PJ-

Close to espresso strength and thickness, not quite there. Similar to the press in that the wrong grind will mess up the brew. I carry the moka pot and a camp stove when traveling by car too, a few minutes in a rest area and great curbside coffee.  Wouldn't trust Via as even fresh Starbucks beans are suspect- they over cook the beans to cover  for marginal beans, due to the sheer quantity necessary to feed the beast.