Rhythmic reggae beats, mesmerizing beaches and waterfalls, friendly people, a vibrant culture and Blue Mountain Coffee — these are just a few of the amazing things that Jamaica is known for. While there are many reasons for your clients to visit this vibrant island, on top of that list is being able to wake up to the delightful aromas of a cup of the world-famous Blue Mountain Coffee.
Coffee lovers will be right at home at Sandals Resorts where guests can indulge in Blue Mountain Coffee at specialty restaurants, cafés, Club Sandals lounges, self-serve coffee stations, in their rooms and suites or even delivered with room service.
The best part? It’s all included, all unlimited, all the time. In fact, Sandals pours an average of 30,000 cups a day of freshly ground Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee across all their resorts in the Caribbean.
Guests of the all-new Sandals Dunn’s River (opening on May 24, 2023) will be in for a special treat with the brand’s first-ever BLŪM café, inspired by Jamaica’s Blue Mountains. Here, guests can experience a fresh cup of the legendary coffee, along with Japanese-style and nitro cold brews, best enjoyed with island inspired treats.
Let’s take a closer look at why Jamaica’s Blue Mountain Coffee is so extremely popular?
The history of Blue Mountain Coffee in Jamaica is intriguing. In 1723 when Martinique was a colony of France, King Louis XV sent a few coffee plants to Martinique to be cultivated. Five years later, the governor of Martinique gifted the governor of Jamaica, Sir Nicholas Lawes, with a single coffee plant. This plant was nurtured and many, many more were grown signalling the beginning of the coffee industry in Jamaica!
What makes Blue Mountain Coffee so special?
1. The high-altitude area where the beans are grown
Blue Mountain coffee is grown in the misty Blue Mountains of Jamaica, which can be found to the north of the country’s capital, Kingston. The coffee beans thrive in the rich, volcanic soil of the mountains and must be cultivated at altitudes of 3,000 – 5,500 feet to receive the honor of being called Blue Mountain Coffee. This means that only coffee harvested at this altitude from the parishes within the mountain range, like St. Mary, St. Andrew, Portland and St. Thomas, will qualify for this prestigious label. At this elevation, the coffee plants get just as much water as they need. They are also less susceptible to disease and they get plenty of time to develop their rich flavours.
2. All beans are picked and separated by hand
These coffee beans undergo a thorough examination before they can be approved for the next stage of their intricate developmental process. Machines are sometimes used to extract the best beans, after which these beans are scrutinized individually to ensure they are of the right size and are smooth and void of any imperfections.
3. Only the best beans make the cut
Even after being carefully selected and roasted, the beans must be approved by the Coffee Industry Board of Jamaica. The board ensures that only coffee beans of a premium quality are used to make the unique Blue Mountain Coffee. This unique brand is protected by the board with rules and regulations in place so that the coffee is grown under the right conditions and that a standard product is delivered to consumers. Once the requirements have been met and the board is satisfied, the coffee receives the internationally renowned Blue Mountain Seal of Approval.
Discover the delightful aromas of Blue Mountain Coffee yourself!
With just enough sunshine and rainfall for coffee plants to thrive and blossom, the Blue Mountains of Jamaica are the ideal location for the many coffee plantations that can be found along its expansive terrain. The coffee produced here is one of a kind, and it is loved for its smooth, sweet taste and fragrant aroma. This island is one such place where you can have Blue Mountain coffee and be assured that the possibility is high that what’s in your cup is truly authentic!
Don’t be fooled! How to spot fake Blue Mountain Coffee
The best way to know the real from the fake when it comes to Blue Mountain Coffee is to check the seal. All official brands should have the Coffee Industry Board Seal with a mark of certification, which is usually a blue circle with the words “Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee” inside. You can also ask the seller for the declaration paperwork that is given to all official sellers.
If you don’t know what to look for, it might be hard to spot the difference between the fake and real product. Another way to check is to read the packaging. The planting, harvesting and packaging of Blue Mountain Coffee is all done in Jamaica and any label which says otherwise is not attached to a genuine product.
The easiest way to differentiate fake Blue Mountain Coffee from the real product, might be the price. Blue Mountain Coffee takes twice as long to harvest as other types of coffee, making it a highly sought out brand. So, if the coffee itself is very cheap, then chances are that you’re being duped.
The unforgettable taste and sweet aroma of Blue Mountain Coffee has definitely made its way onto the list of reasons Jamaica should be a bucket list destination. These in-demand beans have become the standard bearer for premium coffee and are definitely worth waking up to in a place that will definitely take your breath away!
