Blue Mountain Coffee: the Best Coffee in the World?

The History and Origin of Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Beans

The story of the king of coffee began when the French king Louis XV decided to plant coffee trees on the island of Martinique. Five years later, in 1728, the governor of Martinique gave Sir Nicholas Lawe, governor of Jamaica, one of these coffee trees. From this single plant, the production of Jamaican coffees began. The coffee trees did particularly well in the Blue Mountains of eastern Jamaica, where the coffee plantations thrived in the mountainous terrain.

By 1951, only a few small plantations had survived the successive land-use plans. The decision was made to rebuild the plantations and ensure strong quality control to make coffee one of the country’s main exports. The Coffee Industry Regulation Act established the framework for this transformation, empowering what is now the Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Authority (formerly the Coffee Industry Board of Jamaica) to set strict standards for the growing, harvesting, processing and marketing of Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee.

It was not until 1973 that the Blue Mountain Coffee certification mark was registered and became the prestigious label and highly valuable product it is today. This official designation protects the authenticity of genuine Blue Mountain coffee and maintains the exceptional standards that define this legendary variety.

Where Is Blue Mountain Coffee Grown?

As with all coffees, the conditions in which Blue Mountain coffee is grown play a key role in developing its distinctive flavours. The coffee trees thrive in the volcanic soil of Jamaica’s Blue Mountain range, perched at over 2,200 metres altitude. This mountain range creates its own micro-climate where temperatures cool in the afternoon and rainfall is abundant. These variations in temperature and humidity allow the cherries to ripen slowly, developing the characteristic aromas that define Blue Mountain coffee beans.

Only Arabicas grown in specific parishes—St. Andrew, Saint Thomas, and Portland—can earn this sought-after designation. The right conditions exist between 910 and 1,700 metres in elevation. Below 910 metres, beans cannot qualify for the Blue Mountain label. Above 1,700 metres, cultivation is no longer permitted to prevent intensive deforestation. These protected areas at higher altitudes are classified as UNESCO World Heritage sites, preserving the ecological heritage of these mountains while maintaining the quality and exclusivity of this exceptional coffee.

How Is Authentic Blue Mountain Coffee Made?

In accordance with Jamaican coffee quality standards, the cherries are harvested by hand. Only the reddest cherries are selected to ensure the best coffee beans. They are then immersed in water. This process removes damaged cherries, which tend to float, from the batch. The fruit is then washed. The pulp is removed and the beans are stirred for many hours. After drying, the beans are sorted and divided into different categories. The highest quality beans, known as grade 1, will be those destined for export of what is considered the best coffee in the world.

The Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Authority oversees this entire process to maintain strict quality standards. Real Blue Mountain coffee must carry an official certification mark to guarantee its authenticity—a crucial detail given the number of imitations on the market.

With this rigorous cultivation, harvesting and processing, Jamaica manages to produce between 1,000 and 1,350 tonnes of Blue Mountain coffee each year. To put this into context, Colombia produces more coffee per day than Jamaica produces Blue Mountain beans in a year! This limited supply makes authentic Blue Mountain coffee a coffee in high demand, and this scarcity combined with precision has contributed greatly to the reputation of this exceptional coffee.

Understanding Blue Mountain Coffee Grades

Not all Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee beans are equal. Once harvested and processed, beans are sorted into official grades based on size and number of defects:

• Grade 1 (No. 1): The largest beans, with the fewest defects — the highest quality tier and the grade most commonly exported
• Grade 2 (No. 2): Slightly smaller beans, still of excellent quality
• Grade 3 (No. 3): Smaller still, with slightly more allowable defects
• Peaberry: A naturally occurring mutation where the coffee cherry contains a single, round bean instead of the usual two flat halves. Peaberry beans are denser, roast more evenly, and produce a particularly intense aroma — making them a prized rarity even within the Blue Mountain category

This grading system, overseen by JACRA, ensures that every bag of certified Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee meets a defined quality standard before it reaches your cup.

Why Is Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee So Expensive?

For many years, coffee from the Jamaican mountain range has ranked among the world’s most expensive coffees. Today it still commands a premium brand price of around £130 per kilo—though it’s now surpassed by even rarer varieties like Luwak Coffee from Indonesia or Bourbon Pointu from Reunion Island, which can fetch over £345 per kilo.

Several factors drive Blue Mountain’s high cost. The limited growing region (only specific areas above 910 metres qualify) restricts supply dramatically. Hand-picking only the ripest cherries, strict government regulation, and meticulous processing all add to production costs. Perhaps most significantly, Japan purchases roughly 80% of the annual harvest — a relationship that began with a landmark shipment from the Port of Kingston on January 9, 1967. This date is now celebrated annually as Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee Day, recognised by the Japanese government in 2018. The intense Japanese demand creates fierce competition for the remaining beans available to the rest of the world, including the UK. For coffee lovers willing to pay the price, each cup delivers that delicious taste and balanced profile that has built this coffee’s legendary reputation.

What Does Blue Mountain Coffee Taste Like?

If we understand that we’re dealing with a precious, rare and refined coffee, one question is on everyone’s lips: how does this luxurious beverage taste? Can we really say that this is the best coffee in the world? At MaxiCoffee, we like to point out that there is no such thing as the ‘best coffee’, but that there are coffees to suit everyone’s taste. This single-origin coffee from the Blue Mountains is no exception to this rule.

The Arabica Typica variety grown in these mountains is traditionally roasted to a medium roast level, which preserves its delicate flavour profile. Here’s what to expect, dimension by dimension:

• Aroma: Powerful and intense — floral, with hints of nuts and a natural sweetness
• Acidity: Bright and lively, but never harsh — think clean citrus rather than sharp tang
• Body: Medium and smooth, with an almost creamy mouthfeel that makes it approachable for a wide range of palates
• Flavour notes: A complex, balanced profile with notes of mirabelle plum, grapefruit, hazelnut, and subtle chocolate undertones. Premium estates like Wallenford exemplify these exceptional tasting notes.
• Bitterness: Remarkably low — this is the coffee’s most celebrated trait and the primary reason it captivates both new and experienced drinkers
• Finish: Clean and lingering, with a gentle sweetness that remains after each sip

If you’re looking for fruity notes and a bitterness that knows how to be discreet, this exceptional coffee will undoubtedly meet your expectations! So, best coffee in the world or not? It’s up to you to make up your mind! There’s only one way to find out: taste it! MaxiCoffee offers you a wide range of Blue Mountain coffee, in whole bean, ground or pods.

Where to Buy Blue Mountain Coffee in the UK

Finding authentic Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee in the UK requires a bit of care, but several trusted sources make it accessible. Speciality roasters like MaxiCoffee stock certified Blue Mountain coffee in various formats—whole bean, ground coffee, or convenient pods to suit your brewing method. A handful of select retailers and independent coffee merchants also carry this premium variety, though availability can vary.

When shopping, always look for the official certification mark from the Jamaica Coffee Industry Board. This seal guarantees you’re getting genuine Blue Mountain beans rather than a blend. Be particularly wary of Blue Mountain blend coffee, which often contains only a small percentage of actual Blue Mountain beans mixed with cheaper varieties. The price difference is telling: authentic Blue Mountain will command a premium, whilst blends sell for considerably less. If you’re investing in what many consider the king of coffee, make sure you’re getting the real thing. The certification mark is your best assurance of quality and authenticity.

How to Brew Blue Mountain Coffee

To get the most from your Jamaica Blue Mountain beans, a few simple guidelines make all the difference:

• Best brewing methods: Pour-over (such as Chemex or V60) and French press are widely recommended — both allow the delicate flavour profile to express itself without over-extraction. Espresso works too, but the nuanced notes can be harder to appreciate at higher pressures.
• Grind fresh: Always grind your beans just before brewing to preserve the aroma and volatile flavour compounds
• Water temperature: Aim for 92–96°C (just off the boil) — boiling water can scorch the delicate Typica variety
• Brew ratio: Use a ratio of around 1:15 (1g of coffee per 15ml of water) as a starting point, adjusting to taste
• Water quality: Use filtered water — the mineral balance of your water has a noticeable impact on how the subtle notes of JBM come through

Given the premium price of authentic Blue Mountain coffee, a little care in brewing is a worthwhile investment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Blue Mountain Coffee

Can you get Blue Mountain coffee in the UK?

Yes — authentic Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee is available in the UK through specialist retailers and online coffee merchants. MaxiCoffee stocks certified JBM coffee in whole bean, ground, and pod formats, with the official JACRA certification mark guaranteeing authenticity. Always verify the seal before purchasing, as Blue Mountain “blends” and “style” coffees are widely sold alongside the genuine article.

Why is Blue Mountain coffee expensive?

Several factors combine to make JBM one of the world’s priciest coffees: the limited growing region (a defined area of the Blue Mountains), low annual production (1,000–1,350 tonnes), labour-intensive hand-picking on steep mountain slopes, strict government quality control, and the fact that over 80% of the harvest goes directly to Japan — leaving relatively little for the global market. The result is a classic supply-demand imbalance that keeps prices elevated.

What is Blue Mountain style coffee?

Blue Mountain style or blend coffee contains only a percentage of real Blue Mountain beans mixed with other, more affordable coffees. Unlike 100% certified Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee, these blends don’t carry the protected designation and offer a more accessible price point. If you’re after the authentic experience, always look for the official JBM certification on the packaging.

Why is Blue Mountain coffee considered so good?

The exceptional reputation comes from a unique combination of factors: high-altitude growing conditions above 910 metres, rich volcanic soil, the region’s distinctive micro-climate, meticulous hand-picking of only the ripest cherries, and Jamaica’s rigorous quality control standards. These elements work together to produce beans with remarkable balance and complexity.

How strong is Blue Mountain coffee?

Blue Mountain coffee is medium-bodied and smooth rather than strong or intense. It’s celebrated for its exceptional balance and subtle complexity, not for bold caffeine punch or heavy roast characteristics. The flavour profile emphasises elegance and refinement over power, making it ideal for those who appreciate nuanced, approachable coffee.