Philip Ashby
The Jamaican blend from MOKA cafe on East Washington Avenue...isn’t exactly Jamaican.
Beans from the famous Blue Mountain region of the island nation make some of the most expensive, sought-after coffee in the world, prized for its flavor and complexity.
At MOKA, their version is a Jamaican-style blend — sourced from a roaster in Idaho, of all places, according to a barista. It’s not roasted as long as some of their other coffee varieties on the menu, and it’s infused with maple oil during the process.
Available hot or iced, MOKA’s version is a rich, smooth, slightly acidic, flavorful roast that finishes with light maple flavor that lingers on the palate. It’s one of the most popular items on the menu, and at just under $2 for a small cup, it’s a more affordable way to get an island coffee fix than a trip to Reggae Beach.
The taste is not exactly subtle, so coffee drinkers who dislike flavored brews might find it to be a little too much. But for those seeking a sweet, toasty, maple-y treat as the cool fall weather approaches, it’s definitely worth a try.
