It's legal to label a bag "Kona" if only 10% of the beans are from Kona. Be sure you're buying 100% Kona and you should be fine. From there, beans from one farm vary a bit from beans from another farm, but they're all pretty good. Some folks like graded beans but I prefer estate run beans from northern Kona farms. It's personal.
Not where I am but different countries different rules, over here it would have to be labeled as a blend, which you have to watch for when buying JBM especially.
Like CoffeeAM, I am an employee with Aroma Garden. We are currently running a "Winter Warm-up" promotion where you can get up to 20% off our regular prices. Specials are listed on our specials page.
I was truly amazed when I first tried the "Chocolate Macadamia Nut" blend (my father in-law first introduced me to it). Anyhow, hope it helps. :grin:
Here's a great link with great prices ($20 lb). Plus it's roasted at the time you purchase. I would stay away from replies from guys that work at retail outlets. http://www.freshcoffee.net/gourmet-coff ... coffee.htm
Why not purchase Kona directly from the grower? You can at http://www.smithfarms.com/ , and I have heard nothing but raves about their coffee. Personally I've never tried it myself, as there are other coffees that cost less that I like more than Kona, but they have good prices, and this way you know what you are getting is actually Kona coffee, and not a Kona blend, or something else. It runs $22 a pound, shipped to your door.
Every year there is a Kona cupping contest, the results are here: http://www.konacupping.com/
You can see who has won and who place int eh top 10. nice reviews.
Ive bought from 10+ different plantations and the one thing I have learned, the expensive batches did not necessarily mean they were going to taste better. Anyone willing to pay $30/lb you are just wasting your money. I have yet to find anyone that can distiguish the difference between $20/lb kona and $35/lb. kona.
