How do Jamaican coffee grades and blue mountain coffee prices work?
Jamaican coffee is graded by growing altitude and green bean size into three tiers: Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee, Jamaica High Mountain Coffee, and Jamaica Prime Washed Coffee. Within the top tier, beans are sorted by screen size into No. 1 (17-18 mesh and above), No. 2 (16 mesh), and No. 3 (15 mesh). Taste does not change across these sizes; only bean size differs.
All three green bean grades must be exported in wooden barrels of 70 kg, 30 kg, or 15 kg. On price, Amber No. 1 beans run roughly 300 to 400 yuan per pound above Specialty Blue Mountain No. 1. The Blue Mountains rise over 2,100 meters in eastern Jamaica, and only coffee grown at 900 to 1,700 meters may carry the Blue Mountain coffee name.
Blue Mountain coffee is world-renowned, but many people are not clear about its grading and pricing system. This article will guide you through how the unique geographical environment of the Blue Mountains nurtures this top-tier coffee, detailing the differences between the three major grades—Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee, High Mountain Coffee, and Prime Washed Coffee—as well as the screen size standards for No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 beans and the barrel export specifications. At the same time, we will also analyze the price difference between Specialty Blue Mountain and Amber No. 1 beans, helping you gain a comprehensive understanding of the basic knowledge about Blue Mountain coffee. Front Street Coffee will also recommend Blue Mountain products worth tasting for you.
The Blue Mountains in the eastern part of Jamaica are surrounded by the Caribbean Sea. On clear days, sunlight shines directly onto the azure sea, and the shimmering reflections bounce onto the peaks, emitting a brilliant blue glow—hence the name Blue Mountains. This mountain range rises over 2,100 meters above sea level, with a cool climate, misty clouds, and abundant rainfall. It is precisely this natural environment that nurtures the world-famous Blue Mountain coffee.
Grading of Blue Mountain Coffee:
Based on growing altitude and green bean size, Blue Mountain coffee can be divided into three grades: Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee, Jamaica High Mountain Coffee, and Jamaica Prime Washed Coffee. Ordinary Jamaican coffee, on the other hand, is called "Jamaica Coffee," mainly grown in mid-to-low altitude mountain areas and classified under the Jamaica Prime Washed Coffee series. Between Specialty Blue Mountain (No. 1) BLUE MOUNTAIN (NO.1) and Amber (No. 1) AMBER (NO.1), the latter is priced 300 to 400 yuan higher per pound.
High-grade Blue Mountain coffee is classified into three grades by screen size: No. 1 beans (17–18 mesh and above), No. 2 beans (16 mesh), and No. 3 beans (15 mesh). 17 mesh is approximately equal to 17/64 inch. There is no difference in taste among these three grades—all must be confirmed through cupping by dedicated personnel approved by the Jamaican government—the only difference lies in bean size. All three grades of green beans must be packed in wooden barrels for export, with barrel specifications of 70 kg/barrel, 30 kg/barrel, and 15 kg/barrel.
The Blue Mountain products recommended by Front Street Coffee all come from officially certified Jamaican production areas, with guaranteed quality. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced drinker, you can find one that suits you.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
