Does TJ's Kona Make the Cut?

I tried out Trader Joe's 100% Kona Coffee and wanted to scratch down a few comments about the experience. When looking for it on the shelves it comes packaged as a whole bean in a colorful flowered canister in typical Trader Joe's style.

But is it worth it? The Trader Joe’s website makes a good statement about the product: Trader Joe's Kona Coffee is 100% certified island grown Kona coffee. This coffee has a rich aroma, medium body and a smooth flavor. It is perfect for a Sunday brunch. (Source: www.traderjoes.com/reading_room.html)

Kona coffee has been considered by some to be the best (second to Jamaica Blue Mountain), but I have found that many carry the name Kona but are not worth the extra cost associated with it. One reason is because they do not state that it is 100% Kona beans because it is actually a mix. But thankfully this is 100% Kona, and if you have to have it, this coffee is totally worth it.

I have tried different number of scoops and grind consistencies. Through this process I have found that five scoops of finely ground coffee works the best in a French Press.

I started with 5 scoops of coffee and ground it to a finer consistency than normal. I followed by using my French press, and letting it stand for 4 minutes before plunging.

Area Produced
Hawaii (The Big Island)  

Purchased
Trader Joe's, $199.99, nitrogen sealed can

Type of Roast
Medium

Aroma
Medium, but not bitter. Good second cup, or after dinner finisher. Just by the aroma, it is easy to tell that this is a milder coffee. It is a very subtle smell and is not at all striking. Soft, Floral with subtle sweet hints of spices

Taste
Very slight bitterness to the tongue, which is not unpleasing. The rest of the taste consists of a mild smooth coffee taste. I found no interesting acids, yet no off tastes either. Many consider this as a pure taste. In addition, it is very clean resulting in virtually no aftertaste.

My Thoughts
A great cup of coffee with no outstanding acids, chocolate flavors, or any other flavors to make it casted. Truly one of the smoothest coffees I have ever tasted.  This is not a first cup of the day coffee as you need to allow all of your senses to participate in this love affair. You get a range of floral, fruit, and soft spices that make you want to down the cup quickly. Take your time and enjoy this one. At $20 per pound, it’s pricey, but it lives up to the hype. Treat yourself to this if you are a coffee lover. I bought this product out of curiosity to review it. Due to its higher price, this is not a coffee I would purchase on a regular basis.

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jbeaux, 7-28-2010 11:49 AM

I received this coffee as a gift, and actually looked forward to trying it out. In the past Kona has never been impressive to me. I am a dark, strong coffee lover. And for me personally, this Kona was thoroughly unimpressive. I feel if you like mild, acidic coffee than there are plenty of just as good (and cheaper) options. I suggest trying many of the South American blends from Starbucks or the lighter roasts from Peet's.