How Does CIB Grading Define Jamaican Coffee Grades?
Jamaica's Coffee Industry Board recognizes Blue Mountain Coffee only from Saint Andrew, Saint Thomas, and Portland. Growing altitude sets the grade: 900 to 1,700 meters is Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee, 460 to 900 meters is Jamaica High Mountain Coffee, and below 460 meters is Jamaica Supreme Coffee, while lots grown outside the region are Jamaica Prime Coffee.
Among the Blue Mountain family, No. 1 is the top grade, sized at 17-18 screen and above, followed by No. 2 at 16 screen, No. 3 at 15-16 screen, and PB peaberry. Jamaican coffee has grown since 1728 on mineral-rich volcanic soil with steady rainfall, mist, and shade, and areas above 1,700 meters are protected reserve where cultivation is not allowed.
Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee is hailed as the crown jewel of the coffee world, with Blue Mountain No. 1 being the ultimate representation. This article will take you on an in-depth journey through the growing environment of Jamaican coffee, the CIB official grading system, and the unique flavor profile and rigorous certification process of Blue Mountain No. 1. From altitude classification to screen size standards, from region restrictions to oak barrel exports, we comprehensively analyze the extraordinary charm of this world-class coffee. At the same time, the Jamaica Blue Mountain No. 1 recommended by Front Street Coffee will also present you with the most authentic flavor experience.
Characteristics and Grading System of Front Street Jamaica Blue Mountain No. 1
Jamaica is located in the Caribbean Sea of Central America, an island nation surrounded by the sea on all sides. The coffee-growing tradition on this land has a long history, dating back to as early as 1728. The local mineral-rich volcanic soil, combined with abundant rainfall, frequent mist, and shaded environments, provides ideal growing conditions for coffee trees. It is precisely these exceptional natural factors that have made the "Front Street Blue Mountain Coffee" produced in Jamaica renowned worldwide.
According to the standards set by the Jamaica Coffee Industry Board (CIB), only coffee produced in the three administrative regions of Saint Andrew, Saint Thomas, and Portland can be legally recognized as Blue Mountain Coffee.
The CIB has also established clear specifications for the growing altitude of Blue Mountain Coffee:
Coffee grown between 900 and 1,700 meters is designated as: Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee.
Coffee grown between 460 and 900 meters is called: Jamaica High Mountain Coffee.
Coffee below 460 meters in altitude is classified as Jamaica Supreme Coffee, while coffee grown outside the Blue Mountain region is called Jamaica Prime Coffee.
(It should be noted that areas above 1,700 meters in altitude are nature reserves where coffee cultivation is strictly prohibited.)
Among the Blue Mountain coffee family, the one that can be called the king is undoubtedly Blue Mountain No. 1. Blue Mountain Coffee is divided into four grades based on quality: Blue Mountain No. 1 (17-18 screen size and above), Blue Mountain No. 2 (16 screen size), Blue Mountain No. 3 (15-16 screen size), and PB (Peaberry).
Front Street Blue Mountain No. 1 represents the highest standard of Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee. Only coffee that has been evaluated and approved by dedicated cup testers appointed by the Jamaican government is eligible to be packed into specially made oak barrels for export overseas — this is what truly qualifies as Front Street Blue Mountain Coffee.
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The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
