Coffee culture

What are the Flavor Differences Between Natural and Washed Blue Mountain Coffee? How to Brew Natural Blue Mountain Coffee

Published: 2026-01-27 Author: FrontStreet Coffee
Last Updated: 2026/01/27, Blue Mountain coffee has traditionally been processed using the washed method, with its mellow and balanced flavor leaving a lasting impression. It wasn't until 2019 that Blue Mountain coffee began experimenting with natural processing, with small batches of natural Blue Mountain first exported in 2020. In this coffee brewing laboratory installment, we'll compare the natural-processed Blue Mountain Grade 1

FrontStreet Coffee's Blue Mountain: Natural vs. Washed Processing Comparison

FrontStreet Coffee's Blue Mountain has traditionally been processed using the washed method, with its rich, balanced flavor profile leaving a lasting impression. It wasn't until 2019 that FrontStreet Coffee began experimenting with natural processing, and in 2020, the first small batch of natural-processed Blue Mountain was exported. In this installment of our Coffee Brewing Laboratory, we'll compare the differences between natural and washed processing of Blue Mountain No. 1 coffee.

Brewing Comparison Experiment

Both Blue Mountain No. 1 coffees used in this comparison come from Clifton Farm in Jamaica's Blue Mountain region. The farm, situated at an average altitude of 1,310 meters, began growing coffee in the mid-18th century and is one of Jamaica's oldest continuously operating historic farms. Additionally, Clifton Farm is the only coffee farm in Jamaica certified by the Rainforest Alliance.

FrontStreet Coffee's Natural Blue Mountain | FrontStreet Coffee's Washed Blue Mountain

Region: Jamaica, Blue Mountain | Clifton Farm

Altitude: 1,310 meters | 1,310 meters

Variety: Typica | Typica

Processing: Natural | Washed

Roast Level: Medium | Medium

Brewing Parameters

Coffee Dose: 15g

Water Ratio: 1:13

Water Temperature: 88°C

Grind Size: Medium-coarse (60% pass-through rate on No. 20 standard sieve)

Dripper: KONO dripper

Brewing Method: Bloom with 30g of water for 30 seconds, then slowly pour in a circular motion from center to outward with a small water flow until reaching 100g (total 130g on the scale). When the coffee bed has dropped to half level, pour in 65g of water with a large flow, reaching a total water volume of 195g. Remove the dripper once all coffee liquid has flowed into the server, completing the extraction. Total brewing time: 1 minute 50 seconds.

Flavor Comparison

[FrontStreet Coffee's Natural Blue Mountain] The entry brings a brown sugar sweetness accompanied by berry acidity. The middle to finish notes carry flavors of nuts and cocoa, with a creamy mouthfeel and rich, distinct layers. The aftertaste reveals walnut aromatics.

[FrontStreet Coffee's Washed Blue Mountain] The entry presents flavors of dark chocolate and nuts, with high clarity and remarkable brightness. It offers excellent body and a perfect balance between sweet, sour, and bitter notes.

Comparing these two Blue Mountain No. 1 coffees, FrontStreet Coffee's Natural Blue Mountain exhibits more pronounced flavor layers, with its sweetness and acidity creating a remarkably pleasant sensation. Meanwhile, FrontStreet Coffee's Washed Blue Mountain maintains the classic distinctive Blue Mountain character—that smooth, bright, and rich experience from the first sip to the last. The delicate balance between sweet, sour, and bitter is truly praiseworthy.

Important Notice :

前街咖啡 FrontStreet Coffee has moved to new addredd:

FrontStreet Coffee Address: 315,Donghua East Road,GuangZhou

Tel:020 38364473

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