Buying coffee to bring home?

Last time we were in Jamaica (Sept 2011, Ocho Rios) I really enjoyed the coffee, but didn't bring any home. We saw small burlap bags of Jablum Blue Mountain coffee (1lb I think?) but had read it wasn't necessarily the good stuff, and that sometimes people take it home and find out its undrinkable.

When we were leaving, we also saw that you could buy huge vacuum sealed packages of coffee at the airport, many pounds. Don't remember the brand(s). Considered it, but didn't because I hadn't researched it.

Any advice? Truth is, I don't know all that much about coffee beans.

The beans that wind up packaged commercially for sale tend to be the lowest quality beans. The vast majority of the crop is pre sold to Japan and other large buyers. My recommendation is to buy fresh roasted beans from one of several people in Negril that do their own roasting. Big Roy at Cafe Goa has roasted 100% Blue Mountain coffee from the Standing Springs Estate for years and it is first rate. I know there are others and I'm sure people will chime in with their recommendations.

Bless...
Ed

not long ago,
i heard a news report that Japan has cut waaaaaaaaaaaaaay back on purchasing Jamaican coffee --- something-something about the Japanese economy

the news-report said that they cut back so much so, that the Ja-coffee industry has been feeling the $$-pain, and trying to find *work-around$*

for example, some someplace i read/heard that Starbucks (in certain markets) now sells Jamaican coffee

another example:::>> a few weeks ago, i saw Jamaican coffee for sale [[ finally ]] in a local (WashingtonDC) WholeFoods store

Respect Mr. Smith, nice to see you back on the board.
Perhaps that will mean more availability for the rest of us. Our local coffee chain, Caribou, used to always have JBM in stock but hasn't for years. Maybe that will change.

Conquering Lion is another roaster that sells around town & another gentleman named Thunder that I believe sells across the street from Alfreds.

Are you saying that the beans that Big Roy, Thunder, etc... offers is a higher quality / better bean than the Jablum, Wallenford, etc.. that are sold in the airport store?
If that's the case I will make a point to look one of them up next trip. I meant to last time but... well you know how that goes.
I always go with a list of things I'd like to do, see, try but never get to all of them. :)

Honestly I think they are all pretty good. I got some conquering lion and some jablum this last trip....both are yummy (to me), however, I will say that the conquering lion had a much richer aroma

But my question is this.....I wonder what it is that they serve at all of the restaurants around Negril

Last year I went to see Thunder...Go to Miss Sonias and ask them to point you over to his place...He had just returned from the Blue Mountains and had a couple of 100lb burlap bags of fresh unroasted beans. For what it is worth both bags had the certification labels that certified Blue Mountain Coffee beans. he has been around a long time and best I can tell his stuff is legit....For 25 years i keep hearing that we never get the 'good" stuff and blah blah blah....I can say this...I like Ja Blum and used to get it as Mavis Banks before the name change...I like it and I buy it and I enjoy drinking it...I also bought some from Thunder and made a pot of it shortly after it was roasted. Might have been the best pot of coffee I have ever drank.. He roast it out back over a wood fire...It smells wonderful around the dutch oven he is roasting in. His coffee was most excellent. I think there is as much myth as truth in the coffee debate.... If you like the way it smells and taste then you found your coffee....Be prepared for an interesting visit with his wife Barbara...That is all i will say...she is nice but it willbe an interesting visit for sure..Question for all the people that support the "you never got the good stuff" debate...have you ever found it and can you tell me where....No disrespect intended but I would really like for some one to add to this discussion with some facts as to where you get the really legit Blue Mountain Coffee....Please don't say The Blue Mountains.....

Marley 9808....most places serve "High Mountain" which to me is great coffee it just does not come from the "region' required to be called Blue Mtn...

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Originally Posted by LLAP

Are you saying that the beans that Big Roy, Thunder, etc... offers is a higher quality / better bean than the Jablum, Wallenford, etc.. that are sold in the airport store?

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lemme share MY-experience(s) with BigRoy's '..roasted-on-site..' coffee (beans)

ONCE upon a time,
a few years ago, got some for myself & several pounds to take-back to-foreign to mail-to a fellow-boardie.

Pon arrival in-foreign, @ USofA Customs/Department of Agriculture check-point, the inspectors/agents went craaaazy when they open-ed (to inspect) my bags, and smell-ed that coffee.

They salivated & every-thing.

when i reached home,
& unpacked
the house was lit-up with this glorious aroma

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
smelt(sp?)/smell-ed sooooooooooooo nice

AND it tasted super-duper goooooooooooooooooood.

now,
flash-forward
to a more-recent trip:::::: a Ja-buddy asked me to bring-back some of that "..for-tourist..", allegedly BlueMountain coffee that he haste-ly purchased at some someplace in Negril,,,, i was to take it back-to-foreign for a friend of his, who lived near me.

* sigh *

no smell
no aroma
nutin

dunno how it tasted,
and DON'T wanna know or/nor find-out

gimme BigRoy's fresh-roasted ANY-time.

argument DONE....!!..

I am intrigued by this thread. Where is Cafe Goa? I am having trouble locating it. I don't really know my way around Negril.

Look on the Negril Maps for Salina's...It was Busta's before that and now it is GOA CAfe....It is on the other side of the road from the beach...you can ask for a sample to take back to your room and try it...Thunder gave me a half pound...I only wish I had bought more from him...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by LLAP

Are you saying that the beans that Big Roy, Thunder, etc... offers is a higher quality / better bean than the Jablum, Wallenford, etc.. that are sold in the airport store?
:)

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Yes :) without a doubt
not even close IMO

from mi personal experience-
Thunder would be mi #1 choice
&
Big Roy would be mi #2

link below is video of Thunder 'roasting' da beans :cool:
http://eyeneyecoffee.com/

hey, boardie-Dave ..!!!..
THANK-you for that video(s)

i LOVE seeing him stir dem beans with that big-long-piece of split bamboo

one-more thing i can add to '..my-list of-uses-of-bamboo..'

:-)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1RnV...yer_embedded#!

* sigh *

"..land we love...... la la la..."

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Originally Posted by smith744

one-more thing i can add to '..my-list of-uses-of-bamboo..'

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:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

The Coffee Industry Regulation Act specifies what coffee may use the Blue Mountain label. Additionally, it restricts the use of the Blue Mountain trademark to those authorized by the Coffee Industry Board. Broadly speaking, coffee harvested from the parishes of Saint Andrew, Saint Thomas, Portland and Saint Mary may be considered Blue Mountain coffee.
Traditionally, only coffee grown at elevations between 3,000 and 5,500 feet (1,700 m) could be called Jamaica Blue Mountain. Coffee grown at elevations between 1,500 and 3,000 feet (910 m) is called Jamaica High Mountain, and coffee grown below 1,500-foot (460 m) elevation is called Jamaica Supreme or Jamaica Low Mountain.

The reason that the coffee sold by Big Roy or Thunder is superior to the commercially available pre-packaged for tourist coffee, besides being fresh roasted, is that it is single estate, whole crop coffee. The commercial stuff is blended from numerous estates and is sorted by bean size. The largest beans, the ones with the least amount of flavor, are the ones that get packaged for commercial sale. The smaller the bean the greater the flavor.

Ras,

You know your stuff and thanks for sharing the info with the board. Coffee is my business and I can backup everything you say. I will add that it would be smart to get your roasted coffee packaged in bags with the one way valve within 48 hours of roasting. The coffee can degass in the bags, so that is not a problem. Degassing in those bags will remove the oxygen which is what robs the flavor / quality of the coffee. Within 48 hours after roasting, coffee begins to go stale, losing flavor and taste. Just my two cents worth.

Thanks,

Two

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Originally Posted by BR Mon

Marley 9808....most places serve "High Mountain" which to me is great coffee it just does not come from the "region' required to be called Blue Mtn...

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Marley that's what I bought as well & I love it. It's what we get at Catcha. And I love the instant... it's so good! I know it's instant but it's not Folgers instant, I promise.

BR Mon... You know where I can order some from? I found a place but the bought of paying $13 in shipping kinda sux!!!

fresh roasted coffee is indeed the key. is it possible to buy some nice green beans of the blue mtn variety to take back to the states for later roasting? id probally also get some fire roasted but me would like to extend the fresh roasted enjoyment factor.

I have purchased green coffee beans from Big Roy in the past. Fresh roast is best!

OK, I am now converted!!! No more burlap bags of coffee for me...going to check it out pon next reach. Truly excited...love mi some good coffee...as one of the ole Jamaican songs states, "mi bowl of bwoling coffee in da morning" by Diana West!!! Album, Think like a girl"...title, mi coffee. Check it out if you are so inclined. It is a short song on this cd which stole mi heart years ago.

Here is a link to Amazon...scroll down the list on the cd to Mi Coffee. It is only about 30 seconds long , so you can hear it all. Simple and sweet!!!

http://www.amazon.com/Think-Like-Gir...rds=diana+king

Last year thunder was charging 20 bucks a pound which is almost a third less than the commercial factory stuff....I am not sure what he must pay for 200 lbs of fresh beans at the farm but if you watch that video it willgive you an idea of the labor that goes into the coffee...We watched him last year and he can only do about two pounds in each batch...It takes him about 15 minutes roasting on each batch...When you factor in his trip to the east side of the island and all the work to get it roasted and bagged it is a bargin....It is also weighed in front of you so you don't get home with 12 onces in a one pound bag...I have read on this board of a couple of coffee walkers on the beach shorting people...

Just watched the video of Thunder roasting the coffee and I swear i could smell the coffee right through my computer screen :)
I will be hooking up with some of that next reach!

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Originally Posted by Sparky

is it possible to buy some nice green beans of the blue mtn variety to take back to the states for later roasting? id probally also get some fire roasted but me would like to extend the fresh roasted enjoyment factor.

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Thunder will be happy to sell Blu Mtn green beans
FYI- it takes about 1.25lbs of green beans for 1lb of roasted beans ;)

A wee bit off topic - but here is an article in today's paper about Marley Coffee: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/2...business4.html

I bought some Marley Coffee in Vancouver recently at London Drugs (about $15.00. for 340 grams or 12 oz) ... according to package marked "One Love, gourmet medium roast", contains 100% Ethopian Virgacheffe which was roasted in Canada, certified fairtrade organic Arabica coffee. It's good coffee, but would taste better if I was drinking it in Jamaica!

I have always been a bit leery of bringing anything through customs that is not properly packaged and sealed. Usually get the Jablum in the burlap bag we have always found it great!
(Also makes an excellent espresso/cappuccino!)

Any coffee pros out there about the caffeine level in Blue Mountain Coffee? Have heard it is less than regular, but anyone know how much less versus your standard Folger or Maxwell house?

I had also heard that there are 4 estates that can call themselves Blue Mountain, and 3 were dedicated to Japanese sales. Is that how it worked, or did the Japanese just pay a big price for a whole lot?

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Originally Posted by Ras Walleye

The Coffee Industry Regulation Act specifies what coffee may use the Blue Mountain label. Additionally, it restricts the use of the Blue Mountain trademark to those authorized by the Coffee Industry Board. Broadly speaking, coffee harvested from the parishes of Saint Andrew, Saint Thomas, Portland and Saint Mary may be considered Blue Mountain coffee.
Traditionally, only coffee grown at elevations between 3,000 and 5,500 feet (1,700 m) could be called Jamaica Blue Mountain. Coffee grown at elevations between 1,500 and 3,000 feet (910 m) is called Jamaica High Mountain, and coffee grown below 1,500-foot (460 m) elevation is called Jamaica Supreme or Jamaica Low Mountain.

The reason that the coffee sold by Big Roy or Thunder is superior to the commercially available pre-packaged for tourist coffee, besides being fresh roasted, is that it is single estate, whole crop coffee. The commercial stuff is blended from numerous estates and is sorted by bean size. The largest beans, the ones with the least amount of flavor, are the ones that get packaged for commercial sale. The smaller the bean the greater the flavor.

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ras hit the nail on the head- where the difference really comes in is that the small purchaser/farmer is dealing with a single source for the bean. there aren't a lot of 'estate' coffees available because of how the CIB structures their deals- so most small farmers will exchange or contract for fertilizer and supplies...meaning that the generally available commercial stuff is a mix of different farms and they all send their boxes. this isn't necessarily a bad thing, and for most people you wouldn't notice it.

I've spent quite a bit of time on coffee farms up in the blue mountains, and if you want a really good coffee experience, it's just like wines or cigars. You have to hunt out the prime spots, like the one Ras mentioned, Hagley's Gap is another great spot. Also, cocoa from the blue mountains is awesome.

There are some excellent JBM coffees available from larger estates, like Old Tavern. I will try and dig up some of my pics if anyone is interested. Lots of people mentioned some great coffee available in Negril.

You want it roasted within about 4 to 5 days of when you plan to drink it- right after roasting the coffee will do what is called degass, I've found that with many of the JBMs mentioned here it's about that time- I like to roast my own, you can get an awesome home roaster called an I-Roast that let's you program roasting curves. If anyone wants those I have a few that are great for JBM and also for African coffees.

that's why a lot of the vacuum bags have the one way valves. You want to have the coffee roasted into what is called second crack, JBM dark roasted like a starbucks roast is a waste, you might like it, but you will be killing all the things that make it distinguishable as JBM so have a care. If you can, you might want to ask to help roast it yourself, it's a great experience.

In Negril, about the best coffee I have had so far hands down is available at Sunrise Club. They have a rare Faema espresso machine that is seriously dialed in.

At home, I wouldn't put it into anything less than a French Press. 2.5 minutes, coarse ground, stir, then another 2.5 min, and plunge. See too if you can find what's called 'wet' sugar.

I have brought back whole suitcases full of coffee from Big Roy with no problem at all. I can't speak to the caffeine content in comparison to others but I do know that the darker the roast the less caffeine there is because it is a volatile a gets roasted off. That's why I always ask for light roast.

and if you REALLY want to get into it, you will want to get the peaberry...

O.K. you have convinced me. I ordered some 1/2 lb bags with the degassing valve. I plan to order some fresh roast from either Big Roy or Thunder next trip. I will wait till my last full day there so I get the fresh roast and I will repack into the degassing bags immediatley.

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Originally Posted by LLAP

O.K. you have convinced me. I ordered some 1/2 lb bags with the degassing valve. I plan to order some fresh roast from either Big Roy or Thunder next trip. I will wait till my last full day there so I get the fresh roast and I will repack into the degassing bags immediatley.

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Where did you order the bags from LLAP?

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Originally Posted by 2nutz4travel

Where did you order the bags from LLAP?

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EBay under this description. - Home Roaster Coffee Valve Bags 8oz. Size (1/2 Lb) - 10 ct

Conquering Lion Coffee available @ Canoe Bar for 1500J ( about 17$ us) Please order ahaed for large amounts!

thunder has blue mountain cocoa as well . . .

Monk, thanks for the input. I have read about the Old Tavern but have yet to find it sold in Mo Bay or Negril. From the website they sell a box with ten half pound bags...Problem is it is a long trip over there to the farm...They willship it to the states but it is very expensive...Thunder bags his in one pound bags with the valves I do believe. I furnished my own container but saw his bags....Can anyone post a retail outlet on the west side of the island that carries the Old Tavern....

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Originally Posted by BR Mon

Monk, thanks for the input. I have read about the Old Tavern but have yet to find it sold in Mo Bay or Negril. From the website they sell a box with ten half pound bags...Problem is it is a long trip over there to the farm...They willship it to the states but it is very expensive...Thunder bags his in one pound bags with the valves I do believe. I furnished my own container but saw his bags....Can anyone post a retail outlet on the west side of the island that carries the Old Tavern....

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you *might* be able to get them to ship it via knutsford to mobay.

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sorting coffee- this is often done by hand and it is grueling. you are looking for peaberry, any weevil damaged beans, stones, etc.

coffee is graded by screen size. if you look close you will see some peaberry, a bean which is round. this is desired because the roasting wisdom is that a round bean roasts more evenly thus ensuring the best quality and highest level of control over the roasting cycle.

PS on a few occasions US customs gave me a hard time coming through with large amounts of loose coffee- in excess of 50lbs. This happened both roasted and green. *Technically* green beans are a kind of seed, and when you enter the country there is no longer a bill of rights lol. US Customs knifed through a shyte ton of coffee I once picked up from Conquering Lion, and proceeded to put their hands through about 30lbs of it before I was able to stop them and firmly request any further searching in that manner be conducted with gloves on.

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St. Michael from a wall mural in a coffee chapel so to speak.

The "Founder" one of the Coffee man elders. This is a pic of a pic.

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A few years ago I brought back 40 lbs...I had a colapsable cooler filled with 20 bags of it and checked it...It was packed tight...We cleared customs in Memphis...When we got to our destination 5 lbs were missing out of the cooler...The baggage handlers in MEM were kind and only took the top layer...They can make a couple of hundred bucks a day just hitting the inbound Jamaica flight...I wonder how many other folks have had part of their stash lifted...I had a friend that had several of his bags cut open and he had a reciept showing where he bought it....

Take the people's advice and buy your coffee from Thunder or Big Roy. PERIOD...

The best alternative, of course, is to trek up to the top of the mountain, meet the people that grow the beans, taste the fresh berries, enjoy freshly roasted coffee in the altitude of the Blue Mountain, and take plenty pics so that you always have memories. Alternatively, once you get your beans home ...... try roasting (or re-roasting) your beans in a hot skill for a minute before you put your beans in a coffee grinder.....brings back a bit of fresh roast flavor!!

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