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Kona Coffee Facts You May Not Know
Kona coffee is grown on a narrow strip of land known as the Kona Coffee Belt, just 30 miles long and 1 mile wide, on the western slopes of Hawaii’s Mauna Loa volcano. This microregion’s elevation, volcanic soil, and cloud cover create one of the most ideal coffee-growing environments in the world. Only coffee from this region can legally be labeled “Kona coffee.”
“Extra Fancy” is the highest possible grade under the Hawaii Department of Agriculture classification system, awarded to less than 10% of a typical harvest.
Type I vs. Type II (Peaberry) Beans
Coffee beans are classified by shape:
Type I: The most common form, where each coffee cherry produces two beans.
Type II (Peaberry): Rare cherries that produce a single bean, often more expensive due to scarcity rather than quality.
Both produce excellent coffee — preference comes down to palate, not superiority. Our Private Reserve uses Type I beans, offering exceptional uniformity for balanced roasting.
How Does It Compare to “Extra Fancy”?
Private Reserve and Extra Fancy are equals in quality. Any differences are imperceptible to the human eye and palate — only microscopic analysis could detect a distinction.
Why Is Our Private Reserve in a Class of Its Own?
Our Private Reserve represents the top tier of Hawaii’s coffee, awarded to beans that are the largest and most flawless in shape, color, and moisture content. Fewer than 10% of Kona’s annual harvest meets our strict inspection standards. This uniformity promotes even roasting, resulting in a cup prized by professional cuppers and roasters for its consistency and refinement.
Brewing Recommendations
To highlight the delicate notes of our Private Reserve:
Water: Use filtered water at 195–205°F (90–96°C)
Method: Pour-over or French press
Grind: Medium-coarse, grind just before brewing
Ratio: 1:16 (1g coffee per 16g water)
Because of their uniform size and density, these beans respond exceptionally well to precision brewing — rewarding you with a cup that’s clean, vibrant, and full of nuanced flavor.