Jamaica Blue Mountain is an elite variety of Arabica produced exclusively on the sunny island of Jamaica. It was identified as an official coffee variety only in the middle of the 20th century and immediately became a beverage for the upper classes. At that time, the coffee was appreciated and awarded the title of “drink of kings.” Just a few people could afford to drink this cherished product.
Coffee sommeliers describe the taste of this unique sort as soft, smooth, clean, and bright. The aroma has very sweet floral tones. The bouquet includes notes of nuts, cocoa, spices, and even cream.
Cultivation
The Blue Mountains range stretches from Kingston to Port Antonio and reaches 2 256 meters at its highest point. The region has a warm humid climate with rains and fogs. The soil is fertile. All this creates a perfect environment for planting excellent coffee.
Coffee from plantations located at an altitude of 460-900 meters is called High Mountain. The grains grown below 460 meters belong to Jamaica Supreme or Jamaica Low Mountain.
Why So Expensive?
1 pound bag of certified Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee selling for $90. There are many reasons why Jamaica Blue Mountain is considered the most expensive in the world:
- Most coffee plantations are located in flat areas, but Jamaica Blue Mountain is cultivated on the tops of mountains, which makes it much more challenging to cultivate and harvest.
- The cultivation of this variety is associated with considerable danger, which also affects the price.
- Blue Mountain coffee is produced in small quantities – about 2 million kg per year, so so that demand far exceeds supply. Since 80% goes to Japan, European or American coffee lovers have to fight for the remaining 400 000 kg.
- This variety goes through several quality inspections, which takes much effort and resources and reduces the final volume of grain supplied to the market.
How To Drink?
This expensive and rare variety is recommended to grind in small portions just before brewing. Whole grains should be kept in a vacuum container in a cool and dark place (but not in the refrigerator).
The best way to feel the real taste of grains is to brew them in a French press. It is recommended to take filtered or bottled water