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Pilon vs. Café Bustelo vs. Cafe La Llave: Which One Your Prefer?

Pilon vs. Café Bustelo vs. Cafe La Llave: Which One Your Prefer?

    Are you looking for the best Cuban coffee brands? Our roundup and comparison of the best brands will help you brew authentic Cuban coffee from the comfort of your own home. In this article, we will discuss three very popular Cuban coffee brands Cafe Bustelo, Cafe La Llave and Pilon. Cuban coffee has a huge following, and for good reason. If you've ever had a café con leche or a cortadito, you know how delicious this dark, sweet coffee is. Here's a list of 5 of our favorites, complete with detailed reviews and a quick buyer's guide. We need to consider the price, flavor and strength of the product, as well as many other aspects that affect the final taste of the coffee. Get ready for a delicious cup of Cuban coffee!

1. What are the best coffee brands to use for Cuban coffee?

Cuban coffee (or Cuban espresso) is a dark and robust espresso shot usually served with whipped brown sugar or equal parts steamed milk. The Cuban coffee tradition was brought to the US with the Cuban community that immigrated to Southern Florida, specifically Miami.

Cuban coffee is slightly different than traditional espresso beans because you don’t usually need an espresso machine to make this thick, delightfully strong, and sweet coffee. How I make Cuban coffee at home is with my Moka pot. I adore dark, thick, and syrupy Cuban coffee. 

So, are you ready to take a sip of Cuban coffee? Here are the best Cuban coffee brands for you to try.

  1. Café La Llave Espresso

  2. Café Bustelo Espresso

  3. Supreme By Bustelo Whole Bean Espresso

  4. Café Pilon Whole Bean Gourmet Espresso

  5. Pilon Espresso


2. Top 3 best Cuban coffee brands:How are they different?

Well, there are a couple of things you’ll want to pay attention to when picking your coffee. 


Our Cuban Coffee Picks:



Café La Llave Espresso

Café Bustelo Espresso

Supreme By Bustelo Whole Bean Espresso

Café Pilon Whole Bean Gourmet Espresso

Pilon Espresso

Types of coffee

Blend

Blend

100% Arabica beans

Blend

100% Arabica beans

Caffeine



 less 

Textur

Ground

Ground

Whole Bean

Whole Bean

Ground

Roast

Dark

Dark (leaning towards medium roast)

Dark

Dark

Dark


($27.80, 4 pack FROM Walmart - Get Up To 3% Cash Back)

($4.18 FROM Walmart - Get Up To 3% Cash Back)

($79.99, 8 pack FROM Walmart - Get Up To 3% Cash Back)

($66.99, 8 pack FROM Walmart - Get Up To 3% Cash Back)

($26, 4 pack FROM Walmart - Get Up To 3% Cash Back)


Know Your Preferences: How to Choose the Best Cuban Coffee?


Types of coffee: Arabica vs. Robusta 

Generally, Arabica beans are of better quality. 

  1. Arabica has the delicate flavor and low acidity of coffee you’ll find at most coffee shops. 

  2. Arabica coffee is widely viewed as the sweeter and more flavorful choice. 

  3. They contain less caffeine than Robusta beans. 

  4. It’s also more expensive, though, because the plants are tricky to cultivate. 


  1. Robusta can be grown in harsher climates with less water, which makes them more economical to grow. 

  2. They normally produce a bitter, stronger and less complex coffee. 

  3. They also contain a lot more caffeine and are therefore often used in espresso’s. 


Coffee beans that are a 100% Arabica are more common than beans that are a 100% Robusta. Nevertheless, these two types are often made into blends. 


Whole Bean Coffee vs Ground Coffee

  • If you have a machine that can grind coffee beans, the logical choice is coffee beans. 

  • But if you have a filter coffee machine, it’s easier to go with pre-ground coffee. 

  • If you’re looking for the highest quality and most flavor-filled coffee possible, then you’ll want to begin looking into whole bean coffee. Whole bean coffee is marketed whole and the responsibility of grinding the beans is left on the buyer. Commonly, whole beans are grounded just a few moments before brewing so the taste of the coffee is more complex and fresh compared to ground coffee.

  • Likewise, if your main concern is convenience, then pre-ground coffee is going to be your go-to. This is arguably one of the most favorable features of ground coffee, as it’s made its way into many homes across a multitude of social classes.

  • Another thing to consider is how much you are willing to spend on your coffee. If you are like most coffee drinkers, you might opt for ground coffee as it is relatively cheaper. 

  • The thing is, ground coffee does not require any special equipment or even skill to prepare. Coffee grinders can cost between $10 and $1,000 thus buying ground coffee saves you this extra cost. 

  • Also, it takes skill and knowledge to produce the right grind of bean. 

  • Aside from the fact that grinder machines cost money, the cost of shipping whole beans is also more expensive as they need to be shipped as quickly as possible to avoid contamination and spoilage.


The coarseness of ground coffee beans

You can often find the coarseness of ground coffee beans on the packaging. The more finely beans are ground, the more flavour you can extract. If the beans are more coarsely ground, you can extract less flavour. However, if you extract too much flavour your coffee will turn bitter. And if you don’t extract enough your coffee will turn sour. The key is finding the right balance. For example: espresso’s are made with finely ground beans, where filter coffee is made with more coarsely ground beans.

Another thing to look for when hunting down Cuban coffee is the texture. The texture of your coffee will determine how you drink it.

If you’re planning on drinking a traditional Cubano, you’ll want to go for a fine-ground coffee. That way, you can make it into espresso or Moka pot drinks with no problem.

On the other hand, if you just want to enjoy a cup of black coffee, you can go for a coarse roast. Just be warned: it’s going to be one strong brew!


Roast Level: Medium Roast vs Dark Roast

The degree to which coffee beans are roasted is one of the most important factors that determine the taste of the coffee in the cup. 

The longer the roast lasts, the darker the bean gets – and the more prominent the bean’s stronger flavors will become. 

The most common roast level in the coffee industry nowadays is medium roast, or dark roast. Believed to be the most suitable roast level for Espresso.

Medium Roast
Medium roast coffees have medium brown beans. The beans do not have an oily surface in this roast. The coffee beans can have a bright acidity, but specific varietal aromatics (e.g. floral, fruity, vegetable, berry, etc.) of the coffee are still apparent.

Dark Roast
The beans in this roast have some oil on the surface and the color is rich and darker. The characteristics of the coffee are complemented by caramelization notes such as nutty, bread or baked goods, or chocolate, and the acidity has faded somewhat, bringing out a slightly bittersweet aftertaste. French roast is a good example. 

Dark roast coffee retains very little of the beans’ acidity or their original delicate flavor. There’s less body, and the overwhelming taste is smoky, and often bitter. Many people prefer using dark roast beans when they make espresso.

All sorts of names are used for dark roast beans. Some include Italian Roast, French Roast, Spanish Roast, Continental Roast and Espresso Roast.


Choosing for caffeine content

Contrary to popular belief, coffee made with dark roasted beans can contain less caffeine than lightly roasted beans. Dark roasted coffee beans lose most of their density in the extended roasting process as they expand and lose moisture, impacting caffeine content when measured scoop for scoop.


#1.                                                      Café La Llave Espresso Dark Roast

($27.80, 4 pack FROM Walmart - Get Up To 3% Cash Back)

Editor's review:

The Café La Llave brand began in Cuba nearly 150 years ago, so you can rest assured this coffee is as authentic as it gets. There are both regular and decaf versions to choose from, so you can enjoy Café con Leche in the morning and a Cortado after dinner. 

The original Café La Llave is available pre-ground, by the brick, in espresso capsules and K-cups. Unfortunately, there aren’t any Decaf K-Cups, but you can still purchase it pre-ground, by the brick, or in espresso capsules. 

This preground coffee is rich and robust, just like a good Cuban coffee should be. The coffee is sold in bricks, so I would suggest storing it in an airtight container like this one to ensure the ground coffee stays fresh for as long as possible. A traditional drip maker or Moka pot would help this coffee shine. Maybe make cafe con leche with the final cup.

I prefer Café La LLave’s Cafetería Premium Blend Espresso since it’s sold whole bean.

Cafe La Llave’s tagline is “by Latin coffee drinkers, for Latin coffee drinkers.” This pre-ground Cuban coffee is a staple for espresso lovers who want a genuine Cuban coffee brand that takes the work out of brewing your cup of coffee. 

With this finely ground coffee, you can take the guessing out of your morning, as well as the bitterness that can come from a poor grind. It’s a solid choice for those who prefer convenience over excellent taste.

Medium roasts have a thicker body with a more balanced taste, aroma, and flavor notes.


#2.                                                      Café Bustelo Espresso Coffee

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Cafe Bustelo 7441701720 10 oz. Espresso Coffee Brick Pack

Editor's review:

Made from 100% pure coffee beans specially blended, roasted to perfection

A dark roast especially for espresso, Café Bustelo Coffee Espresso is a popular choice for pre-ground Cuban coffee. It’s recognized as working well in a variety of brewing methods and holds up with the addition of cream and sugar.

It’s so popular that you’ll find it in virtually every style under the sun. Café Bustelo is available in pre-ground canisters, coffee bricks, K-cups, espresso capsules, and single-serve instant packets. Moreover, it’s affordable and can be found at virtually any grocery store.

Another from the Bustelo family, this bean is the popular choice for those who prefer ground beans.


#3.                                                      Supreme by Bustelo Whole Bean Espresso

($79.99, 8 pack FROM Walmart - Get Up To 3% Cash Back)

Supreme by Bustelo, Espresso Style Dark Roast Whole Bean Coffee, 16 Ounce Bag (Pack of 8)


Editor's review:

Supreme by Bustelo is an extra bold Cuban Coffee made by the same company as Café Bustelo. The difference between the two versions is that Supreme is made of 100% Arabica beans, whereas the original version is a blend.

The Café Bustelo Supreme is made entirely of Arabica beans. As a result, it has less caffeine and is less bitter.

These beans are roasted to perfection without other bean options’ oily, charcoal texture. 

The dark beans are also less oily than other espresso coffee beans making it ideal for finicky burr grinders or premium espresso machines. Dark roasted beans can cause these machines to become gunked up with the natural oils from dark espresso roasted beans.

Supreme by BusteloBest Cuban Coffee Brands - Supreme by Bustelo is the gourmet roast from this famous Cuban coffee brand. This darker roast is sold in a whole bean format, making it fantastic for an array of brewing options.

Bustelo might be the most well known (and affordable) Cuban coffee brand, but it’s usually dols in the traditional preground bricks or an instant coffee format. The newer Supreme roast is interesting since Bustelo hasn’t changed much since the 1930s.

Having received accolades for making great café con leche, Supreme by Bustelo Whole Bean Espresso Coffee is in the lead. It’s a rich, dark bean that allows you to control the density of the grind to perfect your desired flavor.

This variation is sold pre-ground, by the brick, in an instant version, and whole bean. It has a vibrant, classic Cuban flavor. It’s a dark roast that’ll give you a very full-bodied cup. Just a whiff of its intense aroma will wake you up in the morning. 

I always recommend purchasing the whole bean version and grinding it at home. However, the diverse options are helpful when convenience is a priority. 


#4.                                                      Pilon Whole Bean Restaurant Blend Espresso

($66.99, 8 pack FROM Walmart - Get Up To 3% Cash Back)


Pilon Gourmet Espresso Whole Bean Coffee, 16 Ounce Bag (Pack of 8)

Editor's review:

Pilon rounds out the power of 3 of the Cuban coffee brands in the US. According to a July 2020 survey, Pilon was one of the 3 most popular brands of Cuban coffee in Orlando, FL. I think that says a lot about the authenticity of this brand.

Pilon is a traditionally roasted Cuban coffee brand that has been in business since (in one form another) since the 18th century in Cuba. In the 1960s, during the Cuban Revolution, they moved their operation stateside and haven’t looked back since.

The restaurant blend from Pilon will be a darker creamer roast than their traditional preground bricks, but it doesn’t stray far from its Cuban roots. 

Since its roast is sold in a whole bean format, you can use various brewing options to achieve this rich and creamy coffee at home. I think it would stand up well to classic coffee as well as a straight espresso shot or latte.


#5.                                                      Pilon Espresso Coffee

($26, 4 pack FROM Walmart - Get Up To 3% Cash Back)

Pilon Espresso, 100% Arabica Coffee, 10-Ounce Bricks (Pack of 4)


Editor's review:

Pilon Espresso is a 100% Arabica coffee. It’s a pre-ground option at a reasonable price. It’s an extra-fine grind that’ll perform admirably in your espresso machine.

Pilon Espresso has an extra fine grind that’s ideal for espresso. You could also use it for a Moka pot. Either way, you’ve got the perfect base for making traditional Cubanos.


3. Flavor and Taste Comparison: Pilon vs. Café Bustelo vs. Cafe La Llave


#1.                                                      Café La Llave Espresso 

($27.80, 4 pack FROM Walmart - Get Up To 3% Cash Back)

Editor's review:

Café La Llave is a dark-roasted espresso bean with an exceptionally full-bodied flavor. It's one of the strongest-tasting Cuban coffees on this list, so if you like your coffee both super strong and extra bold, this is the one for you.

This signature dark roast is full of flavor and might be too much for beginners. Fortunately, it's affordable enough that giving it a try won't hit your wallet too hard.

Still, it's full of tradition and has that Latin touch that most of us look for when buying Cuban coffee.

Every time you use Cafe La Llave you'll get a dependable brew with rich creamy chocolate, woods, sweet spices and a robust aroma.

It's a sweet blend with a creamy consistency that you don't find in most Cuban coffee drinks unless you add milk.

It also has a fairly high caffeine content, so it's perfect for energizing your stride on sleepy mornings.

Pros:

  • Sweet coffee with notes of honey

  • It has an intense aroma, so it’s great for those who love aromatic and flavorful coffee

  • Authentic Cuban taste  

  • Ground espresso coffee for convenience

  • It’s affordable, so it works well for those on a budget


Cons:

  • It has a strong smoky aftertaste, so it can be a bit off-putting for beginners

  • Only available ground


#2.                                                      Café Bustelo Espresso 

($4.18 FROM Walmart - Get Up To 3% Cash Back)

Cafe Bustelo 7441701720 10 oz. Espresso Coffee Brick Pack

Editor's review:

Café Bustelo Espresso Coffee is designed for espresso coffee and is recognized as not being as robust as a typical dark roast for espresso, yet it also has a bitter aftertaste. 

This delicious, full-bodied coffee has the traditional intense flavor Cuban coffee is known for. This is basically the benchmark for Americanized Cuban coffee flavor compared to all other Cuban beans.

For a medium roast lover, this is a rich flavor you might enjoy, especially when mixed with sweetener and milk.

It has notes of milk chocolate, nuts, and an earthy aftertaste. 

The only drawback is that the bold taste doesn’t come with the robust smell it should, as the aroma is a little weaker.

It’s also an economical choice if you’re on a budget and offers versatility for however you fancy your brew.

Pros:

  • Versatile brew

  • Rich flavor

  • Medium grind is ideal for Cuban drink flavor 

  • Affordable

Cons:

  • Weak aroma

  • Bitter aftertaste

  • Ground


#3.                                                      Supreme by Bustelo Whole Bean Espresso

($79.99, 8 pack FROM Walmart - Get Up To 3% Cash Back)

Supreme by Bustelo, Espresso Style Dark Roast Whole Bean Coffee, 16 Ounce Bag (Pack of 8)


Editor's review:

Bustelo is an award-winning brand that has even won first place in several international coffee competitions.

They really do make the best Cuban coffee in our opinion.

What we love about Bustello coffee over several other well-known brands is their luster, color, texture, and flavor.

Supreme has a full-bodied flavor profile with rich earthy dark chocolate, cinnamon, and an alluring aroma of subtle sweetness like raisins and blackberries.

This is also the coffee for those new to traditional Cuban styles. Supreme is a rounded roast just enough to please your palate without giving you a bitter aftertaste or too much dark smokiness.

The taste may not be strong enough for seasoned Cuban coffee lovers. However, that's exactly what makes it the perfect choice for newbies just entering the world of Cuban coffee.

From a brand that's been around for almost 100 years, this selection will stand up to the added cream and sugar for a Latin kick with a sweet morning kiss.

Pros:

  • Best-known brand for Café Cubano

  • The coffee has a rich aroma, so it’s super flavorful

  • This blend has a full body, so it’s perfect for mixing with milk or sugar

  • Flawless grind that won’t clog your machine 

  • Available whole, ground, as instant coffee and K-Cups

Cons:

  • It’s a premium coffee, so it’s on the expensive side

  • If you’ve been drinking Cuban coffee for a while, you might actually find this blend is a bit light. 


#4.                                                      Pilon Whole Bean Restaurant Blend Espresso

($66.99, 8 pack FROM Walmart - Get Up To 3% Cash Back)


Pilon Gourmet Espresso Whole Bean Coffee, 16 Ounce Bag (Pack of 8)

Editor's review:

It’s a dark, rich choice that holds its own as straight or with the traditional sweet Cuban-style preparation. As it is used in restaurants across South Florida, it can bring a little bit of Miami into your kitchen.

When opening a Pilon coffee pack, the first thing you should notice is the smell. Compared with other brands, the rich chocolate fragrance is impeccable.

When a cup of coffee is made, it is very dark and thick. The brewed coffee has a heavy mouthfeel (the heaviest out of all the coffees), and is the most robust, but was still smooth. 

If you don’t like a bitter bite to your coffee, this dark roasted choice won’t satisfy.

It’s also on the pricey side, keeping it further down on our list.

Pros:

  • The rich flavor of chocolate cream with hazelnut gives this bean a complex, robust flavor

  • All-around taste works with black coffee drinkers and harmoniously with milk 

  • Creamy consistency for savory drinking

  • Whole beans

Cons:

  • Beans are on the oily side

  • Pricey

  • Bitter aftertaste


#5.                                                      Pilon Espresso Coffee

($26, 4 pack FROM Walmart - Get Up To 3% Cash Back)

Pilon Espresso, 100% Arabica Coffee, 10-Ounce Bricks (Pack of 4)

Editor's review:

This coffee has a fairly bitter aftertaste, but that pairs well with cookies and other treats.

For a Cuban coffee connoisseur looking for a smooth, strong delivery, this option may be a little disappointing, especially as an espresso roast.

Similiar to Cafe LLave espresso coffee, these are 100% Arabica roasted ground coffee, however it is a medium roast and doesn't quite have the same strength like the best cuban coffee brand!

Pros:

  • It pairs perfectly with sugar, milk, and other accompaniments, so you can enjoy it in lattes and other beverages

  • It’s super affordable, so you don’t have to break the bank to buy it

Cons:

  • It has a bitter aftertaste, so it can be a bit harsh to drink

  • Lacks aroma

  • Weak strength



4. Coffee drink comparison: Pilon vs. Café Bustelo vs. Cafe La Llave


#1.                                                      Café La Llave Espresso Dark Roast

This preground coffee is rich and robust, just like a good Cuban coffee should be. 

A traditional drip maker or Moka pot would help this coffee shine. Maybe make cafe con leche with the final cup.


#2.                                                      Café Bustelo Espresso Coffee

Cafe Bustelo’s yellow bricks of pressed preground espresso coffee are not only associated with Cuban coffee. Its iconic packaging has a cult following. The Cuban American community buys this brand of Cuban coffee more than any other brand.

This finely ground espresso traditionally roasted in the Cuban style stands up so well to the strong shots mixed with creamy sweet whipped brown sugar in cafecitos. It also makes a killed Moka pot cup of coffee.

This is an all-purpose brew that will give you a decent-tasting cup of coffee, whether it’s filter coffee, drip, or Moka coffee pot. 

The beans are ground fine but coarse enough to make both espresso and Cuban coffee.

These beans have the ideal strength for coffee drinkers with eclectic palates to enjoy, whether it’s black coffee, Café Con Leche, Café Cubano, or Colada Coffee. The dark leaning towards medium roast from Cafe Bustelo really lets the flavor profile shine through.


#3.                                                      Supreme by Bustelo Whole Bean Espresso

This smoky, slightly sweet dark bean Is traditionally used as a super fine ground Cuban cafecito or Moka pot application but shines as a cold brew or French press. The darker bean can stand up to the traditional sweetness preparations and some coconut milk and vanilla syrup.

If you're wanting to make the best Café con Leche Cuban coffee drink or just want to enjoy gourmet Cuban espresso, then Bustello whole beans are the best cuban coffee brand on the market.

It is a succulently rich dark coffee, which has been specifically roasted for Cuban coffee, espresso or cappuccino. The best way to enjoy a cappuccino with these coffee beans is to used frothed milk.


#4.                                                      Pilon Whole Bean Restaurant Blend Espresso

For black coffee drinkers, this one is for you. For coffee lovers who like a clean taste without bitterness, the Pilon is best cut with milk into a Cafe Cubano. The flavor profile works with steamed milk instead of being hidden behind it like other beans. 


#5.                                                      Pilon Espresso 100% Arabica Coffee

This espresso ground coffee is very fine, and can be used in a coffee maker, espresso maker or even a stove top moka pot. It does make a good Cafe con Leche coffee drink but, not as strong as the Bustello coffee.

If you like a milder tasting espresso ground coffee for your cuban coffees, then Pilon is for you. That is our biggest dislike, but it can be loved by others.


5. Price and Value: Pilon vs. Café Bustelo vs. Cafe La Llave

In the world of Cuban coffee, you’ll find everything from super affordable options to expensive, premium blends.

Think about what budget you have for buying your coffee and look into which brands will fit the mark. Otherwise, you run the risk of spending more than you’d planned.

Considering whether you’re a coffee drinker on a budget or a prosumer, the coffee beans you have the means and access to may vary. 

Budget Coffee Drinkers — To get the most bang for your buck, consider not just the price but the size of your coffee bean packaging. 

While Cafe Bustelo retails on the higher end, it contains over 6,000 grams of coffee, translating to almost 500 cups of delicious Cuban Cubano. The same goes for our best overall, the Bustelo Supreme, which has a bag size of 450 grams and gives you over 40 cups of coffee.

Keep in mind how much coffee you plan on drinking, and that coffee goes stale with time. Are you a casual coffee drinker? How do you store your coffee? Do you want Cuban coffee beans to replace your at-home coffee routine? These are questions important to consider when buying in bulk and on a budget.

Prosumer Coffee Drinkers — For the prosumer, consider the flavor, of course, but also which brewing method speaks to you and how convenient you want your at-home coffee custom to be. 

Are you prepared to grind and prepare your Cuban espresso beans every morning? How fast is fast enough before you get that first sip? Is cleaning your French Press daily a turn-off for you? It’s important to consider whether you’re willing to trade convenience for an unforgettable taste. 


#1.                                                      Café La Llave Espresso Dark Roast

the best budget-friendly Cuban coffee brand on this list. The 140 year old family owned business moved to LA from Cuba and has been roasting coffee since.

You can buy a 4 pack of Café La Llave Espresso Dark Roast on Walmart for a lot cheaper than most other options on this list. Rest assured that the lower cost doesn’t equal lower quality.

Delivering a smooth and well flavored dark roast coffee, you can't ask for more when the price is just right! 

What we loved about these dark roast cuban coffee grounds was the price itself! While not breaking the bank, it does deliver a good cuban coffee.

Our biggest dislike was the actual quality, as we found a few small clumps of ground in our coffee bricks! Despite that, it broke up quite easily overall and still made a decent cuban coffee.


#2.                                                      Café Bustelo Espresso Coffee

The budget-friendly price and quality are a no-brainer when looking for a dependable Cuban brand coffee. This is a great starter coffee for new Cuan coffee drinkers.

You can buy your own 1 pack of the iconic Cafe Bustelo on Walmart for a lot cheaper than most American coffee brands.


#3.                                                      Supreme by Bustelo Whole Bean Espresso

You can buy a 8 pack of Supreme by Bustelo on Walmart. I’d love to hear how you use these beans at home since you can grind them as you need.

Our biggest dislike was that we did wish it was slightly more expensive than the other brands, but heck you pay more for gourmet premium beans.


#4.                                                      Pilon Whole Bean Restaurant Blend Espresso

This coffee will be on the pricier end of the brands on this list.

You can buy a 8 pack of Pilon Restaurant Roast on Walmart. It is cheapper than Supreme by Bustelo.


#5.                                                      Pilon Espresso Coffee

Trailing in last place on our list is Pilon Espresso 100% Arabica. It’s a pre-ground choice at an economical price. It’s an extra–fine grind that will work well in your espresso machine.


6. The Final Verdict: What is the most recommended coffee brand? Which Cuban coffee is right for me?

Since these are Cuban-style coffees, you'll notice a similar aroma and taste.

They are all very bold. With so many brands producing great coffee that delights and fascinates us, Cuban Style stands out as the industry leader in medium and dark roast blends, and Cafe Bustelo Supreme is one of the best.

Cuban medium roasts tend to have a creamy texture with notes of milk chocolate, honey and/or sweet spices, vanilla, and fruits such as blackberries and cherries. Therefore, we recommend starting with Café Bustelo.

You may find Café La Llave has a hint of sourness, which may be too much for some.

Rich, Smoky, and Full — Consider a dark roast if you like your coffee with a rare steak con mojo and with a powerfully rich, smoky taste and full-body finish. Pilon coffee is a good choice.

Best Overall

($79.99, 8 pack FROM Walmart - Get Up To 3% Cash Back)

Supreme by Bustelo, Espresso Style Dark Roast Whole Bean Coffee, 16 Ounce Bag (Pack of 8)

Editor's Rating : 

These Cuban espresso beans are honestly the best Cuban coffee beans that we tried.

In addition to being gourmet beans, they make the best Cuban coffee that mimics the coffee you have in Cuba. 

Café Bustelo is a well-known name in the Cuban coffee scene. The Supreme showcases the best the brand has to offer, with a rich, decadent flavor profile. Be prepared for an undisputed coffee experience.



FAQs


What is Cuban Coffee?

Whether you know it as Cafécito or Café Cubano, Cuban coffee has enough history and flavor to remain at the forefront of the coffee world. Coffee has been grown in Cuba since the mid-1700s because the climate is immaculate for coffee growing. Fertile, humus-rich soils mean extraordinary coffee can be cultivated without chemical fertilizers!

Like espresso, Cuban coffee is known for being full-bodied, dark, and intense. However, it’s not as thin or watery as coffee from other origins. The beans are most often Arabica or Robusta, which means a rich and dark flavor with a powerful caffeine kick.

There are different roast levels to choose from, just like any other coffee, so you can find a flavor profile you enjoy. 

What are Cuban Coffee drinks? They are called Cafecito, Cafe Cubano or Cuban, and are a type of espresso coffee drink that were first developed in Cuba after Italians arrived in the country.

Cuba has a thriving coffee culture! They serve strong coffee or espresso throughout the day. The country is even starting to grow some excellent coffee of its own.

Cuban coffee is also known by its Spanish name, café cubano, or as a cafecito, which literally translates to “small coffee.” It consists of a shot of espresso sweetened with a rich sugar foam, often enjoyed as a dessert beverage.

  • Ground coffee: Traditionally, Cuban coffee uses a very dark roast, either an Italian roast or a Spanish roast. This is so dark it’s almost burnt. Because these roasts are inherently very bitter, they respond well to sugar in the drink. 

In this case, your specialty light roast probably won’t work. 

  • The most popular brands of coffee to use in Cuba are Cafe Bustelo, Cafe La Llave, and Cafe Pilon, but feel free to use your own favorite dark roast or check out our picks for the best dark roast beans.

Café Cubano is a traditional Cuban breakfast drink made from stovetop espresso sweetened with sugar and topped with a delicious sugar foam. This strong, black coffee is served in small cups and enjoyed with buttered and toasted Cuban bread, pan dulces, and other breakfast foods.

Café Cubano is known to be extra strong and bitter since it's prepared from dark roast beans that have been ground quite finely. Since this drink is bitter on its own, a lot of sugar is added. Due to rationing in years past, Cubans learned to stretch their coffee and enjoy it in small quantities.


The Moka Pot and Coffee Solidarity

Cuban coffee is traditionally produced in a moka pot, an iconic symbol of coffee culture throughout Europe, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The simple yet ingenious stainless steel pots (that are sometimes glazed in colorful enamel) brew the coffee by pushing water up through the coffee grounds with the aid of steam pressure.

Cuban coffee is ground very finely, which contributes to its robust flavor. Besides the cafecito, it is served in various incarnations. These include the cortadito, translated as small cut in Spanish, in which a splash of steamed milk is added to the coffee shot. Café con leche is also a milk and coffee combination with an 80 to 20 milk-to-coffee ratio. It’s sweetened with copious amounts of sugar and a pinch of salt. The colada is the ultimate symbol of Cuban comraderie. It contains between four to six shots of sweetened espresso served in one cup, usually styrafome, that is shared amongst friends.


What is different about Cuban coffee?

Cuban coffee by itself is an excellent dark roast coffee that makes a great espresso shot. It’s very strong with a sweet flavor that will doesn’t need added sugar. For a dark roast, this taste may be too strong for most general coffee drinkers.


How do you drink Cuban Coffee?

Cuban coffee is typically consumed as a shot of espresso or with milk as Café con Leche. Depending on your liking, you can sweeten it with sugar to mask its bitterness.

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2023-04-12 18:441038