Intelligentsia: My Morning Coffee Upgrade
I’ve been paying more attention to the little things that make my mornings better lately, and coffee is definitely one of them. I used to think that as long as my coffee was strong enough, I didn’t need to be particularly picky about the beans. But the more I explore specialty coffee, the more I realize how much flavour I’ve probably been missing.
That’s what caught my attention about Intelligentsia Coffee.
Founded in Chicago in 1995, the brand has built its reputation around carefully sourced beans, thoughtful roasting, and close relationships with coffee producers. It’s the kind of approach that makes me want to pay more attention to what’s actually in my cup.
What Makes It Worth Exploring
What I find interesting about Intelligentsia Coffee is that its coffees aren’t all trying to deliver the same experience.
Some are bright and fruity, others are smooth and chocolatey, and a few have those rich, bold flavours I associate with a traditional espresso.
I also appreciate the brand’s Direct Trade approach, which focuses on long-term relationships with coffee growers and greater transparency around sourcing.
For me, that makes exploring the collection more interesting than simply choosing between light and dark roast.
The Coffees on My Wishlist
A darker roast featuring cacao and molasses notes. I’d save this one for mornings when I’m craving something richer.
Smooth, approachable, and designed for everyday drinking. This seems like the one I’d keep stocked in the kitchen.
A lighter, brighter option with fruity and citrusy notes. Exactly the type of coffee I’d choose for a slow weekend morning.
The first one I’d try. A balanced espresso with sweetness and subtle fruit notes that sounds perfect for my morning cappuccino.
The One I’d Choose First
If I were ordering today, I’d probably start with Black Cat Classic Espresso.
I tend to gravitate towards coffee that works well with milk, and I like the idea of a blend that’s sweet and balanced without losing its character.
House Blend would be my second choice, especially for days when I have a little more time to enjoy the brewing process.
What appeals to me is having the option to switch between something comforting and something more adventurous without completely changing my routine.
A Coffee Subscription I Could Actually See Myself Using
Another thing I noticed while browsing the Intelligentsia Coffee website is its subscription selection.
I like the convenience of having coffee delivered regularly, especially when there’s an opportunity to discover different blends and single-origin coffees.
The ability to choose familiar favourites or explore rotating selections makes the subscription concept more appealing to me than repeatedly buying the same bag.
It’s something I’d consider if I found a coffee I wanted to make part of my everyday routine.
Why It’s Staying on My Radar
- Interesting flavour variety. From bright and fruity blends to rich, darker coffees.
- Thoughtful sourcing. Direct relationships with producers are an important part of the brand’s identity.
- Options for different brewing styles. Espresso, pour-over, and drip coffee enthusiasts have plenty to explore.
- Convenient subscriptions. An appealing option for regular coffee drinkers.
- A long specialty coffee history. The brand has been part of the American specialty coffee scene since 1995.
My Takeaway
I don’t think making better coffee at home needs to be complicated. Sometimes it’s simply about choosing better beans and taking a little more care with how you brew them.
What I like about Intelligentsia Coffee is that the collection makes exploring coffee feel exciting rather than intimidating.
I haven’t taste-tested these blends yet, but Black Cat Classic and House Blend are firmly at the top of my list.
And if upgrading my morning routine starts with a really good cup of coffee, that sounds like a pretty good place to begin.
