Why Jamaica’s Blue Mountain Coffee Is The World’s Most Sought-After Coffee

Rhythmic reggae beats, mesmerizing beaches and waterfalls, friendly people, a vibrant culture, and not forgetting, Blue Mountain Coffee — all of these are among the amazing things Jamaica is known for.

While there are many reasons to travel to this Caribbean isle, where adventure awaits, on top of that list is being able to wake up to the delightful aromas of a cup of world-famous Blue Mountain Coffee, while admiring the rugged and simply stunning backdrops of Jamaica, hopefully from the vantage of a suite at one of Jamaica’s all-inclusive resorts.

Coffee lovers will be right at home at Sandals Resorts, as Blue Mountain Coffee is part of the attraction: you’ll be able to enjoy this exclusive coffee in your suite at no additional charge (Club Level and Butler suites), and at most restaurants on property. If you love it (which you probably will!), you’ll even be able to take a few packs back home with you from the resort gift shop. From there you can share the authentic goodness of this reputable coffee brand with friends or family!

In this article on the Sandals Blog:

History of Blue Mountain Coffee
What makes Blue Mountain Coffee so special?
Delightful aromas of Blue Mountain Coffee
Where to buy Blue Mountain Coffee?
Don’t be fooled! How to spot fake Blue Mountain Coffee

Unlimited Blue Mountain Coffee during your stay
FAQs about Blue Mountain Coffee

The intriguing history of Blue Mountain Coffee

The history of Blue Mountain Coffee in Jamaica is intriguing. As history tells it, in 1723 when Martinique was a colony of France, King Louis XV, sent a few coffee plants to Martinique to be cultivated. Five years later, the governor of Martinique gifted the governor of Jamaica, Sir Nicholas Lawes, with a single coffee plant. This plant was nurtured and many, many more were grown, signalling the beginning of the coffee industry in Jamaica!

What makes Blue Mountain Coffee so special?

1. The high-altitude area where the beans are grown

Blue Mountain coffee is grown in the misty Blue Mountains of Jamaica, which can be found to the north of the country’s capital, Kingston. The coffee beans thrive in the rich, volcanic soil of the mountains and they must be cultivated at altitudes of 3,000 - 5,500 feet to receive the honor of being called Blue Mountain Coffee. This means that only coffee harvested at this altitude from the parishes within the mountain range, like St. Mary, St. Andrew, Portland and St. Thomas, will qualify for this prestigious label. At this elevation, the coffee plants get just as much water as they need. They are also less susceptible to disease and they get plenty of time to develop their rich flavors!

2. All beans are picked and separated by hand

These coffee beans undergo a thorough examination before they can be approved for the next stage of their intricate developmental process. Machines are sometimes used to extract the best beans, after which these beans are scrutinized individually to ensure they are of the right size and are smooth and void of any imperfections.

3. Only the best beans make the cut

Even after being carefully selected and roasted, the beans must be approved by the Coffee Industry Board of Jamaica. This board ensures that only coffee beans of a premium quality are used to make the unique Blue Mountain Coffee. This unique brand is protected by the board that has put rules and regulations in place so that the coffee is grown under the right conditions, and that a standard product is delivered to consumers. Once the requirements have been met and the board is satisfied, the coffee receives the internationally renowned Blue Mountain Seal of Approval.

Discover the delightful aromas of Blue Mountain Coffee yourself!

With just enough sunshine and rainfall for coffee plants to thrive and blossom, the Blue Mountains of Jamaica are the ideal location for the many coffee plantations that can be found along its expansive terrain. The coffee produced here is one of a kind, and it is loved for its smooth, sweet taste and fragrant aroma. This island is one such place where you can have Blue Mountain coffee and be assured that the possibility is high that what’s in your cup is truly authentic!

Where to buy Blue Mountain Coffee?

During a visit to Jamaica, it’s totally worthwhile to pick up some of this delicious coffee either from your resort if you’re staying at Sandals, or from the many local sellers who are always more than happy to show off the local product. This coffee can also be bought online from various sellers around the world. Keep a lookout for where the coffee has been manufactured to ensure that you buy coffee that has been produced on the best plantations in Jamaica.

Other places you’ll be able to get Blue Mountain Coffee in Jamaica include:

Wallenford Estate

This estate in Kingston Jamaica produces a unique brand of Blue Mountain Coffee. This variety uses peaberry coffee beans which have one cherry rather than two, resulting in a distinctive but delicious taste.

Clifton Mountain Estate

Situated in St. Catherine’s Peak Jamaica, this plantation is said to be more than 270 years old. It is regarded as the oldest plantation on the island that is still in operation. Clifton Mountain Estate’s reputation speaks for itself, as it is known to produce some of the best Blue Mountain Coffee in Jamaica.

Flamstead Estate Coffee

Blue Mountain Coffee is also grown at the Flamstead Estate, which can be found more than 3,000 feet above sea level, which is the perfect altitude to produce amazing coffee!

Greenwich Estate Coffee

Coffee produced at this estate has a strong tangy flavor of caramel and chocolate with a smooth, delicious finish. This estate is said to be the first environmentally friendly one in Jamaica.

All of the estates mentioned above are located near Kingston, in the Blue Mountain region.

Pro tip: Is your Sandals all-inclusive vacation in Jamaica coming up soon? While on these exciting shores, be sure to get a shot of Jamaican rum cream in your Blue Mountain Coffee — its full, delicious flavor will leave you wanting more!

Don’t be fooled! How to spot fake Blue Mountain Coffee

The best way to know the real from the fake when it comes to Blue Mountain Coffee is to check the seal. All official brands should have the Coffee Industry Board Seal with a mark of certification, which is usually a blue circle with the words “Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee” inside. You can also ask the seller for the declaration paperwork that is given to all official sellers.

If you don’t know what to look for, it might be hard to spot the difference between the fake and real product. Another way to check is to read the packaging. The planting, harvesting and packaging of Blue Mountain Coffee is all done in Jamaica and any label which says otherwise is not attached to a genuine product.

The easiest way to differentiate fake Blue Mountain Coffee from the real product, might be the price. Blue Mountain Coffee takes twice as long to harvest as other types of coffee, making it a highly sought out brand. So if the coffee itself is very cheap, then chances are you’re being duped.

Pro tip: There are lots of blends being sold out there and many people are willing to buy them because they’re cheaper than the original product. However, chances are you might get 20% or less of the real coffee while the rest is of another generic blend.

Drink unlimited Blue Mountain Coffee during your stay!

Did you know all Sandals Resorts in Jamaica including Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean, Sandals Negril, Sandals South Coast, Sandals Ochi and Sandals Royal Plantation exclusively serve Blue Mountain Coffee?

Guests of Sandals Resorts can indulge in authentic Blue Mountain Coffee at specialty restaurants, cafés, Club Sandals lounges, self-serve coffee stations and through room service!

The best part is, it’s all included, all unlimited.

Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee — perfect for waking up in paradise!

The unforgettable taste and sweet aroma of Blue Mountain Coffee has definitely made its way onto the list of reasons Jamaica should be a bucket list destination. These in demand beans have stolen the show as far as premium coffee is concerned and are definitely worth waking up to in a place that will for sure take your breath away!

Insider tip: Planning a Sandals vacation in Jamaica? Here are 43 Wonderful Things To Do In Jamaica!

FAQs about Blue Mountain Coffee

Is Blue Mountain Coffee the best in the world?

Blue Mountain Coffee is one of the best coffees in the world; its taste is rich and heavenly with a sweet floral aroma. Before it finds its way to your cup, this coffee is made from beans that have been harvested for close to a year. Its taste makes it worth it!

How much is Blue Mountain coffee per pound?

Blue Mountain Coffee costs about 58 US Dollars per pound.

Is Blue Mountain Coffee worth the price?

Though you will have to spend quite a bit for Blue Mountain Coffee, you will be getting a premium brand of the highest quality. So give it a try, we can assure you, you won’t be disappointed.

Why is Blue Mountain Coffee so expensive?

There is limited space on the Blue Mountains in Jamaica where it is grown and added to that, it takes about ten months to harvest which makes its supply very low. While its delicious taste puts this coffee in high demand, a limited supply makes it much more expensive than other coffee brands.

Why did Blue Mountain Coffee become famous?

Blue Mountain Coffee was sent to Jamaica in the early 18th century by a governor and since then, it has been widely produced because of its distinctive and addictive flavors. It has earned its reputation as one of the tastiest and rarest coffees in the world.

Is Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee arabica?

Yes, the coffee grown in the Blue Mountains in Jamaica is from the Arabica Typica subspecies. Additionally, the climate and the altitude of the mountains provide the best atmosphere for the coffee beans to flourish.

What factors account for the specific flavor of the Blue Mountain brand of coffee?

In order for the Arabica sub species of plant to grow, there must be adequate phosphorus and nitrogen in its environment — all of which can be found in the Blue Mountains in Jamaica. Added to that, the mountains provide enough cover for the plants and just enough rainfall.

What’s the best way to brew Blue Mountain Coffee?

Simply add two tablespoons of coffee, or as much as you would like, to a French press, percolator or drip pot, to brew some delicious coffee. The coffee should not be boiled and should be consumed soon after brewing to maximize its freshness.

What is the best way to store the coffee?

Many believe that the refrigerator is the best way to store coffee or coffee beans, but in reality, it is not. The coldness of the fridge robs the coffee of its natural flavor and freshness. So, in that case, a vacuum or airtight container is best.