Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee

+ Click to Enlarge

Available Style(s): • Regular • Peaberry
Available Type(s): • Whole Beans 1 lb • Ground 1 lb

Folklore says that in 1713, the Dutch unwittingly gave a coffee bush to Louis XV of France from which, in 1723, he sent three plants to Martinique. Two of the plants died en route and the third plant ended up in Jamaica, taken there by former Governor, Sir Nicholas Lawes. Lawes first planted coffee at Temple Hall, St. Andrew.

Jamaica's climate was so conducive to coffee production that the coffee industry expanded rapidly from St. Andrew to the Blue Mountains and the hills of the parishes of Manchester, St. Ann and St. Elizabeth. By 1814 there were 600 coffee plantations on the Island, however the abolition of slavery in 1838 created a shortage of labor and a decline in coffee production. The harvesting of coffee is labor intensive because the beans are handpicked when ripe, one at a time. By 1850 only 186 coffee plantations were still in operation. By 1891, the coffee industry was in a general disarray so legislation was passed to provide instruction in the art of cultivation and curing by sending "competent instructors" to certain districts.

Later, in 1943, the coffee industry nearly collapsed due to labor shortages, mismanagement and a lack of organization. Finally, in 1944 the Jamaican government established a Central Coffee Clearing House where all coffee for export had to be processed. This cleaning and grading process was a giant step in the improvement of the quality of Jamaican coffee being exported. Overseas, concerns were also being raised as to the quality and consistency of Jamaican Coffee and valuable markets were lost. Following the devastating hurricane of 1951, there were only three Coffee Processing Plants (called pulperies) remaining in operation in the Blue Mountains. In an attempt to address issues of quality control cultivation and processing, and in order to regulate the growth that was sure to follow, the Colonial Secretary created the Coffee Industry Board in 1953. Production became more streamlined and a centralized marketing system, as well as a rigid system of standards control were developed.

The Coffee Industry Board is still an active force today and garners some of the credit for the resurgence of Jamaican coffee. In 1973, the three coffee processing plants at Mavis Bank, Silver Hill and Moy Hall along with a newcomer, Wallenford, registered the name "Blue Mountain Coffee." In addition, a ruling in a landmark case a number of years ago has enabled other smaller estates the legal right to sell their products under the "Blue Mountain" name.

Worldwide, Jamaica is associated with reggae music, Bob Marley, Sean Paul and is also a popular tourist destination with recognizable resorts at Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Port Antonio and Negril. Jamaica is also famous for producing some of the finest coffee found anywhere in the world. It is one of the world's most expensive and celebrated coffees. Why so expensive? Demand is high and supply is low. It is estimated that a mere 9000 acres which lie above the minimum requirement of 2000 ft above sea level within the Blue Mountains, are considered within the legal bounds for the growing of Blue Mountain Coffee. Additionally, as mentioned above, it is extremely labor intensive as each cherry has to be individually hand-picked on dangerous mountainous terrain. Why celebrated? It is naturally sweet with an excellent aroma which is derived from the volcanic soil in which it is grown coupled with the micro climate of the high mountain mist which keeps the plants damp and cool. The majestic Caribbean sun penetrates the low hanging clouds to ripen each coffee cherry to create a flavor that is truly a gift from the Gods. One of its champions, the author Ian Fleming acquired inspiration whilst living in Jamaica for his literary hero, James Bond, who declared in Live and Let Die "Blue Mountain Coffee, the most delicious in the world."

Blue Mountain coffee is exclusively made from the Arabica Bean, which is more fragile to grow but is considered more flavorful and has less caffeine than the Robusta Bean grown in many parts of the world! The reaping of the beans is only the first stage of an involved operation. After reaping, coffee is pulped and washed at a pulperie and the "wet parchment" that results is dried, cured, graded and then sorted. Jamaica is one of only a few countries worldwide that allows the "wet parchment" to sit and age for a minimum of six weeks so as to ensure consistency. Prior to export, the coffee then undergoes quality control measures including appearance checks and cup testing to ensure the cup-quality of the beans. Only after undergoing this rigorous quality control process is the coffee then issued a certificate of authenticity by the Coffee Industry Board of Jamaica.

Jamaica Blue Mountain green coffee is the only coffee in the world that is shipped in oak barrels. Similar to fine wines, oak barrels preserve and maintain the characteristics of the green coffee.

From soil to cup, we bring you Absolutely the Best Coffee in the World.

Return to Catalog

Price: Select Style: Regular Peaberry Select Type: Whole Beans 1 lb Ground 1 lb Qty:

Availability: *In-Stock
Usually ships in next business day

SKU: EST16
Brand: Wallenford Estate
Available Style: • Regular • Peaberry
Available Type: • Whole Beans 1 lb • Ground 1 lb