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Tasting notes & flavor profile
Intensity
Aromatic notes
Taste Profile
Lavazza Blue Tales of Napoli Espresso is part of the Tales of collection launched by Lavazza in 2020 —an editorial series dedicated to four iconic Italian coffee cities. Napoli is celebrated here as the historical birthplace of traditional Italian espresso —the famous caffè napoletano , a cultural heritage of the city since the 19th century, with its social ritual of "caffè al banco" (coffee at the counter) shared in the community early in the morning or at any time of day. The Neapolitan style is characterized by extremely dark roasting, a historical tradition, and a high proportion of Robusta beans for a very full body and pronounced bitterness . Lavazza pays homage to this tradition with a blend calibrated to evoke authentic Neapolitan coffee —an Arabica-Robusta composition with a significantly dominant Robusta (exact proportions not disclosed, estimated at ~40% Arabica / ~60% Robusta based on the observed cup profile), dark roasted in the Neapolitan style . In the cup: a characteristic thick, dark brown crema , a very dense and powerful body , dominant notes of intense dark chocolate , with hints of warm spices (cinnamon, pepper) and a deep roast reminiscent of traditional Neapolitan coffee served at the counter. The profile is intense, full-bodied, and uncompromisingly aromatic —the antithesis of a mild or delicate espresso. This is the ideal choice for lovers of authentic Italian espresso , particularly suited to: traditional short Italian espresso (25-30 mL with sugar), ultra-concentrated ristretto (15-20 mL, pure aromatic adrenaline), and a strong morning cappuccino (the Robusta holds its own against the milk without being crushed). Important editorial note : for an authentic Neapolitan blend (a Southern brand), see Kimbo , the original Neapolitan house founded in Naples. Tales of Napoli is a Lavazza-inspired homage (Lavazza being a Northern roaster, Turin), not a native Neapolitan blend. The 100-capsule format is the standard office/hotel/restaurant/café size .
Machine compatibility
Box of 100 capsules · Plastic
Compatible machines:
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lavazza “Tales of” collection?
Launched by Lavazza in 2020, the Tales of offers 4 blends dedicated to iconic Italian coffee cities :
- Tales of Milano — balanced urban, intensity 7/10.
- Tales of Napoli (this product) — traditional full-bodied, intensity 9/10.
- Tales of Roma — intense, full-bodied, intensity 8/10.
- Tales of Venezia Espresso and Lungo — fine and elegant, intensity 7 and 6/10.
Each blend is calibrated to evoke the local coffee culture — a true tasteful editorial series.
Tales of Napoli vs Kimbo Prestige — two Neapolitans, which one to choose?
Two excellent Neapolitan blends with different market positions:
- Tales of Napoli Lavazza Blue (this product) — a tribute inspired by Lavazza (a brand from Turin, Northern Italy), Blue B2B/CHR capsule. 100 capsules, office size. Intensity 9/10.
- Kimbo — an authentic Neapolitan brand founded in Naples in 1963 by the Rubino family. Traditional Neapolitan roasting methods inherited from the past. Available in 1kg bags of whole beans, ground coffee, or capsules (other systems).
Both are excellent with similar profiles (full-bodied, aromatic, with notes of dark chocolate and spices). The choice depends on:
- machine Blue → Tales of Napoli (only Neapolitan option in the Blue).
- Filter coffee maker / bean-to-cup machine / other system → consider Kimbo for authentic Neapolitan origin.
Many Neapolitan coffee lovers appreciate having both in their kitchen depending on the time.
Why is Napoli traditionally so strong?
Historical and climatic legacy:
- Geographical position — historic Mediterranean port, early contact with coffee imported from Yemen/Ethiopia via Arab trade (17th-18th century).
- Imported Robusta culture — Italian colonies in East Africa (Ethiopia, Somalia, Eritrea) brought Robusta coffee to Southern Italy in the early 20th century. Robusta is more full-bodied, more caffeinated, and better suited to dark roasting.
- Tradition “caffè al banco” — coffee taken quickly standing at the counter, must be very aromatically concentrated to satisfy in 20-30 mL.
- Popular economy — deep roast + Robusta = better cup yield and coffee longevity, suitable for tight Southern budgets.
Result: “Neapolitan espresso” = intense, full-bodied, aromatic — which has become a cultural heritage candidate for UNESCO intangible heritage status.
Composition — proportion Robusta?
blend with Robusta significantly dominant. Lavazza does not disclose the exact proportions for the Blue B2B range, but the observed cup profile (very dense body, pronounced bitterness, thick and dark brown crema) indicates:
- Robusta predominance (~55-65%) — provides the very dense body, thick, long-lasting crema, pronounced bitterness, and high caffeine content characteristic of the Neapolitan style. Robusta from Africa (Uganda, Cameroon) or Indonesia/Vietnam.
- Complementary Arabica ~35-45% — brings the fine notes of intense dark chocolate and warm spices that avoid the "burnt" sensation of a pure Robusta.
Dark roasting in the Neapolitan style enhances bitterness and develops deep roasted notes.
Compatible with systems other than Lavazza Blue ?
No capsule Blue is a proprietary format launched in 1998 by Lavazza for the B2B/HoReCa segment. It requires a Lavazza Blue (LB300 → LB4700, Classy Mini/Plus). Not compatible with Nespresso, Dolce Gusto, Delta Q, Lavazza A Modo Mio , or Illy Iperespresso.
Blue Intenso classic vs Tales of Napoli — which strong Blue should you choose?
Two full-bodied Blue blends with different positioning:
- Blue Intenso — a classic blend from the Blue, intensity 9/10, with cocoa/spice notes. Positioned as "full-bodied Italian espresso ." Generally more affordable (classic range).
- Tales of Napoli (this product) — Tales of, intensity 9/10 identical, notes of dark chocolate/warm spices/deep roast, narrative positioning as a "tribute to caffè napoletano" . Generally premium price (editorial series).
Both are excellent for lovers of rich Italian literature. Tales of Napoli offers a stronger editorial and cultural dimension , while Intenso is the all-purpose, robust office read . They can perfectly coexist to offer variety.
Verified reviews from our customers
Recent reviews
"Very good coffee"
- Monika S.Verified Purchase
3/5see oli minu jaoks liga intensiivne
Review dated , following an experience on 29/05/2026 - Eric D.Verified Purchase
5/5Very good coffee
Review dated , following an experience on 09/03/2026
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