Coffee Flavor or Flavored Coffee?

Coffee flavor, or flavored coffee, that is the question – and the source of some confusion we’d like to clear up. Like wine or whisky, the flavor profile you can taste in a single-origin cup of coffee such as Kauai Coffee comes from where it is grown, the variety of the bean, how it is processed, roasted, and brewed. This is because coffee contains thousands of complex chemical compounds that produce many different flavors when manipulated by environmental factors, time, and temperature. So, while you may taste fruity, nutty, acidic, bitter, sweet, or sour notes in our unique varietals and Estate Reserve coffees, those are natural characteristics intrinsic to the bean. These innate flavor notes differ from the all-natural flavoring we add to create our delicious island-inspired flavorss like Chocolate Macadamia Nut, Coconut Caramel Crunch, and Toasty Banana Nut Cream. Check out our flavor profile guide now to learn more about our varietals' flavor attributes and the delectable, flavored creations you can enjoy with Kauai Coffee. Yellow Catuai coffee bean on a tree in the Kauai Coffee orchard

Variety is the Spice of Life

You have heard it before, but variety really is the spice of life when it comes to the range of flavors and aromas you can experience in a single cup of coffee. The variety of coffee beans you use to brew your morning cup is one of the most important factors that determine the flavor notes you'll taste. If it has been a while since your last biology class, variety is a scientific term in the taxonomic system we use to categorize and name plants. Variety is a rank below species that differentiates groups of plants that are smaller than a species but have some similar characteristics and some that differ from the species.

Kauai Coffee Varietals

There are more than 100 species of coffee across the world, but Arabica and Robusta are the two most prominently used to make the coffee we drink. Kauai Coffee is the largest coffee estate in the United States, with 4 million trees planted on nearly 3,000 acres of volcanic soil. We grow Arabica coffee and cultivate the following varieties on our estate:

Acaia

Acaia is a rare variety originating from Brazil and closely related to Mundo Novo. It produces a larger bean and fruit that, when roasted, has a sweet fragrance with hints of chocolate, caramel, and nuts. Coffee Flavor Profile: Milk chocolate, mocha, and caramel. The finish is bright and sweet. Buy Acaia here.

Kauai Blue Mountain

When it comes to the most sought-after types of coffee worldwide, the Jamaican Blue Mountain varietal is often at the top of the list. Known for its sweet, floral taste, bright acidity, and lack of bitterness, Authentic Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee is one of the rarest and most expensive coffees available. However, did you know that the Blue Mountain variety now grows in other regions around the world? In 1990 Kauai Coffee acquired the Blue Mountain Varietal from the University of Hawaii Trial plot and planted a single field for study. Once our field was established, the Kauai Blue Mountain variety was born. Coffee Flavor Profile: Smooth, mild, well-balanced with malty and fruity flavors. Buy Kauai Blue Mountain here.

Catuai (Red and Yellow)

Red and Yellow Catuai make up approximately 80% of the coffee grown on the Kauai Coffee Estate. It is derived from a cross between the highly productive Mundo Novo and compact Caturra varieties, making it ideal for Kauai. Catuai produces a high fruit yield and grows well in full sun and at higher altitudes. Coffee Flavor Profile: Sweet aroma and earthy notes. Try Red Catuai today.

Mundo Novo

Mundo Novo coffee plants are highly productive and produce a high-quality cup. Mundo Novo originated in Brazil, and the coffee trees can grow taller than other varieties. Coffee Flavor Profile: Bold, nutty, and woody flavor notes with a smooth finish. Get Mundo Novo.

Typica

According to World Coffee Research, Typica is one of the most culturally and genetically important varieties of Arabica coffee in the world. It grows very well at higher altitudes and produces a larger coffee bean than some other varieties grown at Kauai Coffee. It's also the genetic origin of other well-known and loved varieties such as Jamaican Blue, Kona, and Java. Coffee Flavor Profile: Well-balanced coffee with a hint of tartness and ripe berry. Try Kauai Coffee Estate Reserve Typica

Yellow Bourbon

A natural mutation of Typica originating in Brazil, Yellow Bourbon is known for its high quality and high fruit yield. Flavor Profile: Sweet and floral when roasted with hints of fruit, rounding off with spice and milk chocolate.

Flavored Coffee

If you like your coffee with a little something extra, try Kauai Coffee 100% Hawaiian Coffee with a hint of all-natural, island-inspired flavor. All of these unique offerings are Fair Trade USA™, and Rainforest Alliance™ certified and taste like paradise!

Chocolate Macadamia Nut

Rich chocolate with toasted macadamia nut and 100% Hawaiian coffee beans makes for an authentic taste of Kauai! Buy now.

Vanilla Macadamia Nut

Fragrant vanilla beans and toasted macadamia nuts are a match made in paradise. Try it today.

Coconut Caramel Crunch

Sweet, nutty caramel blended with tropical coconut and 100% Hawaiian Coffee. Add it to your cart.

Chocolate Strawberry

The warm, sweet taste of strawberry jam with a hint of milk chocolate makes this the perfect morning or afternoon dessert. Chocolate Strawberry is a limited release! Get it before it's gone.

Hazelnut

Classic flavored coffee with a tropical twist! Our Hazelnut coffee is smooth and delicious, with an inviting aroma and a rich, nutty flavor. Buy it now.

Salted Caramel

With all-natural flavoring, this blend is savory and sweet. The warm, sweet taste of luscious rich caramel with a hint of salt makes this the perfect morning or afternoon treat. Try it today.

Toasty Banana Nut Cream

Delicious tropical banana, combined with creamy vanilla and a hint of hazelnut. Just like a slice of freshly baked Hawaiian banana bread! Order online now.

Returning soon! Hawaiian Irish Creme

The popular flavor of Irish Creme without the whisky. It is a perfect blend of creamy, nutty, mocha, and vanilla flavors! Sign up for Kauai Coffee email alerts or follow us on Instagram to know when it's back in stock! Hawaiian Irish Creme is a popular seasonal flavor and won't last long!