First off, my usual espresso is the Starbucks brand.  I just like a strong flavor.  I want to HAVE to put some cream and suger in my coffee for it to be tolerable.  The first thing I noticed upon tasting PILON is that it's VERY strong yet VERY smooth.  I can't say that for the Starbucks brand espresso...actually at all.  I still put cream and suger in my americano's but I use less water, more espresso, and less sugar and cream.  That's because the flavor of this coffee is SO perfect.