First let me explain where I'm coming from; I lived in Scandinavia for a number of years and fell in love with good strong coffee. My American heritage just didn't support the strong coffee concept, with the exception of New Orleans styles, which are really French anyway. I roasted my own dark roast for years but that is a messy pain. Enter Eight O'clock Dark Italian Roast. It's better than virtually all of the store bought coffee that I have ever tried (even Gevalia). Very rich and full bodied flavor without annoying bitterness. Add a little sweetness and you have a contender for the perfect cup of coffee.