Overrated, in my opinion. Same thing for the nearly deified "Jamacian Blue Mountain" beans. One hundred percent gin-u-ine Kona is literally about $30.00/lb (roasted), so unless that's what you are paying, you aren't even getting the real deal.
I personally wouldn't spend that much, but then again, I like the earthier, heavier coffees from around indonesia, so I wouldn't spend any money on coffees from that region anyway.
When you buy any of those expensive coffees, try to get green beans and roast them yourself. I've seen the pre-roasted beans sitting in big glass jars in the gourmet coffee shops for months. Since the price is so high, the inventory doesn't move.
Alternatively, you could buy them from a roaster so you know they are freshly roasted. Kona is pretty good if not old and oxidized.
"Alternatively, you could buy them from a roaster so you know they are freshly roasted."
That's what I just did.
See my post above. The guy I bought the beans from grows, picks, roasts......does everything himself. He also said he only does only 5 lbs. a week. He had over 100 feedbacks on eBay with 100% positive feedback. I'm excited about trying this stuff!
I prefer Sumatra coffe to Kona. It has a similar low-acid character, but richer body and much less expensive. Forget the ultra-dark roasts, you cant taste the difference from one kind to another, all burnt.
Trader Joes sells medium roast Sumatra beans for $8 a 14oz can. Ive tried the Kaui for about the same price, no body.
I searched for Uncle Wayne on ebay. Good price, probably an excellent product. Let us know how it is. When you do, let us know what kind of roast he used.
I received my "Uncle Wayne's" 100% Kona coffee today. I just brewed my first pot. I love the taste!
Nothing wild about this coffee; it's just excellent coffee. I don't really know how to critique coffee, but here's my take:
It is rich & full-bodied, with a very smooth finish. It's not very "acidy", like a lot of other coffees I've tried. Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars. I'll likely buy more from "Uncle Wayne" at some point.
FWIW, I paid $18 + $4.05 shipping for 1 pound of beans from "Uncle Wayne". I purchased the beans from him on eBay on Tuesday morning, & received my coffee today (Friday). Very fast shipping via USPS!!!
p.s. Someone asked what kind of roast he used. Sorry, I don't know.
I wish I knew what variety of coffee that Amtrak uses in their diner cars- some of the very best coffee I have ever had. Bar none. I will never forget how good it was.
If your question was directed toward me, I can tell you that the coffee I purchased is only available in the variety that I purchased. "Uncle Wayne" only sells one type of Kona coffee.
If your interested in finding out more about this coffee, here's a link to "Uncle Wayne's" coffee on eBay: Uncle Wayne's 100% Kona Coffee
If your question was not for me, disregard the above.