$55.00
Farm workers handpick coffee cherries on a Blue Mountain farm, selecting only ripe fruit for processing. High in the misty Blue Mountains of eastern Jamaica, at elevations up to 7,500 feet, this rare coffee thrives in fertile volcanic soil under cool mists and abundant rainfall. Handpicked by dedicated local farmers, each bean reflects the region’s rich terroir and time-honored cultivation traditions. Beyond its smooth, balanced flavor with notes of chocolate, nuts, and subtle floral undertones, this coffee supports farming communities and stands as a pillar of Jamaica’s agricultural exports. Though Jamaica produces only a fraction (around 0.1%) of the world’s coffee, these Blue Mountain beans are among the most prized. Every sip contributes vital income to the island’s economy and carries the story of an origin like no other.
Origin & Terroir
Sourced from Jamaica’s Legendary Blue Mountains: The journey of this coffee begins on the steep slopes of the Wallenford Estate in eastern Jamaica, one of the island’s oldest and most renowned coffee plantations (cultivating coffee since the 18th century). Nestled in a mountain range that soars to 7,500 feet, the estate benefits from a unique terroir. The soil is rich in minerals from volcanic origins, rainfall is plentiful, and the climate is perennially cool and misty. These conditions slow down the coffee cherries’ growth, allowing them to mature slowly and develop exceptional complexity and balance. The result is an environment perfectly tailored to producing beans of unparalleled quality, known globally as 100% Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee.
Wallenford Estate & Its Farmers: As the heart of Blue Mountain coffee production, Wallenford Estate has a legacy of excellence. Generations of farmers work on these lush hillsides, carrying on traditional methods passed down over centuries. Their deep expertise and careful stewardship of the land ensure that only the best coffee is grown. In fact, Wallenford has historically been one of Jamaica’s largest and most significant coffee cultivators, with operations spanning multiple parishes in the Blue Mountain region. The people behind this coffee – from planters to pickers – take immense pride in nurturing each crop, knowing they are growing one of the world’s most distinguished coffees.
From Farm to Cup: Harvesting & Processing
A cooper assembles a traditional wooden barrel used to ship Blue Mountain coffee beans abroad. The journey from farm to cup is a story of meticulous care. On the steep terrains, every coffee cherry is handpicked at peak ripeness by skilled harvesters. This hands-on approach means only perfectly ripe, red cherries are selected, a first step in ensuring quality. After harvest, the cherries are brought to the estate’s pulpery for processing. They undergo a carefully monitored fermentation and washing process to remove the fruit, which brings out the beans’ clean character. Next, the beans are sun-dried in the mountain air, and then rested (“cured”) to let their flavors develop fully. Throughout these steps, quality is paramount: beans are sorted and any imperfections are removed by hand to maintain the highest grade.
Once dried and hulled to reveal the green coffee beans, Wallenford’s beans are packed for export in a manner befitting their rarity – sealed in wooden barrels rather than common jute sacks. Jamaica Blue Mountain is one of the only coffees in the world still shipped in wooden barrels, a testament to its heritage and the level of care taken to preserve freshness. Each barrel carries the official certification from the Jamaica Coffee Authority, guaranteeing its origin and quality. From the remote mountain farm to the moment it leaves Jamaica’s shores, every stage of this coffee’s production is handled with artisanal precision. By the time the beans reach a roastery and, eventually, your cup, they have been through a journey that prioritizes excellence at every turn.
Flavor Profile
A Cup Like No Other – Smooth, Balanced, and Refined: Brewed Wallenford Estate coffee yields a cup renowned for its extraordinary flavor and aroma. Connoisseurs often describe Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee as impeccably balanced – it offers a smooth, medium-bodied mouthfeel with a bright yet well-rounded acidity that never overwhelms. The flavor notes are delicate and layered: you may detect hints of sweet chocolate and nuts, floral undertones, and a subtle citrus zest on the finish. The interplay of sweetness and gentle acidity gives a refined complexity to each sip. Notably, this coffee is low in bitterness, which means its flavor remains clean and mellow, even as it cools. The aroma is equally enchanting – rich and aromatic with suggestions of chocolate and fruit – filling the room with the scent of the Blue Mountain slopes. This harmonious flavor profile is a direct result of the high-altitude growing conditions and careful processing; it’s a taste that reflects the land it comes from. Whether brewed in a French press or pour-over, the coffee delivers a consistently excellent experience, delighting both casual coffee drinkers and aficionados seeking an authentic Jamaican Blue Mountain cup.
Supporting Jamaica’s Economy
From Local Livelihoods to National Impact: This specialty coffee is more than a delicious beverage – it’s an important pillar of Jamaica’s agricultural economy. The coffee industry in Jamaica supports around 4,000 farmers across the Blue Mountain region, many of whom are smallholders whose families have farmed coffee for generations. The cultivation and processing provide vital employment in rural communities, from farm labor to mill workers and artisans (like the coopers who craft the barrels). On a national scale, coffee is revered as one of Jamaica’s most significant export commodities. In 2022 alone, Jamaica’s coffee exports were valued at approximately US$26 million, a substantial contribution for a small-island economy. This makes coffee one of the top agricultural export earners for the country, often ranking within the top dozen export products by value.
Global Standing and Rarity: In terms of volume, Jamaica’s coffee production is tiny – accounting for roughly 0.1% of the world’s coffee output. (By comparison, countries like Brazil or Vietnam produce hundreds of times more coffee.) Yet, despite its small scale – or rather because of it – Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee holds an outsized reputation. Its scarcity and exceptional quality mean it commands some of the highest prices in the specialty coffee market. Japan in particular has long been enchanted by Blue Mountain coffee: historically, 60–80% of Jamaica’s annual coffee production is exported to Japan, where it’s considered a national favorite. The remaining supply is highly sought-after in the United States, Europe, and by coffee lovers around the globe. This global demand funnels valuable foreign exchange back to Jamaica and promotes the country’s image for high-quality, premium goods. Every bag of Wallenford Estate Blue Mountain coffee sold abroad not only delights consumers but also helps sustain Jamaica’s coffee industry and the livelihoods it supports.
From the Blue Mountains to Your Cup: The story of Wallenford Estate’s coffee is a journey of passion and place – from the emerald-green mountain plots of Jamaica to the moment it reaches your hands. By choosing this coffee, you’re experiencing the culmination of careful farming, traditional expertise, and a truly unique terroir. Each sip carries the legacy of the Blue Mountains and the dedication of the people who cultivate them, delivering an authentic taste of Jamaica’s coffee heritage right to your cup.
