The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Distino Espresso Single-Serve CBTL Capsules for The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Single Serve Caffitaly System Machines, 10 Count Box

My coffee profile for reference: Male dark coffee drinker, no sugar. Black or a little non-dairy liquid creamer is my preference. Cow milk allergy means I don't drink latte's, cappuccinos, espressos or anything except 'coffee'. I prefer to sip a big cup American-style over the tiny European-style.Machines: I have both CBTL and Keurig single-server brewers. The Keurig is a superior machine in most ways except size and heating time. However, my Keurig has been stored away since I discovered this flavor (Italian Espresso Dark). In my side-by-side tests, the CBTL flavors are usually only slightly better than Keurig flavors.Italian Espresso Dark Capsule: This is unlike any coffee that I've ever had. It is thick, a little foamy, and very complex in flavor. It is strong even though I usually use the "coffee" size buttons on the machine so that I can enjoy it for a while (the small espresso sizes are good for fast jolt of caffeine). An important thing to me is to add a bit of International Delight "Hershey's Chocolate & Caramel" creamer for more complexity and to tone down the bitterness.Wife's Opinion: She does not prefer dark coffee and her normal preference is a weak cup of Nescafe with LOTS of dairy milk. She has also become crazy about the Italian Espress Dark + International Delight Hershey's combination...rarely drinks the Nescafe anymore. Basically, it's the only coffee drink we agree on :-)

Excellent flavor. It tastes exactly as the Starbucks Verismo Expresso ones (for Latte). I am a coffee lover and side by side they are similar. The pods size is identical the Verismo ones. They DO NOT get stuck on the machine, just follow this tip: Wait at least 10 seconds after the coffee is done, so the pressure applied by the machine while brewing is released. Finally just open the level slowly and they will fall 100% of the times to the container. Even with he original pods, if you open the level quickly they will get stuck. There is a plastic filter inside the CBTL cups, but the Verismo 600 can make the holes without any problems. I always do a quick motion, to close it to be sure the pods are punctured good enough (Verismo and CBTL), BE SURE to push the Expresso Button, not the Brewing one at the Verismo machine. Finally remember to open slowly so they do not bounce and get stuck. You won't have ANY trouble at all, trust me. They are less expensive and probably the ONLY other brand with pods compatible (K-FEE) with the exclusive Verismo 600 machine. A package costs almost the same as the Verismo pods, but instead of 12 you get 16 with CBTL. More value for the money.Also warranty WON'T be voided, because in the very same Verismo 600 manual says, compatible with other K-fee pods too, so it is all good. Verismo and CBTL are the only K-fee pods in the market, so they work.Thanks and enjoy great coffee :)

The flavor is great—better than cremosa—makes a nice crema and the pods don't often malfunction. I will continue to purchase these capsules.

Honest review- this is my second time buying these! I just bought them in bulk- 5 packages.They do help save your money versus buying the more expensive pods out there and honestly, they taste INCREDIBLE!! I get a good amount of crema on top? Is that what you call it? Haha?!But, I tried to save extra money buy refilling the pods prior with other espresso and it just doesn’t beat this taste.I use this in my new version Verismo machine.It fits perfectly, every once in a blue moon it will get stuck in the compartment but all you have to do is just kind of push the handle down hard and open it back up forcefully and the pod will fall through into the holder. I have not had to use a knife to pry it out like other reviewers.I personally make Carmel macchiatos (hot and cold) at home and I’ve tried several different brands of pods and NOTHING will beat this flavor!Do not hesitate, it is absolutely worth it!

These pods do not work in the Verismo machine. My first pod attempt got stuck in the machine. My second pod burst and the water barely trickled through it; and I also heard a strange noise from my machine. I took the pod apart out of curiosity. This malfunction is likely due to a hard plastic insert at the bottom end (not the foil covered top) of the CBTL pod. Verismo pods do not have this insert. Or, it could be the plastic casing is especially hard. At any rate, it would have been too much trouble to return them, so I improvised. I cut off the bottom end, including the hard plastic insert. I then cut a used Verismo pod in 1/2 and placed that bottom 1/2 over the CBTL bottom. If you cut the pods each to the correct size (creating a new pod the same length as a Verismo pod), it will work; but I don't see it as a practical resolution. I won't buy them again for my Verismo. In all likelihood, continued use of these with the Verismo would ruin the machine. The coffee did have a very good flavor.

Great hazelnut flavor. If you're occasionally inclined towards an "Irish Coffee," the flavor of this one blends very well with a little Jamesons. In general, I have to keep these pods hidden or they'll disappear before I can have more than one or two. A tip for Verismo Machine users though- The CBTL pods can sort of vacuum themselves into the Verismo chamber and be a bit difficult to eject. If you very lightly score (not cut into) The outer surface of the pods' sides, lengthwise from below rim of the cap to the edge of the narrower base, in about five places (5 light score lines, from base to tip) the score lines act as lines which will allow the vacuum to break upon ejection, and they will work as well as any regular Starbucks Verismo pods. The same holds true if you want to use the Starbucks espresso and milk pods in the CBTL Cafitaly machines. Though the Starbucks regular coffee pods will work in those without any scoring. Just have to remember to peel the tab, which is not a process required on the CBTL pods.

Excellent coffee and it fits my Verismo machine! This is a great bonus because otherwise I have to buy from Starbucks at an inflated price. Very happy! I will be ordering lots more.

I really like the taste of CBTL Expresso. I like the strength of it without a bitter taste. I discovered my favorite way to enjoy this expresso. I put a small amount of cream and canned coconut milk in the bottom of my coffee cup then heat in microwave for 15 sec. Then draw my expresso into my cup and enough water to fill it. Yum just perfect. Makes great iced expresso also!

Works fine with Starbucks Verismo machine. Makes a good cup. Nice flavour.

I was shocked at how strong the flavour was. I made a double shot latte in my Verismo, and it had me flying through the day. These pods are such a bargain as compared to the Verismo pods. I actually logged on to buy more CBTL pods and decided to write a review.Will be a repeat buyer. My only gripe is that a 16 count is the largest size it appears to come in.

Cheaper than the Starbuck's version. Fits my Verissimo machine perfectly. Coffee tastes great!