Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee: Is it the best there is?

When talking about the best kinds of coffee in the world, it would be inevitable that Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee would be mentioned. This is because it has become one of the most sought after kinds of coffee in the world. What exactly is Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee?

It is a kind of coffee grown in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica, hence its name. The most interesting aspect of this kind of coffee is the fact that it lacks a bitter taste and has a very mild flavor. Of course, there are people who do not appreciate this aspect but there are always those who enjoy coffee with this flavor.

Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee is grown in the eastern part of Jamaica, 5,500 feet above sea level. Of course, coffee is grown for local production in this area as well. However, the Jamaican Coffee Board, recognizing the importance of Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee to their economy, has laid down certain restrictions for the exportation of their coffee. In fact, according to the Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee site:

The Jamaican Coffee Board reserves GRADE 1 beans for export only as a green, unroasted coffee. The higher the grade number, the bigger the bean size. This dictates any roasted coffee coming directly from Jamaica is usually a mix of Grade 1, 2 and even 3. The Board refers to this mix as “Triage”. If you seek the finest Blue Mountain Coffee, insist only on Grade 1 beans.

How much should you expect to pay for this coffee? It depends on where you get it but do expect to pay about $30 for 16 oz of whole roasted beans.