The Search for the Best Coffee: Part 2

By: S.C. Ali

Founder/Author

In my first coffee piece on Bronze Lifestyle (see here), I discuss the prevalence of coffee consumption along with a few studies that show potential health benefits of coffee.

Since then, I have been able to refine my palette in coffee gustation. As a result, I have a few impressions for four new coffees that I’d like to share. Please note that all of the coffees were purchased whole bean, grounded with a manual conical burr grinder, and the coffee was brewed via a French press.

For this segment, I’ve tasted: Hawaiian Gold Kona Coffee Gourmet Blend Medium Roast, Dunkin Donuts Whole Bean Original Blend Medium Roast, Trader Joe’s Joe’s Dark Coffee Blend, and Island Blue Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee.

First, I will do a ranking in this review alone. Second, I will list my top five choices based on the results from the previous review and this one.

4^th Place: Hawaiian Gold Kona Coffee Gourmet Blend Medium Roast

I bought this at a local Publix because it was inexpensive, and it had “Kona” listed on it. Kona is obviously synonymous with the Kona region on the Big Island in Hawaii. The coffee is one of the most sought after in the world. Nevertheless, unfortunately, this coffee did not live up to its name. It could be because it is a blend of Kona and Arabica, so we really don’t know how much real Kona coffee is present. The aroma was mediocre. The taste was smooth, which is a common trait in medium roasts. The aftertaste was run-of-the mill and didn’t have any special notes. Although some people fancy this coffee, I personally would not recommend it. The lesson learned is simple: anytime I see Kona coffee that retails for less than $10, I won’t pay attention. However, I am glad I had a chance to try it.

3^rd Place: Dunkin Donuts Whole Bean Original Blend Medium Roast

I have always enjoyed Dunkin Donuts coffee every once in a while, and I find that as a student on a budget, the price point is much more appealing compared to Starbucks. This coffee lived up to my expectations, but it didn’t surpass it. The aroma was a classic coffee scent, no subtle underlying notes were observed. The taste was rich and smooth. However, it was a bit too weak for my personal taste. Many people enjoy this in the morning, but if I were to incorporate an occasional cup, it would be in the mid afternoon. If you enjoy a medium, simple, no frills coffee, I highly recommend it.

2^nd Place: Trader Joe’s Joe Dark Coffee Blend

I first tasted this coffee from my friend in college. He had an espresso maker and he enjoyed this blend because it was a great flavor at an excellent price point. When I first tasted this again, it had been two years since the last time I had it. Using a manual grinder and the French press really kicked up this flavor a notch. This coffee has a bold aroma, and even better flavor. It exceeded my expectations. The flavor was complex, robust, and layered. I absolutely loved it. The best part is the cost, it is only $5 for a 13 oz tin. I really enjoy having this first thing in the morning, it is the perfect wake up call. This coffee is actually in my Top 3 list. I highly recommend it, especially if you enjoy a darker roast. I look forward to trying more of Trader Joe’s coffee blends and seeing what they have to offer.

1^st Place: Island Blue Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee

Blue Mountain coffee, like Kona, is a highly sought after coffee due to the unique fertile land of the Blue mountains in Jamaica, and the rarity. A friend from Jamaica bought this for me as a gift during her recent trip to Jamaica, so I had no doubt that it was 100% authentic. The aroma is so unique. I have never smelled anything like it before, and it is something that you have to experience to appreciate. It reminded me of the islands immediately. The flavor had little to no acidity, and it was delicate but complex at the same time. The robustness was just right. Although it finished quickly, it is an experience that I won’t forget. This is definitely a coffee for more seasoned coffee drinkers. I strongly recommend trying other coffees first in order to refine your palette. Once you feel comfortable enough at discerning different flavor notes, then try Blue Mountain. Next time I order some, it will only be for special occasions. Overall, I had very high expectations for this coffee given its reputation, and it didn’t disappoint.

In conclusion, although my experience this time had some low points, the fact that I was able to enjoy authentic Blue Mountain coffee made up for it. Trader Joe’s Joe Dark has actually become my daily coffee due to its availability, affordability, and excellent taste. Here is my overall list based on the previous review and this one:

5^th Place: Starbucks French Roast Dark Roast

4^th Place: Starbucks Cafe Verona Dark Roast

3^rd Place: Trader Joe’s Joe Dark Blend

2^nd Place: Cafe Don Pablo Signature Blend Medium-Dark Roast

1^st Place: Island Blue Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee Medium Roast

Thanks everyone!