Question 1

Is this 100% arabica?

Accepted Answer

The label says "pure coffee", no claim that it's 100% Arabica, but if you know anything about coffee and espresso, you shouldn't care.
If it contains some Robusta that's a good thing.  Robusta in small amounts adds mouthfeel, crema and caffeine to coffee & espresso.  Having drunk quite a bit of this and other Gavina family coffees, I can assure you that if there is Robusta in it, it is in very small amounts.
This is, for the price, phenomenal coffee.  It does not have that 'fresh from the local roaster' aromatic quality because it's pre-ground and vacuum packed, but it also does not cost $20 per lb like the beans from the local roaster.  This pencils out to well under $5 per lb, which is 1/3 to 1/4 the price of local roast, char-bucks, etc.  Cafe Cubano is a very strong cafe au lait with a lot of sugar added.  Boom.  If you're adding a lot of steamed milk and sugar to your coffee then you're wasting your money buying Gucci fresh roasted coffee.
This coffee is ground to the perfect size for moka pots.  I can tell you this- this coffee vs. Lavazza, there is no contest.  Lavazza is undrinkable, Cafe La Llave is delicious, and a fraction the price.

Question 2

Has anyone out there compared this to cafe bustelo or pilon?  if so, how does it stack up?

Accepted Answer

I always drank Bustelo. I ordered a box from Abuelo Mami and they included a block of Cafe La Llave. I tried it and it was so good. The smell is great. I've tried Bustelo, Pilon, Cafe Rico Rico, Yaucono, and some more. We drink coffee daily. Cafe La Llave is my new go to coffee.

Question 3

Can this be brewed in keurig replacement cups?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we've done just that for years with our Keurig. I feel it brews a much better cup than any k-cup I've tried. I like stronger coffee than standard k-cups and this will do the trick. However La Llave grind is pretty fine and may clog/overflow the replacement cup if filled too high.

Question 4

What country is this from?

Accepted Answer

The Gaviña Brothers moved to Cuba from Spain in 1870, and started their coffee plantation thereafter. The family came to the U.S. in 1959, and started a roasting and packaging coffee company in California to sell to the Cubans coming at that time.  I am not sure where they get their coffee. We've tried all different brands and this is hands down the best espresso coffee, strong but NOT bitter. We do put sugar in it, but you don't need much. I also found out that they make different types of coffees to address the different international tastes, including the coffee that has been served at McDonald's since the Gaviña's started their association with that company in 1983.  In 2005, they made a stronger blend to serve at those restaurants which created a double digit increase in the sale of coffee.  I found this out in Wikipedia. I use a Bialetti, on the stove, coffee maker, and NEVER pack the coffee down when I fill the metal filter.  Anyway, I hope this helps you.

Cafe La Llave Cuban-Style Espresso Dark Roast Ground Coffee, 8-Pack (7 x 10 oz + 1 Bonus Cafe Gaviña), Rich and Bold

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