Which Caribbean Coffee Bean Should I Choose?

Caribbean coffee beans are distinguished by good flavor balance and medium to full body taste. While Jamaican Blue Mountain beans are some of the most sought-after beans in the world, choosing beans from Haiti or the Dominican Republic will also give you the smooth, sweet taste of island coffee. Here are some distinctives of each particular region to help you make an informed choice. You can also compare the profiles of each Caribbean bean on our Coffee Bean Matrix.

Jamaican Coffee Beans

Many coffee lovers consider Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee beans to be the pinnacle of coffee. These beans are limited in availability, but high in demand. The ideal growing conditions of the Blue Mountains (rich, well-drained soil, plenteous rainfall, and mild temperatures) make this coffee exceptional. However, this region of Jamaica produces only .1% of all coffee in the world. So, while you may be wowed by these delicate beans, expect to pay more for this above-average cup of joe. Lacking in bitterness, these beans produce a satisfyingly sweet cup of coffee with complex undertones of chocolate and fruit. This coffee has a clean, smooth taste with a pleasant aftertaste - the coffee lover’s dream.

Dominican Coffee Beans

Like Jamaican beans, most of the coffee beans produced in the Dominican Republic are grown in the mountainous regions. The varieties of beans are almost exclusively Arabica. Choose these beans if you prefer the sweet, nutty, smooth coffee typical of island coffee. When you buy our Dominican Republic beans, you can be assured that these beans are not just tasty, but fairly sourced. Our grower is outstanding in all areas of ethical practice, benefiting the entire community surrounding the estate. They far exceed the Fair Trade standard of ethical pay for workers, donate to local schools, and are environmentally conscious. So, you can know that you’re not just getting a good cup of coffee, but you’re helping support an entire community.

Haitian Coffee Beans

You only have to cross the border from the Dominican Republic to reach the Haitian side of Island of Hispaniola. While both coffees are grown on the same island, you will notice some differences in taste. Haitian coffee beans more resemble Jamaican beans than Dominican ones. As a result, you will notice many of the same flavor attributes of the Jamaican variety. While the balance is not as highly rated as their Jamaican counterpart, look for more sweetness. Other distinctives of Haitian beans are low acidity and medium complexity. These beans make for a very nutty and sweet cup of coffee with a mellow, creamy body and a smooth finish.

If you’re looking to fill your cup with a sweet island treat, consider one of these Caribbean varieties, or purchase our ½ pound sample sizes and try them all.