The name Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee is a licensed name specifically intended for those of us who produce and/or sell coffee certified  by the Jamaica Coffee Industry Board (The CIB) as being grown on one of the five estates between 3000-5500 feet above sea level that can legitimately produce JBM. Anyone who purchases green JBM will see the marks on the barrel and also has access to the lot number’s Certificate of Authenticity from the CIB. Following those specifications, anyone who purchases, roasts and sells this coffee can use the name Jamaica Blue Mountain on the package that contains said coffee.

            That is of course if we all played by the rules…Note the elevation specifications required for certification.  With that, there are also High Mountain Coffees and Triage (#3,#4, Beans) which are grown in Jamaica, but do not meet the CIB’s  exportable specifications for JBM. They are good coffees with similar characteristics, but cannot earn the certification of JBM, so these coffees stay on the island and is what you will find when you visit Jamaica and purchase different types of coffee. Only the #1 & #2 beans are able to make the exportable grade from the Island and can be shared with the rest of the world.

         Now that you know a bit more you will see coffees that will be tagged with such names such as ” Jamaican Coffee, Blue Mountain Blend, Jamaica Mountain” etc.. and  be presented to consumers as “Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee”. Keep in mind that several other coffee producing regions of the world do in fact have mountains that could be considered “blue” from a certain perspective . With some smoke and mirrors attached by the folks who distribute various coffees to retailers here in the US, there are some very clever deviations from the truth as you will find. Read on and learn my friends.

            Legitimate businesses like ours are now faced with  a certain position regarding integrity and pride in what we do. I was approached by a large distributor who said he could gain us entry into a retailer selling thousands of cases a week. Smelling the foulness of the proposal, my curiosity got the better of me and I obliged his conversation and sought out the retailer to see what we were “up against”. The retailer was selling “Blue Mountain Coffee” which had a lovely picture of vegetation, flowers and even a big blue mountain in the background; a sheer sign of Paradise. Atop the mountain it read ” Blue Mountain Gold- Blue Mountain Coffee: Gourmet Blend” I had to laugh because imitation is the sincerest form of flattery-to a degree. Reggie’s Roast 100% Certified Jamaica Blue Mountain has used the name Gold for the past twelve years. I didn’t think we were big enough to get copy cats yet!

           The package is also “embossed” with a simulated wax seal that says the coffee is “Blue Mountain Certified” (no such certification exists) and it has a map of the Caribbean and discusses some heritage of King Kamehameha who is a part of Hawaiian history if I’m correct.  On the back you will find these words: sarcasm aside, I directly quote ” A blend of 100% high mountain estate grown arabica coffee”  I does not say that the coffee is even grown in Jamaica, only that they are from high mountains somewhere that are allegedly blue to some degree. Now read back and you will not see the words Certified Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee used – so there is nothing technically wrong, but to the uneducated consumer, this is terribly misleading.

           A dead giveaway is no valve on the bag (the coffee had to be stale and thoroughly de-gassed before packaging) & the retail price at $6.99/Lb. What a bargain!! Believe me folks this is no deal unless you want to pay $7.00 for a $3.00 bag of coffee. I was told by Mr. Distributor the retailer runs on a 50% margin, he(the distributor) takes 20% so I need to produce a pound of coffee for $2.75. Do you have any idea of what sort of coffee you would have to source to produce that sort of ‘quality’? We have a never-been-used (and we never want to) de-stoner on our roaster which is built for such coffees. It removes the in-consumable pieces such as rocks, nails, twigs, and other things you wouldn’t want to drink that get harvested with Robusta coffees. Need I say more? Sorry, keep shopping Mr. Distributor.

           We will not forsake the quality that we work so hard to preserve for quantity NO MATTER WHAT!! We are honored to be a part of a farming community that has the privilege of being Certified Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee and a co-op that is processed at Mavis Bank, one of Jamaica’s oldest and well reputed  JBM Coffee factories. We are always on the lookout for misleading packages and have reported several of them to Christopher Giles at the CIB who will then begin action against the misuse of the name Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee. If you come across any questionable packaging, feel free to contact me at customerservice@reggiesroast.com or (908)862-3700 and I would be happy to talk to you and report any fraudulent packages and coffees.  I hope this has given you enough insight to serve you in making educated decisions when it comes to finding a genuine product. As Farmers and Roasters, Reggie’s Roast promises to roast only 100% Certified Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee for all our JBM products.

Our Farms, Our Coffee – Our Word!!

         The third largest Isle in the Caribbean was first stumbled upon by Good ol’ Chris Columbus on his second voyage in May 1494, and since the first trip was so much fun he went back and stayed for a year between 1503-04 on his fourth voyage. The books say he was stranded, but come on folks, we know what he was doing for that  year! Chris broke camp and soon after the Spanish followed in 1509 defending against privateer attacks and calling Spanish Town the  Capital around 1534. The English came along and conquered the island in 1655 but did not fully gain control from The Spanish until1670.

          If you have seen Pirates of the Caribbean, you know that the English settlement of Port Royal was a port of call for several Pirate legends until an earthquake destroyed the city in 1692. Most of the folks then settled across the bay in Kingston which became the largest city and also the capital from 1716 until 1872. It was during this time until the early 19th century that sugar cane became a chief export for Jamaica and with that growth came the African slave labor to plant and harvest this economic endeavor.

         Although there was growth, it was not without cost. The racial tension was escalating as Jamaica had the most counts of slavery uprisings of all the Caribbean Islands until the abolition of slavery in 1834. It was then Jamaicans began the long road toward independence which was finally reached 128 years later in 1962. There are still several instances of civil unrest and turmoils as nearly 20,000 Jamaicans emigrate to The US every year. That is the part no one thinks about when they hear Jamaica. Sad but true, facts none the less as Jamaica’s economy is beginning to rebuild and rebound.

         Hopes for increased tourism and economic growth, all thoughts hold positive tones. As Farmers, we are held close to the day to day courses on the island and try to make things better one day at a time. Dr Reggie Chung Loy, Native Jamaican Farmer and  Chief Surgeon at JFK Hospital in Edison NJ, gives back to those who give us so much. Through Operation Give Back, we use a percentage of profits from Reggie’s Roast to aid and educate the people who help us bring your this rare gem that we are fortunate enough to enjoy. Over the years we have worked with some 500 coffee farmers and their families offering free medical examinations and treatment at  health fairs held at the Cedar Valley Baptist Church in St. Thomas, Jamaica.  The examinations were carried out by a team of Jamaican doctors based in the United States.

         We have also worked  in conjunction with Air Jamaica and participated in Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Jamaica. Working with local surgeons, several breast cancer survivors have had reconstructive surgery completed at a Kingston hospital. Materials, including breast implants were provided by Reggie’s Roast Operation Give Back. And on his trips to the farms during planting and harvest, it is usual to see the Doc bringing supplies home to Jamaica.

       With our chief industries including Tourism and Bauxite (the chief commercial ore of Aluminum) and our agricultural efforts including Sugar, Rum, and a bit of Coffee; we work closely with our trading partners in the US, UK, Europe and Japan to bring  a better tomorrow for our families, friends & colleagues, and those who are less fortunate. I am lucky to be in a position where what I do goes to seeing that come to life.

Cheers to Jamaica’s Tomorrow! ~ Reggie

        We are The Unique Coffee Freaks- Bean junkies, caffeine crave-rs, espresso aficionados, late night crammers, and hang over helpers. Where ever you are however you drink it- freshly ground, cappuchino, frozen, or frappe. No matter if you you brew from perculator, french press, whole pot or K-cup; One thing we all are is lovers of all things Jamaican, and seekers of Absolutely the best Coffee in the World.               Let’s unite!!

         Every Thursday we will be asking you a different question. It could be who, what, when, where, why, or how you are drinking your favorite cup. It may be a ridiculous question that has no real answer; and that’s the point- It’s all about being unique!! Who is up to the most bizarre and interesting? I din’t know you could do THAT!?! What is the most spectacular response? Hmm.., I just might have to try that! It’s a big world out there, you just may learn a thing or two. The best part is we all get a chance to share, see what everyone else is up  and of course drink coffee.

         We will post the question and the prize on our Face Book page and  our Twitter feed every Thursday and post the winning result the Following Thursday with the next week’s question. The winner will just need to get us their contact info via Face Book, Twitter, customerservice@reggiesroast.com or (908)862-3700.

          Now here’s the good part. As always we want your feedback and audience participation is a must Ladies and Gentlemen, so stay tuned. From time to time, we will be asking for YOU to come up with a question and  the winner gets MORE FREE COFFEE. (and no double dips-you can’t answer your own question – But you’re thinking and I like that!) We also welcome your likes and dislikes, since we are always learning from what does and doesn’t work

          We hope you all will enjoy and share the experience of Reggie’s Roast Unique Coffee Freaks. We have added some new buttons up top if you would like to share this with someone you think might like to play along. I know I am excited to hear all the interesting, intelligent, bizarre, and near superhuman things that our friends are up to every week!

To the victor go the spoils!!!

Cheers,

Reggie

       Aside from the distinct growing regions in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, one of the most Unique things about our coffee is the way we store and ship our green coffee in hand made wooden barrels.  Likened to fine wine, our coffee must be treated with the utmost care through exportation and storage of the hand picked green beans. Once we have hand sorted out the black, bora and rotten teeth beans, they are sorted by #1, #2, #3 and triage grades.  Since the Coffee industry Board of Jamaica has strict guidelines concerning the acceptable grades to be exported, the #1 beans are the most of what makes the grade. The coffee that does not meet exportation requirements will be consumed and sold on the Island. Once all of that has been sorted out ( no pun intended ~ OK you caught me, there is) the Green coffee is ready to be packaged for exportation.

        The Blue Mountains produce 5/100 % of all the worlds coffee around 1000 -1300 metric tons of exportable coffee. That is roughly .1% of the Colombian annual output or another way to look at it would be the amount of coffee Colombia produces in three hours. Of that amount of exportable Coffee nearly 80% goes to the Japanese who have a long standing affinity four Jamaica Blue Mountain. That leaves only 2/100 % for the rest of the world, and 200 tons is a very small amount for those of us in the Western World.

        Being Farmers and members of our Co-op, we are next in line for the exportable coffee supply, so rest easy my friends. The folks at Mavis bank have been processing and exporting coffee for years and are and old and revered name on the Island. Unlike other processors that process at sea level, Mavis Bank processes and stores at altitude, an island tradition.

        “But you still haven’t told us, why the hand made barrels?”  Good to see you’re paying attention. Given the limited resource of our coffee, and the conditions we just discussed, it is necessary to protect every single bean the best we know how. Burlap sacks, the traditional coffee method of storage, have a tendency to rip and wear as they are handled. If you have ever gone to a warehouse where green coffee is stored, all the guys have two hooks in their hands they use to move the sacks with. This of course causes large holes in the sacks and you can imagine the loss that that the holes can cause. The guys will tie them as quick as they can, but if we were to take that risk and lose even 2000 pounds of coffee, that’s 1% of an already small amount. The burlap also leaves the coffee to susceptible elements such as dust, debris, and moisture.

        The gap-less wooden slats of the barrel keep all the goodness in and all the elements out. Although they are not completely waterproof, we have barrels outside that will hold water for some time due to the nature of their construction, thus keeping moisture out during storage. We already lose  between 15-16% of the beans weight during roasting due to moisture content, so the less we let in the better. They also hold up better during shipping since they are far more sturdy that a sack. Lastly, they are the status symbol by which we are identified. Coffee experts know that if they see a barrel that is marked Jamaica, it must be Certified Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee. It has become the trade mark of sorts for our coffee which is often likened to fine wine, Rolls Royce, or as we like to say “Absolutely the Best Coffee in the World”

Cheers! ~ Reggie

Click here to view the embedded video.

      This past year has seen a significant increase in the single serve coffee market. Although the numbers are not made public I ask you; have you gone to a store that does not sell a  Keurig machine? They are quick, clean and easy. Three very good points. The concept is one we all wish we thought of since it seems so elementary; brew one cup rather than a pot. Oddly enough we have always been able to brew a single  using the 2 cup level on our coffee machines, French Press, etc.. But since it has been packaged, sold as easy, quick and put in our face everywhere, it has become a revolution of sorts.

       Packaged. That’s a costly word on two counts. I’m not going to get into it, but an average pound of average coffee at your average store runs $4 -$5.  The same pound in a single serve can run $14-$15. There is an enormous amount on this topic if you Google “Cost of a cup of Coffee” for starters.

      If you read my last blog, you learned a bit about freshness, and that coffee must have a valve to let the gasses out.  If you have used a single cup, you’ll notice there is no valve. How do they get the gasses out? An excellent question from another astute student! Simply answered, the coffee  must be degassed before it’s packaged. Sounds like a fancy process huh? Not in the least. After it is ground it is left to sit out  on average 12 hours so the gasses can be released along with the flavor. The other alternative is to let the beans de-gas for days and then grind them. Either way while the coffee awaits packaging, it is losing it’s flavor and costing you more. That’s the trade off of Flavor & Quality for convenience. It’s not that it doesn’t taste good, but not near as good as it could.

      On his travels, Dr.ChungLoy pointed me in the direction of an article he came across in the Miami Herald that speaks on environmental aspect of the single serve cups. http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/01/22/v-fullstory/2599888/a-morning-cup-of-environmental.html  -for those who would like to read more, but I think you know where this is going. The containers simply do not recycle, and they are growing in number. It is an interesting point and I’m sure the manufacturers will find a solution since their popularity is growing. As the current patent end grows near for the sole manufacturer, more and more companies will be eagerly awaiting the means to produce more and more of these containers for more and more roasters so we can have even more of these cups around. Remember the guy in the 70′s who made a house out of Coke cans on Ripley’s Believe it or Not?  Well here’s your chance at fame.

     I came across an objection last year from one of the nations largest grocery retailers in regard to single serve packaging. So I did some digging taking into consideration I’m not taking my hand picked, freshly roasted Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee and letting it sit and wait to be packaged because folks are too impatient. I look at it like this: Since we took the time to plant, harvest, export and freshly roast your coffee, the least you can do is brew it with some dignity. My dear freinds at Google led me to a simpler re useable solution than that which Keurig is already producing, and you don’t have to take the machine apart. The Eko Brew Reusable Refill for your K Cup Machine. http://www.ekobrew.com/  We work with the company directly and have been using them on our site since the Summer of 2011, and I can personally say it makes a good cup of coffee with minimal clean up. A few taps on the side, a rinse under the faucet and your’re done. You can freshly ground coffee in a single serve machine at a better price with no waste. You may have seen these on our Face Book page or if you’ve visited the site under “Special Sales”. To coin a phrase, Drink Blue, Go Green.

     I’m not trying to slander or slight, but just bring some light on an alternative for a delicious cup of “Absolutely The Best Coffee In The World”. Given the enormous amount of literature I found out there while reading up on this, you may find some things that I missed or didn’t find, and I ask for your thoughts or insight at customerservice@reggiesroast.com (908)862-3700. I hope you find the YouTube video helpful!

Cheers! ~ Reggie

     Why is there a valve you ask? Good question. At least someone in class is paying attention. As with all things heated, gasses are produced and even though the beans are cooled, there is still a bustle of gaseous activity inside the bag. The valve is a one way street that lets the gasses out, but does not let our enemy oxygen near our freshly roasted friends. If there were no valve, you have a freshly roasted explosion-to-be on your hands.

     I was visited by some folks today who asked the age old question “What is the best way to store coffee”. First invest in a grinder. Nothing fancy, The Mrs. and I have a Hamilton Beach that is having a second birthday this year. Next, find a cool, dark place for your beans. Why?  Well we pick cool since we know heat is bad in terms of storing anything (remember those candles you stored in your attic?), and dark because we know those nasty little UV rays wreck everything. A cabinet will do in most cases, but we do have a customer that has a hole notched in the wall behind a painting of his Great Uncle Herschel, inventor of the an early prototype of what we now know today as the Jelly Bean.

        The freezer thing always gets brought up and to that I say Coffee Beans are very susceptible to any other odors around them as well as moisture. That is a fact Ladies and Gentlemen. Unlike the bit about the Jelly Bean, we all know freezer burn stinks, and freezers contain moisture. So when you’re out and about invest in  a nice airtight container, and if it has a valve – bonus. If not the gasses will escape when you open it daily, and after a few days you will notice the lid will pop if it’s not opened. That’s normal so don’t worry. especially if you grind to brew and store any left over for the next pot or cup. I though for days I had a bad seal on our container. No,  just a little gas.  Now kids don’t go getting all hopped up thinking you’re going to blow up your army men, it’s not that big of a boom.

      I used the word invest since if in fact you are reading this, then you’ve found our site or related resource and know the true Delicacy of Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee and appreciate a great cup  of coffee. Why buy a brand new Rolls Royce and leave it parked out on the curb? Get a Thoroughbred and not have a barn? A beautiful flat screen and no wall or table?  A buffallo and  no flash fryer that can actually fry a Buffalo ? OK I’m getting out of hand and we all know Buffaloes are hard to find at a good price these days, but you get my point. I apologize to any vegetarians, but that was solely for comedic content. That’s why I roast coffee, I’m not all that funny.

Until next time… Cheers !! – Reggie (908)862-3700 customerservice@reggiesrost.com

I will now step down off my soap box and invite any ideas, proposals,dreams and hopes that you may have in regard to your coffee consumption for consideration in 2012. Are there any stores you that you shop at that you would like us to be in? Do you have any recipes you would like to share? Have you ever been to Jamaica? Do you have an interesting story to share? Are you from Jersey? What exit?

Take some time to visit our Face Book page where we like to play games and have contests for free stuff, stay in touch with our blogs and tweets, and we are always here at customerservice@reggiesroast.com and of course you can pick up the piece of mechanical plastic and dial (908)862-3700 9am-7pm EST and I will be more than happy to speak with you. And for you pranksters, yes my refrigerator is running……  Us over 40′s get that one!!

Cheers!! I look forward to hearing from you.

Reggie Barrow – The butcher, the baker, the Jamaican Coffee Maker @ Reggies Roast Coffees

All the holiday season errands need to be done. Gifts need to be bought, decorations need to be arranged, and cleaning has to be done. While it’s meant to be a time to relax and enjoy friends and family, you’re extremely exhausted by the time the Christmas Day has arrived. There has to be a way to turn this around, besides getting elaborate presents to make your holiday season better. Maybe Reggie’s Roast can help you.

For twenty years, Reggie’s Roast has been farming and roasting some of the best coffee beans around. We have a variety of roasts and blends including Blue Jam, Breakfast Blend, Café de Mundo Blend, and Peaberry Coffee. Sounds like it would make a great holiday gift for yourself to get you through the numerous stresses that the holidays bring.

Besides being a holiday pick-me-up, there are ways to have fun with your coffee. You can use your blue mountain coffee with some festive recipes to share with your friends and family. The Gingerbread man cookies are a traditional holiday treat around this time of year; combine that with Blue Mountain Coffee and you get Gingerbread Coffee. All you need are a few simple items, including: molasses, brown sugar, backing soda, ginger, cinnamon, and don’t forget Reggie’s Roast’s blue mountain coffee. Another way to have fun with your blue mountain coffee is to make Jamaican Coffee Eggnog. All you need are eggs, milk, nutmeg, spiced rum, and some Reggie’s Roast. These two holiday recipes will definitely be considered a hit with your friends and family!

So when the weather outside is frightful, let Reggie’s Roast make the season delightful.
Happy Holidays Everyone!

          As always, if there is anything we can do to make shopping with us better, please feel free to write us at customerservice@reggiesroast.com or call us (908)862-3700. We always like to hear from folks since you are what make us who we are. If this is your first time visiting our site or you’ve been with us for years, we thank you and value your business, and hope you enjoy the fruits of our labor of love., ” Absolutely The Best Coffee In The World”

         Whatever you celebrate, where ever you are ~ All the best to you and yours this Holiday Season!

~Reggie

Reggie’s Egg Nog (Serves 12)

-1/2 cup of Reggie’s Roast JMBC

-4 cups of water

-2 cups of sugar

-12 eggs

-4 cups of milk

-4 cups of half and half

-1 tablespoon of nutmeg

-1 pint of Spiced Rum

Brew the coffee with 4 cups of water, add sugar, chill in refrigerator, add all other ingredients after eggs are whisked, stir and serve.

Reggie’s Cinnamon Cake

-Preheat oven to 350

-Mix 2 cups of flour, 1 tbsp of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1tbsp of ground cinnamon, set aside for later

-Mix 1 cup of milk, with 1 cup of Reggie’s Roast JBMC, set aside for later

-Beat 1 cup of brown sugar and sugar together until blended, add 1 egg at a time until yellow disappears than repeat with the other two eggs, add the powder mixture of flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon slowly

-Next add the milk and coffee mixture slowly

-Pour into bundt cake pan and bake for 50 minutes

-Apply frosting

Reggie’s Egg Nog and Cinnamon Cake are two simple recipes that will make your Thanksgiving memorable.  Let us know what you think! Enjoy!