Black Cat Analog Espresso packaging

Intelligentsia Black Cat Analog Espresso

Black Cat Analog is the darker sibling of Intelligentsia's Black Cat Classic, roasted specifically to hold up in milk drinks.

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Dark chocolate, toasted marshmallow, baking spices
Origin
Brazil, Carmo de Minas
Process
Semi-washed
Roast
Medium-dark
Roaster
Intelligentsia
Roast level
About this coffee

What the roaster tells us.

Black Cat Analog is the darker sibling of Intelligentsia’s Black Cat Classic, roasted specifically to hold up in milk drinks. It’s built on a semi-washed coffee from Carmo de Minas, Brazil, and Intelligentsia lists notes of dark chocolate, toasted marshmallow and baking spices. The roaster says it pulls consistently sweet, chocolate-heavy shots with a full body, which makes it an easy pick if most of what you make is lattes, cappuccinos or flat whites. It comes in 12 oz bags.

Product details checked 2026-11-04. Roaster descriptions can change between lots. Tasting notes describe sensory impressions, not a guarantee of how your brew will taste.

Where it’s from
Brazil, Carmo de Minas
RoasterIntelligentsia
OriginBrazil, Carmo de Minas
ProcessSemi-washed
RoastMedium-dark
From farm to cup

Where it grew, how it was made, how it’s roasted.

Straight from the roaster’s listing — no guesswork added.

Step 01 · OriginGrown

Brazil, Carmo de Minas

Step 02 · ProcessProcessed

Semi-washed

Step 03 · RoastRoasted

Medium-dark

Before you buy

Is it right for you?

You’ll like it if…

  • You like chocolatey, comforting cups.
  • You like a bold cup or drink your coffee with milk.
  • You make espresso or milk drinks at home.

Maybe skip it if…

  • You prefer bright, light-roasted coffees.
  • You're looking for a bright, fruit-forward coffee.

The details

Producer or farm
Carmo de Minas, Brazil
Certifications
Direct Trade
Bag size
12 oz bag
Price
$17.50
Price per ounce
$1.46 per oz

From the roaster’s listing, checked November 4, 2026. Prices change.

About coffee from Brazil

Brazil is the world's largest coffee producer. Much of its coffee is processed as a natural or pulped natural, which gives the nutty, chocolatey, low-acid profile that makes Brazil a staple of espresso blends.

What the process means

In a washed process, the fruit is removed from the bean before it dries. Washed coffees tend to taste clean and bright, and show off the character of the origin.

How to brew it

Starting recipes for this roast level. Adjust grind and ratio to taste; the roaster’s own guidance always wins.

MethodCoffeeWaterGrindWater tempTime
Pour-over15 g250 gMedium-fine90°C / 195°F2:30–3:30
French press Our pick30 g500 gCoarse90°C / 195°F4 minutes
Cold brew100 g800 gCoarseCold water12–18 hours in the fridge
The people behind this coffee

Meet Intelligentsia

Intelligentsia started roasting in Chicago in 1995 and still roasts every bag there. Its buyers travel through the year to visit growers, and its Direct Trade program now includes more than 50 partners in 14 countries, many of them working with the roaster for over a decade. Each year the team cups, grades and releases more than 50 single origins and blends, from the Black Cat espressos it has made since the start to small, seasonal lots from Ethiopia, Kenya and Colombia. For filter coffee, Intelligentsia suggests a 1:18 coffee to water ratio as a starting point.

All Intelligentsia coffees
Espresso starting point

Dial it in

A 1:2 dose-to-yield ratio is a common place to start. Adjust grind and taste — the roaster’s own guidance always wins.

In18g
Out36g
Time25–30s
Compare

Similar coffees from other roasters

CoffeeRoastOriginTasting notes
Intelligentsia Black Cat Analog Espresso This coffeeMedium-darkBrazil, Carmo de MinasDark chocolate, toasted marshmallow, baking spices
Stumptown Hair BenderMedium-darkCentral and South America, East Africa, IndonesiaCitrus, dark chocolate, raisin
Tayst Bold & Brazen——Smoky cocoa, rich, bold
Espresso Vivace Espresso DolceMedium-darkNot disclosedSalted caramel, chocolate, leather
Questions

Intelligentsia Black Cat Analog Espresso FAQ

What does Intelligentsia Black Cat Analog Espresso taste like?

Intelligentsia lists tasting notes of dark chocolate, toasted marshmallow and baking spices. It's a medium-dark roast.

Where does Intelligentsia Black Cat Analog Espresso come from?

It comes from Brazil, Carmo de Minas. The producer is Carmo de Minas, Brazil.

How is Intelligentsia Black Cat Analog Espresso processed?

The roaster lists the process as semi-washed. In a washed process, the fruit is removed from the bean before it dries.

Is Intelligentsia Black Cat Analog Espresso good for espresso?

Yes. The roaster recommends it for espresso. A 1:2 ratio, such as 18 grams in and 36 grams out in 25 to 30 seconds, is a good place to start.

What's the best way to brew Intelligentsia Black Cat Analog Espresso?

A good starting point is french press: 30 g of coffee to 500 g of water, coarse grind, water at 90°C / 195°F, steeped for 4 minutes. Adjust to taste.

Where can I buy Intelligentsia Black Cat Analog Espresso?

You can buy it from Intelligentsia. Prices and availability change, so check the current listing before you order.

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