Coffee culture

Introduction to Jamaica's Munn Family - What is Real Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee?

Published: 2026-01-27 Author: FrontStreet Coffee
Last Updated: 2026/01/27, Professional coffee knowledge exchange For more coffee bean information Please follow Cafe Workshop (WeChat public account cafe_style ) Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee has a long and storied history dating back to 1728 when the then British Governor Sir Nicholas Lawes imported coffee from the French island of Martinique to Jamaica Due to the local climate environment being extremely suitable for growing coffee beans within nine years of introduction
Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee

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The Rich History of Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee

The history of Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee beans is long and distinguished. In 1728, the then-British Governor Sir Nicholas Lawes imported coffee from the French island of Martinique to Jamaica. Due to the local climate being exceptionally suitable for coffee cultivation, Jamaica exported 83,000 pounds of premium coffee just nine years after introduction. Jamaica's terrain consists of 4/5 mountainous regions, with the Blue Mountain coffee production area located in eastern Jamaica. Only coffee grown at altitudes between 3,000 and 5,500 feet within this region can be considered authentic 【Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee】. Coffee grown at altitudes between 1,500 and 3,000 feet can only be called 【Jamaica High Mountain】, while coffee grown below 1,500 feet is classified as 【Jamaica Supreme】 or 【Jamaica Low Mountain】. Areas above 5,500 feet are designated as conservation forests where coffee cultivation is prohibited.

Government Quality Control Initiatives

The government's serious efforts were primarily aimed at increasing coffee bean production and establishing central coffee processing facilities to facilitate coffee processing and green bean grading. These measures did improve quality but were not entirely successful. In 1943, Canada, then the largest buyer of Jamaican coffee, still found the quality unacceptable. In 1944, the Jamaican government established central coffee washing processing plants, and all coffee intended for export had to be sent there for processing and grading. From this point, the quality of Jamaican exported coffee beans gradually improved. In June 1950, the Jamaican Coffee Board was established, officially taking responsibility for enhancing and maintaining the quality of exported coffee beans. Currently, there are five government-certified 100% Blue Mountain coffee processing facilities: Wallenford, Mavis Bank, Old Tavern, Silver Hill, and Moy Hall.

Challenges and Quality Considerations

Blue Mountain coffee is a premium Caribbean coffee that, like coffee from other countries, suffers damage from natural hurricanes. We have seen too many damaged beans that, when cupped, exhibit flavors reminiscent of cabbage. In years when hurricanes strike, prices are always affected, and sometimes the coffee becomes completely unsellable. Additionally, the hot and humid environment of island nations often causes coffee beans to suffer from insect damage or develop white spots. Truly flawless coffee beans are always rare. Furthermore, Japanese buyers purchase 70-80% of Blue Mountain coffee, keeping prices high. Genuine high-altitude 100% pure Blue Mountain coffee is produced exclusively by Jamaican official processing plants. The coffee is packed in special wooden barrels, each accompanied by a certificate.

The Munn Family Legacy

The Munn family began operating the Mavis Bank company in 1885. Their original location was at a slightly higher altitude than the current site and was called Strawberry Hill. Mavis Bank processes coffee cherries at high altitudes, investing in completely new equipment that has significantly improved their trial production coffee beans. Because they maintain a truly flawless processing procedure, this coffee offers a very mild and smooth taste with excellent body, sometimes reminiscent of high-mountain frozen oolong tea aroma.

Property Characteristics

Grade: Certified 100% Blue Mountain

Region: Blue Mountain

Country: Jamaica

Mark: Mavis Bank Mill

Altitude: 3,000-5,500 feet

FrontStreet Coffee recommends using slightly lower water temperature when brewing Blue Mountain coffee, around 86-88°C. Using a KONO dripper can enhance its rich body. The initial taste reveals bittersweet chocolate notes with distinct caramel sweetness, accompanied by gentle acidity.

About FrontStreet Coffee: A roastery in Guangzhou with a small shop but diverse bean varieties, where you can find both famous and lesser-known beans. Online shop services are also available: https://shop104210103.taobao.com

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