There are many high-end coffees in the world and two of the most well known are Hawaiian Kona and Jamaican Blue Mountain. When these two coffees are sold at a coffee shop they are sold at a premium price given their exclusivity. Personally, these are my two favorite coffees and I get really excited when other coffee shops are able to sell them. However, I have been disappointed many times when I visit other coffee shops that offer Hawaiian Kona or Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee as they are either marketed as a blend or the shop fails to disclose the coffee grade.
For example, when you see a “blend,” the bean content will reflect a combination of coffee beans. This may reflect a ratio of say 5% Hawaiian Kona beans and 95% of an inferior, cheaper coffee bean. And, when you ask the barista or shop owner what the ratio consists of the response will be something along the lines of “I don’t know as we get our coffee from a distributor.”
Another example is when the coffee shop does not know the coffee grade. For Jamaican Blue Mountain, there are many different coffee grades with each grade based on numerous factors such as bean size, color standards and defects. The top and most expensive grade being Peaberry followed by Grade #1, #2 and #3. Lesser and cheaper grades are Triage followed by Special Triage and Fines. So, unless the coffee shop specifies what grade it is selling, you can assume that it is the “Fines” grade, which is comparable to coffee sold at a gas station.
The Art of the Bean and Leaf sells 100% authentic Hawaiian Kona and Jamaican Blue Mountain in every bag or coffee cup! The grades offered for Hawaiian Kona are the very best and include Peaberry and Extra Fancy. Conversely, for Jamaican Blue Mountain, they offer the highest grade, Grade #1. The Art of the Bean and Leaf also roasts in-house so you are guaranteed that the coffee you are purchasing is fresh. Come visit them on the weekends as these exquisite coffees can be purchased by the cup at an affordable price.