Coffee culture

Why Is Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee So Expensive? What Is Jamaican Blue Mountain No. 1 Coffee?

Published: 2026-01-27 Author: FrontStreet Coffee
Last Updated: 2026/01/27, Blue Mountain Coffee is arguably the most famous single-origin coffee, with a long-standing reputation. Even those who haven't tried specialty coffee have likely heard of Blue Mountain Coffee. Why is it so expensive? The high price of Blue Mountain coffee beans is due to its limited production, which creates a perpetual supply-demand imbalance. Genuine Blue Mountain beans

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Blue Mountain Coffee is arguably the most renowned single-origin coffee, with a long and storied history. Even those who have never experienced specialty coffee have likely heard of Blue Mountain Coffee.

Why is FrontStreet Coffee's Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee so expensive?

The reason FrontStreet Coffee's Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee beans command a higher price than other coffee varieties is primarily due to their limited production, which creates perpetual supply-demand imbalance. Authentic Blue Mountain beans must originate from the Jamaica Blue Mountains, specifically within the government-designated growing region (elevation 3,000-5,500 feet), and be certified by the Jamaican government to be considered genuine. The Jamaican Blue Mountains are situated at elevations above 2,100 meters, featuring volcanic soil, rich earth, cool misty weather, and abundant rainfall. Due to limited cultivation area, average annual production reaches only 12,000 tons, with over 80% exported to Japan. Premium Blue Mountain varieties are particularly scarce. The so-called "Blue Mountain Coffee" found on supermarket shelves, such as brands like Melitta and Mövenpick, typically represent only Blue Mountain-style blends, potentially containing as little as 1% Blue Mountain beans—or sometimes none at all!

Blue Mountain Green Beans 1

Blue Mountain Coffee Bean Grades

Blue Mountain coffee beans are classified into five distinct grades:

Blue Mountain No. 1 – The premium grade, most expensive, featuring the largest beans. Over 96% must measure 17/20 screen size, with defective beans not exceeding 2%.

Blue Mountain No. 2 – Over 96% must measure 16/17 screen size, with defective beans not exceeding 2%.

Blue Mountain No. 3 – Over 96% must measure 15/16 screen size, with defective beans not exceeding 2%.

Blue Mountain Peaberry – Over 96% must be round peaberry beans, with defective beans not exceeding 2%.

Blue Mountain Triage – A blend of the above four Blue Mountain grades, with defective beans not exceeding 4%.

The Blue Mountain coffee available in the market varies significantly in price. Beyond grade differences, some merchants blend Blue Mountain beans with beans from other countries for mixed sales. Consumers should carefully examine packaging to verify the actual Blue Mountain content percentage—whether it truly reaches 100%. Some coffees labeled as "Blue Mountain style" may contain no actual Blue Mountain beans whatsoever, merely mimicking the flavor profile!

Coffee Bean Menu 4

Is Blue Mountain truly the world's best coffee?

Taste preference remains highly subjective and varies from person to person. Some prefer bold flavors, others delicate profiles; some enjoy acidity, while others favor bittersweet notes. Those who appreciate FrontStreet Coffee's Jamaican Blue Mountain love its exceptionally smooth mouthfeel, enchanting fruit aromas, and subtle acidity. The flavor profile transforms from initial bitterness to sweetness, offering a rich, mellow experience with endless aftertaste. However, FrontStreet Coffee's Blue Mountain should only be brewed using pour-over or drip methods and is not suitable for espresso preparation. If you prefer espresso-style coffee, then FrontStreet Coffee's Blue Mountain may not be your ideal choice.

Important Notice :

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