Zabar’s
Jamaican Blue Mountain Style

Roaster Location: New York City, New York

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  Victoria S-C

  406 roasts rated, avg score of 4.32

  4.50 - Average

  Smooth and tasty!

  3 months ago · See more from Victoria
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  Theodore (Ted) Chan, Managing Editor

  1106 roasts rated, avg score of 4.28

  4.50 - Average

  4.00 - Aroma

  5.00 - Value

  4.50 - Finish

  4.50 - Flavor

  4.50 - Acidity

  4.50 - Balance

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  I didn't mean to write such a long review here, but I spent the better part of the morning exploring this coffee and now I've quite wired. :)
  
  Zabar's is a trippy place for a bagel and coffee person to visit. In the back there's just barrel of coffee, as well as all sort of bags with crazy combos and names. Poked around and needing some espresso for this week, I grabbed their Jamaica Blue Mountain Style Blend.
  
  Zabar's Jamaica Blue Mountain Style Blend presents an exciting and affordable option for coffee enthusiasts, particularly those who frequent the Upper West Side of New York. At $14 for a 16-oz bag, this coffee offers good value, especially considering the generally high cost of products in the area and the store's upscale reputation.
  
  The blend is described as an attempt to replicate the characteristics of authentic Jamaican Blue Mountain (JBM) coffee, known for its smooth, mildly spicy, and creamy taste. JBM typically carries flavors of warm nuttiness, chocolate, and a balance of medium acidity, enhanced by rich herbal and floral aromas. While Zabar's blend doesn't quite reach the complexity and richness that real JBM coffee is famed for, it offers a satisfying experience with its own merits.
  
  In terms of brewing methods, Zabar's blend shows versatility as an omniroast. Both my wife and I liked JBM style as pourover, with a balanced profile with chocolate notes and hints of citrus and blueberry. As an espresso, it delivers a pleasing mid-palate chocolate/nutty hit, and in iced Americano form, it surpasses expectations set by offerings from other coffee shops. Including the Blank St. iced Americano I had yesterday. The espresso had a lovely medium crema with good persistence.
  
  Although the blend may not fully encapsulate the unique and harmonious flavor profile of genuine Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee (especially on the aroma front, where JBM is incredible), it stands out for its affordability and enjoyable taste. The coffee's ability to perform well across various brewing methods makes it a versatile choice for many coffee drinkers.
  
  Overall, Zabar's Jamaica Blue Mountain Style Blend provides a commendable coffee experience that, while not entirely matching the esteemed qualities of true JBM, offers a pleasing and cost-effective alternative for those seeking a taste reminiscent of the Jamaican Blue Mountains.

  Cupping Method:Espresso, iced Americano, pourover. Worked well in all three (espresso is pictured)

  Traits: chocolate blueberry balanced smooth finish

  

  3 months ago · See more from Theodore (Ted)
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  D K

  2 roasts rated, avg score of 4.50

  4.00 - Average

  3.00 - Aroma

  5.00 - Value

  4.50 - Finish

  3.00 - Flavor

  4.50 - Acidity

  4.00 - Balance

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  It's quite surprising that this coffee is roasted in the Jamaica Blue Mountain style. The aroma of the dry powder indeed evokes the deep, dark, and rich scent characteristic of that region. However, despite not being able to extract a robust flavor profile, it doesn't taste like it's from dark roasted beans. The balance is impressive, especially considering its full body. The aftertaste is notably sweet and very pleasant.

  Cupping Method:Pouring over

  Traits: chocolate sweet

  3 months ago · See more from D