How is Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee? Can It Be Purchased in Japan?

FrontStreet Coffee - Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee

Blue Mountain Coffee is one of the world's most premium coffees, with limited production, making it precious due to its rarity. The Blue Mountains are located in the eastern part of Jamaica. When the weather is clear, the sun shines directly on the blue sea surface, and the peaks reflect the brilliant blue light of the seawater, hence the name.

The highest peak of Blue Mountain reaches an altitude of 2,256 meters, making it the highest peak in the Caribbean region and a famous tourist destination. This area is situated in the coffee belt, with fertile volcanic soil, fresh air, no pollution, and a humid climate with year-round fog and rain (average precipitation of 1,980 mm and temperature around 27°C). Such climate conditions have created the world-renowned Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee, as well as one of the world's highest-priced coffees.

This coffee possesses all the characteristics of fine coffee. Not only is it rich and mellow in taste, but it has no harsh bitterness thanks to the perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and bitterness. It offers only moderate, refined acidity. It is generally consumed as a single-origin coffee, but due to its extremely limited production, the price is extraordinarily high.

Japan is a country that pursues excellence and perfection in all aspects, and the coffee industry is no exception. Most high-end coffee is purchased by Japan. In 1953, the Japanese considered Jamaica Blue Mountain to be the top-grade coffee, so Japan purchased all of Jamaica's Blue Mountain Coffee and High Mountain Coffee.

In a situation where demand exceeds supply, the Japanese government provided loans to Jamaica to expand its coffee industry. In 1984, Japan's Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund (OECF) provided a loan of 5.941 billion yen for developing the production capacity of Jamaica's Blue Mountain Coffee industry and the ability to process raw coffee beans. This project included expanding 3,500 acres of coffee in the Claverty Cottage and Wallingford areas of the Blue Mountains.

Of course, Jamaica is a country that values friendship and knows how to repay kindness. To thank Japan for its funding, Jamaica signed a long-term contract to provide 90% of its total production to the Japanese market, with only the remaining 10%, approximately 3,500 barrels (70 kg per handmade oak barrel), being released to the market for sale.

In 1988, Jamaica was hit by Hurricane Gilbert, with agricultural losses reaching $500 million - the most destructive storm in Jamaica's history. The disaster caused severe losses to Jamaica's coffee industry, making it nearly unsustainable. For this reason, seven major Japanese coffee companies provided Jamaica with a $5 million loan to help restore its coffee production.

However, during the 2008 global financial crisis, Japan was affected and unable to purchase 90% of Blue Mountain Coffee beans as in previous years, which increased Jamaica's share sold to other countries. Even so, Japan remains the largest importer of Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee, holding the majority of the market share.

Flavor Profile

Balanced acidity, bitterness, and sweetness, with rich fruit aroma. The flavor is perfectly balanced, with lively acidity, extremely minimal bitterness, and a slightly sweet finish.

FrontStreet Coffee Recommendation

Because authentic Jamaica Blue Mountain is so scarce and heavily bound for Japan, knowing how to identify the real thing matters. FrontStreet Coffee's Jamaica Blue Mountain No. 1 comes from the historic Clifton Estate - cultivating coffee since around 1750 at an average of 4,300 feet - and ships with full certification documents, proof of origin, and the traditional wooden barrels (15, 45, and 70 kg) that are themselves a hallmark of genuine Blue Mountain. Roasted medium-dark, it shows the classic harmony of nuts, dark chocolate, and creamy caramel with soft, bright acidity; brew it as pour-over at 1:15 with 87-88°C water, or try it in a moka pot for a richer cup.