It seems like forever ago since I received a shipment of samples from my friends at Vermont’s own Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, but here I am still reviewing samples from that original batch (although they have sent some of their season stuff in between).  Sufficed to say, I’m keeping busy, but it’s a labor of love.

One of two remaining varieties from that original batch is their 10% Kona blend.  Generally speaking, I like most Green Mountain coffee, and I really liked the one other Kona I’ve tried to date (Tully’s), so on paper anyway, this one looks like a slam dunk.

The Description

The terroir of Hawaii’s Kona Coast yields a coffee like no other. Our 10% Kona Blend Extra Bold is a lovely introduction to this premium island coffee.

The Aroma

The aroma reminds me a bit of Green Mountain’s Kenyan AA as it has a bit of a winey quality to it.  Beyond that, there’s a lot of sweet, earthy, chocolate in the air, and I’m liking it.

Drinking It Black

Green Mountain 10% Kona needs to be tasted slowly to fully appreciate it.  For this reason, I’d suggest making it your 2nd cup some morning.  My first cup in the morning is for purpose (wake up!!!!), my 2nd is for pleasure, and that’s where this blend belongs.

With strong fruit and chocolate notes, 10% Kona is a true sipping coffee; a thinking man’s blend with real complexity.  It’s smooth and sweet, and as others have suggested, there is the perfect amount of tartness which plays very well with the other characteristics of this magnificent cup of coffee.

Even with no cream and sugar…ooh, there’s that chocolaty thing again…I’m happily drinking this.  I don’t like this blend, I’m enchanted by it.

With Cream and Sugar

I tossed in just enough to turn the color to a dark caramel.  It’s no real surprise that it made my Kona a little lighter and a little sweeter, but it’s still very good; although some of the subtle flavors seem to be fading.  Nonetheless I’m still enjoying every drop.  That said, my recommendation is to leave it black for the best overall flavor experience.

Final Thoughts

If recollection server (and with all the coffee I drink, it may not) this is only the 2nd Kona I’ve tried to date, which leads me to believe I need to get my hands on more Kona, and soon.  My box of Tully’s is gone, and my Green Mountain is closing in behind it (both due largely to the fact that my wife, it seems, is a bit of a Kona girl herself).

A comparison to my beloved Tully’s Kona is difficult as even though they’re both Kona, they’re very different.  It’s the proverbial apples to oranges situation.  Tully’s is a little sweeter, and plays a little nicer with cream and sugar.  The Green Mountain Kona is darker, and a bit more complex.  Which I’d reach for would depend on not much more than mood and whimsy.  Both are among my favorites in the medium roast range.  In fact, I’d probably rank them as 1 and 1A.

Shameless Plug

As I mentioned above, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters was kind enough to provide samples of their 10% Kona for this review.  I’d certainly appreciate if you’d check them out for all of your Green Mountain Coffee needs, not to mention (well, I guess I’m about to mention) the full lineup of Keurig Home Brewers, and Accessories.  Not only will you get great coffee, but you’ll be supporting a great company that goes out of its way to support both its local community in Vermont, and the communities of its coffee growing regions.

It’s also worth mentioning that you can Save $2 on Every Box of Green Mountain Coffee when you join their Café EXPRESS program.

Green Mountain 10% Kona

Keurig B70 Home Brewer

While you’re here check out the growing list of reviews in Qwowi’s K-Cup Challenge.