Illy Classic Decaffeinated Coffee Review

Illy stands as a hallmark of quality and tradition, reflecting the brand's nearly century-long dominance in the coffee world. Known for its rich and well-balanced medium roast, the decaffeinated version of Illy's Classico blend offers a unique experience that doesn't compromise on flavour despite the absence of caffeine.

We’ve always had a soft spot for Illy because they’re consistently a cut above mainstream coffee and an ever-reliable choice for that classic Italian flavour profile, though this comes at being priced slightly higher than a lot of its Italian peers. Having said that, you get what you pay for. Illy use the CO2 Decaf method and 100% Arabica coffee for this blend, and it shows.

Illy's decaf is subtle yet distinct notes of caramel, orange blossom, and jasmine, which, although more subdued in the decaffeinated variant, still manage to provide a fresh and well-rounded profile.

Contrary to the typically dark and bitter Italian coffee, Illy's medium dark roast offers a refreshing and balanced alternative and retains the blend's body and fruity undertones without introducing any sourness or weakness often associated with (bad) decaf coffee.

V60 Notes:

Kind of what we expected - classically Italian - dark but not burnt - brown sugar, nutmeg, chocolate, very accessible and a rounded mouthfeel. A superior dark roast coffee to the cheaper burnt coffees we’ve tried. Strong but not too strong and no bitterness. Versatile for V60 or Aeropress.

Aeropress Notes:

We were expecting a more intense version of the V60, but we found it a little underwhelming - smooth, very drinkable, little bitterness or defective flavours, but we found more depth and nuance in the V60. Nevertheless, very reliable and consistent.

Recommended brewing methods for Illy Classico Decaffeinated Coffee emphasize traditional Italian techniques, such as using an espresso machine or a moka pot. These methods are preferred for extracting the full body and boldness inherent to Italian coffee, without overshadowing the subtle complexities of Illy's signature blend​​.

In comparison to its competitors, Illy Classico stands out for its ability to balance freshness, flavour, and subtlety on a global scale. While it may not be as chocolatey or intense as it’s non-decaffeinated  offering, it’s still very well-rounded, brought to life by its citrus and fruity undertones, making it a more intriguing option for coffee aficionados​​.

Ultimately, Illy Classico Decaffeinated Coffee represents the brand's commitment to quality, offering a decaffeinated coffee option that doesn't sacrifice the rich, nuanced flavours for which Illy is known. It's a testament to the brand's prowess in sourcing and blending, ensuring that even those looking to limit their caffeine intake can still enjoy a premium coffee experience.

To buy Illy Decaffeinated Coffee in the USA, click here.