Kona

Mister Moo · 11-24-2008, 05:47 AM

If there is anything called "Kona Blend" that is worth drinking (anywhere except, maybe, on the island) I never tasted it. I think a Kona blend is pretty much a lie, like Jamaican Blue Mountain.

Sunday: two pounds of green Kona Mountain(tm) (The Love of Aloha) 100% Kona Coffee made it to my doorstep. Rather than fiddle around I went for the gusto and dumped it all into the BBQ-roaster. Nine minutes later the smoke was exploding and the first crack was popping loudly, almost like popcorn. 10 1/2 minutes later the last few snaps were still at it when I dumped the beans into the cooling tower. Color is an even light/medium brown - no hint of surface oil. Kona shines for me when the roast is very light - I may have gone a minute too far with this.

Monday: a pot in the press. It's OK but under-developed. There is the hint of something great coming along in a few days but, right now, it tastes a bit "green" and is mildly astringent.

md4958 · 11-24-2008, 06:18 AM

We happened upon Bay View Farms on our honeymoon and order regularly. Probably my favorite coffee in the world. That reminds me... I think its time to re-order!

11-24-2008, 07:10 AM

looks sexy man... and your tools...makes me long for a mocha pot..... soon my pretty...soon, I will own one.... damn cigar buying is putting a hamper on my coffee drinking.

Mister Moo · 11-24-2008, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hardcz

looks sexy man... and your tools...makes me long for a mocha pot..... soon my pretty...soon, I will own one.... damn cigar buying is putting a hamper on my coffee drinking.

I kinda sneaked that Reg Barber tamper into the photo. That's what we call an extra.

novasurf · 11-24-2008, 12:39 PM

Quote:

damn cigar buying is putting a hamper on my coffee drinking

Balance grasshopper, balance.

JohnnyFlake · 11-24-2008, 02:42 PM

I love Kona Coffee, it's my wife's and my favorite of all time!

I/we have tried at least 15 and maybe even more Kona Blends, and to put it simply, they all suck! I am not positive of the percentage, but I believe the laws involved only require that the mixer contain a minimum of 10% of Kona Bean for it to be called a Kona Blend. That's ridiculous!

Unfortunately, I do not roast, so I buy most of my Kona Coffee (Bean), pre-roasted, from Trader Joe's. For me, it seems to be the best, store bought, Kona Bean around!

Wharf Rat · 11-27-2008, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by md4958

We happened upon Bay View Farms on our honeymoon and order regularly. Probably my favorite coffee in the world. That reminds me... I think its time to re-order!

Anyone ever tried Kona from Smith Farms?

ghostrider · 11-27-2008, 11:33 AM

I've purchased from Smith Farms a couple of times. haven't been disappointed yet.

Mister Moo · 11-27-2008, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bborge

... Smith Farms?

Always reliable. Class act.

novasurf · 07-02-2009, 03:32 AM

Unless you get Kona or Jamaican Blue Mountain from certified sources (transparency at all levels of the transaction), caveat emptor.

dannyboy · 07-02-2009, 03:59 PM

I never beleived the hype on Kona coffee until I worked on a coffee farm in Kona. Man was it good. My friend (who never drank any coffee because he didn't like it) and I (who drank only heavily altered coffees, i.e. Frappachino and lots of syrups and creamers) were drinking at least a cup of black Kona daily. Sweet, floral and not even a hint of bitterness to be found in the cup! The year after I left the farm, they won best cup in a Kona competition, and it was no surprise to me.

You are correct, Kona blends a real joke. 10% Kona coffee is required, which means that you are drinking 90% cheap beans. I always warn tourists to make sure they get 100% Kona coffee from one of the local coffee shops, if they want to bring some home.

01-12-2010, 06:23 PM

I love Kona coffee. I had only had local kona blends until i finally ordered some from one of the Hawiian distributors. Cost me $25/lb, but it was well worth it to get the real thing. That has to be my favorite coffee.

jdakine · 01-12-2010, 06:49 PM

I have lived in Hawaii for over 30 years and I have had my fare share of Kiona Coffee. 100% Kone is the way to go, it's very expensive and that's why you have so many blends on the market, most people who visist the Islands don't want to spend that kind of money on coffee unless they are true coffee lovers.

The 100% Kona Peaberry is the best IMHO, but way over priced. Put fresh grounds in a French Press and you will have one of the best cups of coffee you will ever drink.

icehog3 · 01-06-2011, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdakine

The 100% Kona Peaberry is the best IMHO, but way over priced. Put fresh grounds in a French Press and you will have one of the best cups of coffee you will ever drink.

Think I will have some in my press over the weekend...Thank you Jay!

07-26-2010, 08:16 PM

Jenn and I just got back from the Big Island, and I bought 10 pounds of beans from Fike Farms and the Greenwell Estate. We toured both farms and had a great time. I can't wait to roast this stuff up! The breakdown was 7 pounds of Fancy beans and 3 pounds of the Peaberry from Greenwell. I can't wait to go back...

Volcodom · 07-26-2010, 09:50 PM

I can honestly say I enjoy the "Kona" blend coffee I have tried, however I can tell it's really mostly a farce the taste is slightly more nutty than most other coffee and has the espresso taste I enjoy as a strong coffee. However if I ever do get a chance to try the real deal I'll jump at the opportunity.

BSB · 01-06-2011, 10:34 AM

Heavenly Hawaiian is the best Kona value I have found. Excellent quality, personal service, nice folks. Now, I don't buy roasted, so I can't comment on that. But the green is a very good deal. You can order thru their website.

gvarsity · 01-06-2011, 11:39 AM

Love the Kona. Picked up some from an artisanal roaster in Mpls over Christmas. Fantastic, flavorful, nuanced coffee.

Don't get Kona often, only second time this year. My co-worker got a pound from a friend coming back from Hawaii and didn't want it so he gave it to me. That was a nice treat. I did make him a few cups and he enjoyed it but he doesn't care that much.

The JBM is fantastic too. Different from the Kona but still fantastic. Had some on a plantation tour in Jamaica and it was wonderful as well as the couple of pounds I brought home. Still not worth the price you have to pay here in the states. There are just too many other wonderful coffees you can for significantly lower prices.

11-24-2008, 05:47 AM	#1
Mister Moo I barely grok the obvious Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Dan Location: Lizard Lick, NC Posts: 1,417 Trading: (3)	Kona If there is anything called "Kona Blend" that is worth drinking (anywhere except, maybe, on the island) I never tasted it. I think a Kona blend is pretty much a lie, like Jamaican Blue Mountain. Sunday: two pounds of green Kona Mountain(tm) (The Love of Aloha) 100% Kona Coffee made it to my doorstep. Rather than fiddle around I went for the gusto and dumped it all into the BBQ-roaster. Nine minutes later the smoke was exploding and the first crack was popping loudly, almost like popcorn. 10 1/2 minutes later the last few snaps were still at it when I dumped the beans into the cooling tower. Color is an even light/medium brown - no hint of surface oil. Kona shines for me when the roast is very light - I may have gone a minute too far with this. Monday: a pot in the press. It's OK but under-developed. There is the hint of something great coming along in a few days but, right now, it tastes a bit "green" and is mildly astringent. __________________ "I hope you had the time of your life."

11-24-2008, 06:18 AM	#2
md4958 Captain Cannoli Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Moe Location: Suffield, CT Posts: 5,712 Trading: (62)	Re: Kona We happened upon Bay View Farms on our honeymoon and order regularly. Probably my favorite coffee in the world. That reminds me... I think its time to re-order! __________________ "One fart can foul the air for everyone" - Esteemed philosopher "If avoiding the nasty $hit is being a snob, them I am guilty as charged."- Same esteemed philosopher.

11-24-2008, 07:10 AM	#3
Hardcz Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Kona looks sexy man... and your tools...makes me long for a mocha pot..... soon my pretty...soon, I will own one.... damn cigar buying is putting a hamper on my coffee drinking.

11-24-2008, 02:42 PM	#6
JohnnyFlake Just an old Wiseguy! Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: John Location: Henderson, Nevada Posts: 534 Trading: (18)	Re: Kona I love Kona Coffee, it's my wife's and my favorite of all time! I/we have tried at least 15 and maybe even more Kona Blends, and to put it simply, they all suck! I am not positive of the percentage, but I believe the laws involved only require that the mixer contain a minimum of 10% of Kona Bean for it to be called a Kona Blend. That's ridiculous! Unfortunately, I do not roast, so I buy most of my Kona Coffee (Bean), pre-roasted, from Trader Joe's. For me, it seems to be the best, store bought, Kona Bean around! __________________ A real man only needs Seven things in his life, Cigars, Women, Guns, Whiskey, Beer, Beans & Bacon!

11-27-2008, 11:33 AM	#8
ghostrider Ridin the storm Join Date: Nov 2008 First Name: Drew Location: Va Bch Posts: 83 Trading: (4)	Re: Kona I've purchased from Smith Farms a couple of times. haven't been disappointed yet.

07-02-2009, 03:32 AM	#10
novasurf The Roastmaster General Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 262 Trading: (2)	Re: Kona Unless you get Kona or Jamaican Blue Mountain from certified sources (transparency at all levels of the transaction), caveat emptor.

07-02-2009, 03:59 PM	#11
dannyboy Still Watching My Back Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Daniel Location: Maui, HI Posts: 202 Trading: (31)	Re: Kona I never beleived the hype on Kona coffee until I worked on a coffee farm in Kona. Man was it good. My friend (who never drank any coffee because he didn't like it) and I (who drank only heavily altered coffees, i.e. Frappachino and lots of syrups and creamers) were drinking at least a cup of black Kona daily. Sweet, floral and not even a hint of bitterness to be found in the cup! The year after I left the farm, they won best cup in a Kona competition, and it was no surprise to me. You are correct, Kona blends a real joke. 10% Kona coffee is required, which means that you are drinking 90% cheap beans. I always warn tourists to make sure they get 100% Kona coffee from one of the local coffee shops, if they want to bring some home.

01-12-2010, 06:23 PM	#12
emtsmoker Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Kona I love Kona coffee. I had only had local kona blends until i finally ordered some from one of the Hawiian distributors. Cost me $25/lb, but it was well worth it to get the real thing. That has to be my favorite coffee.

01-12-2010, 06:49 PM	#13
jdakine Sawadee Join Date: Sep 2009 First Name: Jay Location: Republic of Maui Posts: 2,481 Trading: (34)	Re: Kona I have lived in Hawaii for over 30 years and I have had my fare share of Kiona Coffee. 100% Kone is the way to go, it's very expensive and that's why you have so many blends on the market, most people who visist the Islands don't want to spend that kind of money on coffee unless they are true coffee lovers. The 100% Kona Peaberry is the best IMHO, but way over priced. Put fresh grounds in a French Press and you will have one of the best cups of coffee you will ever drink. __________________ Live your life to the fullist and smoke your favorate cigars

07-26-2010, 08:16 PM	#15
Pistol Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Kona Jenn and I just got back from the Big Island, and I bought 10 pounds of beans from Fike Farms and the Greenwell Estate. We toured both farms and had a great time. I can't wait to roast this stuff up! The breakdown was 7 pounds of Fancy beans and 3 pounds of the Peaberry from Greenwell. I can't wait to go back...

07-26-2010, 09:50 PM	#16
Volcodom Just in from the Storm Join Date: Jul 2010 First Name: Mellamo Tomas Posts: 44 Trading: (0)	Re: Kona I can honestly say I enjoy the "Kona" blend coffee I have tried, however I can tell it's really mostly a farce the taste is slightly more nutty than most other coffee and has the espresso taste I enjoy as a strong coffee. However if I ever do get a chance to try the real deal I'll jump at the opportunity. __________________ A woman is only a woman, but a good cigar is a smoke!

01-06-2011, 10:34 AM	#17
BSB Feeling at Home Join Date: Jan 2011 First Name: Bob Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 897 Trading: (13)	Re: Kona Heavenly Hawaiian is the best Kona value I have found. Excellent quality, personal service, nice folks. Now, I don't buy roasted, so I can't comment on that. But the green is a very good deal. You can order thru their website. __________________ Ad majorem Dei gloriam!

01-06-2011, 11:39 AM	#18
gvarsity still crazy Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 621 Trading: (15)	Re: Kona Love the Kona. Picked up some from an artisanal roaster in Mpls over Christmas. Fantastic, flavorful, nuanced coffee. Don't get Kona often, only second time this year. My co-worker got a pound from a friend coming back from Hawaii and didn't want it so he gave it to me. That was a nice treat. I did make him a few cups and he enjoyed it but he doesn't care that much. The JBM is fantastic too. Different from the Kona but still fantastic. Had some on a plantation tour in Jamaica and it was wonderful as well as the couple of pounds I brought home. Still not worth the price you have to pay here in the states. There are just too many other wonderful coffees you can for significantly lower prices.