Bali Blue Moon has been a well-known "secret" among home roasters. It is a coffee growing region that has been heavily regulated by government, which may seem like a bad thing, but it means that both the quality of the stock used, the handling, and processing are excellent. So what does all this give you?
A coffee that is smooth and somewhat syrupy in the mouth. It has an anise flavor which adds spice to the dark chocolate and vanilla bean flavors. It is a tad sweet and very complex. All of this mean that it has gone beyond previous comparisons with Kona. It has a wonderful sensation that may vary a little with different roasts to include citrus notes, since these trees are often shaded with orange and tangerine trees.
by Anonymous on October 21, 2018
Definitely needs to be medium-dark to dark roasted to get the full flavor. Filling the hopper to about 3/4 capacity and roasting 5 minutes made a huge difference in the fullness and richness of the flavor. Frequent (but not constant) popping and a tiny bit of very light smoking got the potential out of this one. LIght to medium there was just no flavor at all.
by Anonymous on August 16, 2009
I didn't believe the reviews, but figured I'd give the Bali a try. WOW! I bought 2 pounds a couple of weeks ago, but I really like this coffee, so I bought 5 more pounds today. I like it just past the 2nd crack and with two days of rest. Oh, and it's fantastic when mixed 3:1 with Ferdelance Espresso Blend. WOW again.
by ssomerfleck on January 30, 2015
It has changed quite a bit since the last time I ordered it. It tastes kind of like a weak tea.
by Anonymous on September 25, 2018
Probably my favorite bean overall, I prefer it over Konas. I discovered it with the 2017 batch, and 2018 is just as good. I like it just at the start of second crack, not too tangy, slightly chocolaty, flavorful, and smoooooth. Its easy to roast, not a lot of chaff so good with the finicky roasters. And you know that wonderful smell the beans make before the first crack, this one will have your mouth watering its so good.
by Anonymous on April 13, 2018
This is one of my favorite variety of coffee and this particular bean is very good. Roasted to full city (dark for some) I just love the balance of acidicidty and sweetness with a earthy chocolate finish.
by Anonymous on March 30, 2019
I tried this as a medium roast! Very good flavor! But I think I will do it darker next time as i enjoy stronger coffee. I expected a lot more based on the reviews, but it's still good, but I do prefer the Bali natural than this one.
by Anonymous on March 14, 2019
Pretty good. I think I will try a bit darker roast...normally, I try to roast as light as possible. For some beans that just won’t work and this is one of them. I believe the Bali has great potential.
by Julieambach on February 20, 2019
I had some trouble with both roasting and brewing the Bali. Since I’m a new roaster I’m sure it was me. I think I need to roast it longer.
by lori on January 1, 2019
Rich and mild. Roasts nice
by Anonymous on December 26, 2018
Rich dark and musky when roasted well past the second crack. This is a serious bottom note in building your flavor triad. I like to pair it with the Dominican Red Honey Process for the middle note.
by PlanoAttorney on December 17, 2018
It has a MOLASSES or GRAHAM CRACKER undertone. I Roasted full city (at least what I call full city, it was well into the second crack but not black, the oils did not come out for a few days). The flavor is really good and I identify the underlying taste as molasses extract (i.e. the flavor, not the sweetness) which is why I think this coffee is distinctly “southern”.
by Anonymous on October 16, 2018
I purchased the Sample Pack of Bali Blue Moon beans, and quite frankly I’ve been disappointed. The first roast was about one minute after the first; the second I let go until I heard the second crack. The reports of tasting chocolate, berries, and other nuanced fruits didn’t show up all. What I did taste was light cardboard (yes...I washed my paper filter and rinsed my metal filter), earthy tobacco, and slight vanilla. I aged the roasted beans for 5-7 days. Using a Fresh Roast 500, the Bali beans took somewhat longer to roast than other beans.
by Rocco on September 27, 2018
This is one of the nicest, perhaps the best, Indonesian beans I've ever tried. It has this earth and spice, but in a sophisticated way. Made a very nice espresso when blended 50/50 with Brazil Blue Daterra.
by Anonymous on March 31, 2018
This one is a family favorite, makes a nice rich cup of coffee. Much better than the Sumatrans we’ve roasted. We always add this to our orders
by Anonymous on March 10, 2018
This is our household go to coffee While I enjoy a good Kona I don’t enjoy the price, so I run to Bali blue moon when ever it is in stock usually buying 10-20 lbs to make sure I have enough! Great flavor and aroma
by Anonymous on March 20, 2009
One of the best coffees I have ordered from CBC! The berry undertones are not undertones in my opinion...they are very prominent. Very Sumantran! Heady aroma too!. I am going to try to mix this into a good columbian and see how that goes. The wife however likes it just as it is. I highly reccommend this one.
by Anonymous on February 23, 2009
This is a very unique coffee. It has some of that Sumatran flavor but it does not overwhelm it. The beans themselves are smallish and dark - not sure if it is dry processed. It absolutely has nice berry hints in it as the previous reviewer said which might indicate dry processing. And if you like a full bodied chocolaty coffee you will like this. Bottom line is if you are looking for something different this fits the bill.
by Anthony on November 25, 2008
Follow the roasting notes in the description and you can't go wrong with this coffee. At home and at work, everyone I have shared this coffee with has raved about it. I roasted it light and it was smooth and tasty, almost like candy. I thought I tasted a hint of berry in there too. Great stuff!
by Anonymous on September 29, 2018
Great Stuff. I blend with Ethiopian Harrar in equal parts for my daily coffee. Doesn't get any better. Others that have tried it are usually too shocked to comment. But I do get asked where I buy such wonderful coffee? There's danger there, in that I don't want to roast for a living. But with so many people asking for coffee, it's hard not to at least think about it. That's what Bali does to you.
by plzink on September 25, 2018
one of my favorite coffies. Pure and simple full second crack , let it rest. i wonder what it would be like monsooned (sp?)
this coffee has exceeded my expectations. Love it. I just hope it is still available when I exhaust my supply.
by Anonymous on June 20, 2010
This bean roasts GREAT in a wok, or skillet! It has HUGE body and hits the sides of your toungue in a ristretto like a BOMB! I imagine bare-breasted women, picking these luscious beans by moonlight! I ACTUALLY bought these Blue Moon beans from another supplier (sacrelige?) BUT ... I should have checked here FIRST! The Guatemalan I replaced it with just doesn't compare! TRY this bean ... you'll like it!
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