I'm not saying this is 100% true but most Blue Mountain is accounted for and much of what is said to be Blue Mountain isn't. 80% of ALL JBM goes to Japan. Also (I roast coffee), beans have to sorted as to size and quality. Rustic roasted Jamaican coffee is often done in a large steel pan over a wood fire with the beans stirred with an oar. This gives it a unique taste that many enjoy but it will not taste like that cup you fell in love with at the expensive coffee shop back home. If that's what you want, go to the Hi-Lo (skip the expensive duty-free stores). For the money, I'd buy High Mountain for myself but you may want to treat yourself. Also make sure you're not buying a dark roast, you'll never taste the quality. Real Jamaican Blue Mountain (Wallenford, Jablum, Mavis Bank, Coffee Roasters of Jamaica) has a sweetness that is unique and shows itself best roasted to a City or City+ (medium roast). It should never taste strong, harsh, or bitter i.e. NEVER like Starbucks. Real JBM is very mild. If you can, try some of Big Roys or Thunders or Lion of Zion by the cup and if you like it, buy it. Buying on the beach is hit or miss but look at the bean color. Ideally it should be uniform and a dull chocolate brown. Varied shadings is not good nor are beans that are oily and black (if you like Starbucks, buy that-don't waste your money on $$$$ beans). I'm amazed at the amount, and I'd say it is the majority of coffee in Negril, that is instant. Oh yeah, if it is real JBM it will have an official Coffee Industry Board of Jamaica logo on it. You can crush a few beans, pour boiling water over it, wait a few minutes and slurp the coffee water with a spoon. You won't want to drink it made this way but you will taste if it will make a good tasting coffee. Good luck. Don't forget, you can buy the cheapest coffee you can get and it will taste great with some Overproof Rum Cream in it.Originally Posted by negrilmaven
