0 Ounce |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** Intelligentsia
- **Caffeine Content Description:** Caffeinated
- **Flavor:** Black Cat Classic
- **Item Form:** Whole Bean
- **Roast Level:** Light Roast

## Images

![Black Cat Espresso - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61zVZENlqfL.jpg)

## Available Options

This product comes in different **Size, Flavor** options.

## Questions & Answers

**Q: how fresh is this coffee?**
A: Not fresh. I received a bag on January 21 that was roasted on Nov. 24 and expires on February 22 - so 2 months old, which I would never buy in the store. It tastes stale and the shots are very quick and blond. I love this coffee when its fresh, but this will go in the garbage. What a waste.

**Q: How many ounces?  I can't believe you didn't put the weight in the product description.**
A: Its a 10 oz bag, or at least that's what I received when I purchased it. It's really fantastic coffee as long as you treat it right (french press, drip, or espresso machine) Highly recommend!

**Q: My bag says "Roasted 3/11" -  I hope that doesn't mean March 2011?? Any idea how they date their bags?**
A: I have been brewing Intelligentsia Black Cat for years and it never has a roasted date or sell by date on the bag that I can remember. But I guarantee you that it was fresh you are probably doing something wrong. Six years old really?!!!

**Q: How fresh have your beans been on average?**
A: The one time I ordered it from amazon it was months old.  The roast date is printed on the bag.  I now only order directly from intelligentsia because they roast the coffee beans to order.  Costs more but tastes better.  If you guaranteed the roast date, I would consider buying thru you again.

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Light Roast, Whole Flavor
*by A***R on December 21, 2024*

I'm not really a big coffee aficionado so I can't personally attest to the flavor profile. I did not see a roast date on my package which many people commented on in their reviews. The beans were not dried and shriveled up like on other reviews. I used 2 cups of beans which wasn't even half the bag, so hopefully this bag is good for a month of use in a 1 person/1.5 cups per day household. I mostly got this as a way to stop paying for the canned harbucks coffees in the stores which are absurdly costly and take time out of my week to get. 10$/mo is a lot better than 90$ for the cans. The cold brew did not produce a black color which shocked my coworker, but the flavor was very high after a short 11 hour brew. The flavor is significant dulled after a shot of milk and vanilla. Both my taste testers thought the coffee was great. Coffee grounds are great for composting (green material) and your coffee bean grinder can also grind dried disinfected eggshells.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ delicious
*by D***E on January 19, 2026*

I've been brewing this in my Aeropress for a while now, and it's become a favorite. this is a lovely coffee -- velvety smooth, slightly sweet, creamy flavor with perfect notes of brightness. it's not too dark, not too acidic, not too *anything.* deep without bitterness, crisp without too much acidity. very quaffable! medium roast, great packaging, no woody, dank or off-notes. the bag seals back up easily. check the roasting date when you get yours to make sure it's fresh (although I think the kinks have been ironed out here). grind right before brewing. I think you'll be happy.

### ⭐ Coffee is a ghost of what it was.
*by S***E on November 26, 2025*

This brand has been ruined by private equity. This roast is a ghost of what it used to be. It used to be so flavorful and one of the best roasts. I was so proud that it was from the Chicago area. Now its a dark roast whittled down to nothing. It literally tastes like nothing and this new rebranded label is awful! The old one looked so chic. I’m not sure if the roast from Amazon is different from the site itself but this is not it!

## Frequently Bought Together

- Intelligentsia Coffee, Light Roast Whole Bean Coffee - Black Cat Classic Espresso 12 Ounce Bag
- Stumptown Coffee Roasters, Hair Bender - Whole Bean Coffee - 12 Ounce Bag, Flavor Notes of Citrus and Dark Chocolate
- Stumptown Coffee Roasters, Medium Roast Organic Whole Bean Coffee - Holler Mountain 12 Ounce Bag with Flavor Notes of Citrus Zest, Caramel and Hazelnut

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**Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/1791055-black-cat-espresso](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/1791055-black-cat-espresso)

---

*Product available on Desertcart South Africa*
*Store origin: ZA*
*Last updated: 2026-03-05*