Intelligentsia El Gato Blend vs Intelligentsia Frequency Blend
The verdict
Intelligentsia El Gato Blend and Intelligentsia Frequency Blend score the same, 7.8 out of 10, so the choice is what each is better at rather than which is better.
Who each one suits
Intelligentsia El Gato Blend
people who want chocolate + molasses from a direct trade roaster
Intelligentsia Frequency Blend
people who want chocolate + molasses from a direct trade roaster
How they score, criterion by criterion
Both are scored the same way against the rest of their category, from what their makers publish. The weight is how much each criterion moves the total. How the score works
| Criterion | Weight in category | Intelligentsia El Gato Blend | Intelligentsia Frequency Blend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshness & Roast Date Transparency | 20% | 10.0 | 10.0 |
| Sourcing Transparency & Ethics | 16% | 5.7 | 5.7 |
| Value Per Kilo | 14% | 8.1 | 8.1 |
| Packaging & Freshness Retention | 10% | 8.0 | 8.0 |
What each one costs
| Price | $17.50 | $17.50 |
| Cost per kg The figure that decides what the choice costs over a year, not on the day. | $42.55/kg | $42.55/kg |
Where they differ
Every specification the two makers publish differently. Everything they match on is in the full table below.
| Intelligentsia El Gato Blend | Intelligentsia Frequency Blend | |
|---|---|---|
| What sets it apart | The same Brazil and Costa Rica pairing as Black Cat Classic, roasted for filter rather than espresso | Brazil and El Salvador, the only Salvadoran component in the Intelligentsia range here |
| Origin | Brazil | Brazil, El Salvador |
| Tasting Notes | Dark chocolate, baked apple, plum | Golden raisin, raw sugar, cocoa |
Pros and cons
From each full review, written from the same published facts as the scores above.
Intelligentsia El Gato Blend
- +The flagship Black Cat profile rebuilt for filter brewing rather than sold into the wrong brewer.
- +Level with House Blend at the entry price of the range, so the choice is flavour not budget.
- +Comforting and chocolate-driven, which is the more forgiving of the two entry blends.
- +Origins, roast profile and flavour profile all published as structured tags.
- −Built for drip, so it is the wrong bag for an espresso machine despite the Black Cat association.
- −Only two sizes, and the larger is 2.27 kg to keep fresh.
Intelligentsia Frequency Blend
- +The cheapest Direct Trade coffee in the range, level on price with two blends that carry no trade tag.
- +Built as an everyday crowd pleaser, which is the right brief for a household bag.
- +Dried fruit and sugar give it more character than a neutral house blend.
- +Origins, roast profile, flavour profile and trade terms all published as tags.
- −Designed to please everyone, which means it is nobody's favourite cup.
- −No organic certification, where El Gallo and Illumination carry both that and Direct Trade.
- −Only two sizes, and the larger is 2.27 kg to keep fresh.
Every specification, side by side
| Intelligentsia El Gato Blend | Intelligentsia Frequency Blend | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ||
| Price | $17.50 | $17.50 |
| Who it suits | ||
| Best for | people who want chocolate + molasses from a direct trade roaster | people who want chocolate + molasses from a direct trade roaster |
| What sets it apart | The same Brazil and Costa Rica pairing as Black Cat Classic, roasted for filter rather than espresso | Brazil and El Salvador, the only Salvadoran component in the Intelligentsia range here |
| Specifications | ||
| Bag Sizes | 340 g (12 oz) | 340 g (12 oz) |
| Brew Methods | Automatic Drip | Automatic Drip |
| Certifications | None claimed by the maker | None claimed by the maker |
| Decaf in the range | ✕ | ✕ |
| Direct Trade | ✓ | ✓ |
| Farm or Cooperative Named | ✕ | ✕ |
| Flavoured | Not flavoured | Not flavoured |
| Origin | Brazil | Brazil, El Salvador |
| Price per kg | 42.55 USD | 42.55 USD |
| Roast Date Printed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Roast Level | Medium | Medium |
| Roast Profile | Comforting | Comforting |
| Roaster Country | United States | United States |
| Roaster Country Code | US | US |
| Roaster Named | Intelligentsia Coffee | Intelligentsia Coffee |
| Seasonal | Year round | Year round |
| Ships to | US, worldwide | US, worldwide |
| Ships to Note | Ships internationally as well as within the US. The roaster does not publish a country list, and import duties fall to the buyer. | Ships internationally as well as within the US. The roaster does not publish a country list, and import duties fall to the buyer. |
| Origin structure | Blend | Blend |
| Subscription Available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tasting Notes | Dark chocolate, baked apple, plum | Golden raisin, raw sugar, cocoa |
| Whole Bean or Ground | Whole bean, Ground | Whole bean, Ground |
Intelligentsia El Gato Blend vs Intelligentsia Frequency Blend: common questions
Which is better, Intelligentsia El Gato Blend or Intelligentsia Frequency Blend?
Both score 7.8 out of 10 on the specifications their makers publish, so neither is ahead overall. Intelligentsia El Gato Blend leads on nothing scored.
Is Intelligentsia El Gato Blend or Intelligentsia Frequency Blend cheaper?
Intelligentsia El Gato Blend starts at $17.50, and Intelligentsia Frequency Blend at $17.50. Per kg they work out at $42.55/kg and $42.55/kg.
Who is Intelligentsia El Gato Blend for?
people who want chocolate + molasses from a direct trade roaster
Who is Intelligentsia Frequency Blend for?
people who want chocolate + molasses from a direct trade roaster
Keep comparing
More Intelligentsia El Gato Blend matchups
- Intelligentsia El Gato Blend vs Intelligentsia Black Cat Analog Espresso
- Intelligentsia El Gato Blend vs Intelligentsia Black Cat Classic Espresso
- Intelligentsia El Gato Blend vs Intelligentsia El Diablo Blend
- Intelligentsia El Gato Blend vs Intelligentsia Illumination Blend
- Intelligentsia El Gato Blend vs Intelligentsia Organic Decaf House Blend
- Intelligentsia El Gato Blend vs Intelligentsia El Gallo Blend
More Intelligentsia Frequency Blend matchups
- Intelligentsia Frequency Blend vs Intelligentsia Black Cat Analog Espresso
- Intelligentsia Frequency Blend vs Intelligentsia Black Cat Classic Espresso
- Intelligentsia Frequency Blend vs Intelligentsia El Diablo Blend
- Intelligentsia Frequency Blend vs Intelligentsia Illumination Blend
- Intelligentsia Frequency Blend vs Intelligentsia Organic Decaf House Blend
- Intelligentsia Frequency Blend vs Intelligentsia El Gallo Blend