Kona Noir - 95 pts | Fruity, Rare 100% Kona, SL34

41 reviews
SIZE
GRIND
Origin: 100% Kona Coffee | Uluwehi Farm
Roast: Medium-light

Tasting Notes:

Black cherry, wild honey, peach, ginger; richly aromatic, bright, complex, satiny-smooth
Roast: Dark

Tasting Notes:

Ganache, berry compote, molasses, red wine; luxurious, layered, spicy-sweet sparkle

Coffee Variety & Process: SL-34 Variety | Processed via the washed method using controlled fermentation with a champagne yeast.

KONA NOIR - 95 pts | Fruit-Forward, Rare Kona SL34

Kona Noir is one of our most treasured coffees, a rare Hawaiian expression of the famed SL-34 variety that evokes the fruity-floral finesse of Geisha coffees and the deep, wine-like character of Kenya's best, yet remains unmistakably shaped by the volcanic slopes of Kona. Its profile is vivid, aromatic, and full of movement, offering a tasting experience that feels both refined and transportive.

In the cup, expect a satiny-smooth texture layered with notes of black cherry, wild honey, ripe peach, and a hint of ginger. The flavors unfurl with a bright, gently wine-toned elegance that reflects both the inherent qualities of SL-34 and the unique richness of Hawai‘i Island terroir.

This exceptional lot was grown by Kona farmer Franck Carisey, whose meticulous cultivation brings clarity and dimension to the fruit. After harvest, the coffee undergoes a controlled fermentation with a wine yeast typically used for Riesling, Viognier, and Chardonnay. Much like a vintner crafting a cuvée, this process enhances the aromatic lift and deepens the natural complexity of the variety.

SL-34 itself is rarely found in Hawai‘i—originally bred in Kenya and celebrated for its distinctive flavors of currant, red wine, pomegranate, and cola. In Kona, it takes on an entirely new expression: more silky than sharp, more floral than savory, with a polished structure that reveals itself beautifully through pour-over, drip, or espresso.

Kona Noir is a coffee that feels both classic and rare, a confluence of exceptional farming, thoughtful fermentation, and a variety with a storied heritage. Each cup offers a glimpse into the possibilities of Hawaiian coffee at its most expressive.

Coffee Review

OVERALL RATING: 95

 

Blind Assessment: Richly aromatic, deep-toned. Wild honey, plumeria, white tea, peach, and frankincense in aroma and cup. Bright, complex, juicy acidity; delicate, satiny-smooth mouthfeel. Very sweet, multi-layered, resonant finish.

The Bottom Line: A uniquely composed Kona-grown SL-34 processed with Champagne yeasts for a complex, nuanced, flavor-saturated cup.

HOLIDAY SHIPPING NOTICE:
Last day to order for guaranteed Christmas delivery via FedEx is 12/14

DOMESTIC U.S. SHIPPING RATES

Order Cost & Carrier Delivery
$89 $10.95 via USPS/FedEx 6-9 days*
Over $89 Free FedEx (USPS if PO Box) 4-6 days*
Expedited  $24.95 via FedEx 2Day 3-5 days**

 * Delivery quote excludes weekends/holidays and is based on fulfillment+delivery times. Does not include delays that are caused by carrier or out of our control.

** Upgraded and expedited shipping may be purchased at the time of checkout. ‘Expedited’ prioritizes your shipment in the queue. Delivery quote excludes weekends/holidays and is based on fulfillment+delivery times.

ROAST DATES

Orders are roasted Sunday-Friday and shipped Monday-Friday. Roast dates are applied to the bags in your order.

INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING RATES

*Rural locations may incur additional fees at checkout.

Hawaii to Canada* Varies based on Territory
Up to 1 lb: $17.29-$18.58
2-5 lbs: $17.35-$25.28
6-10 lbs: $21.84-$29.76
11-15 lbs: $29.14-$44.21
16-20 lbs: $35.76-$48.72
21-25 lbs: $42.95-$55.63
26-30 lbs: $55.07-$70.03
31-99 lbs: $59.63-$125.86
100+ lbs: Email for quote

De Minimis for Duty

De Minimis for VAT
$150 CAD $40 CAD

Hawaii to Germany, United Kingdom*
*Rural locations may incur additional costs at checkout

Up to 1 lb: $17.62
2-5 lbs: $17.64-$25.22
6-10 lbs: $25.67-$29.08
11-15 lbs: $41.44-$50.04
16-20 lbs: $53.98-$58.28
21-25 lbs: $61.46-$62.84
26-30 lbs: $83.21-$88.46
31-99 lbs: $90.07-$165.31
100+ lbs: Email for quote
De Minimis for Duty De Minimis for VAT
150 EUR 22 EUR
135 GBP 15 GBP

Hawaii to Japan, South Korea*
*Rural locations may incur additional costs at checkout

Up to 1 lb: $17.64
2-5 lbs: $20.93-$31.81
6-10 lbs: $34.32-$41.56
11-15 lbs: $43.99-$53.74
16-20 lbs: $53.84-$61.03
21-25 lbs: $63.48-$67.64
26-30 lbs: $75.35-$92.33
31-99 lbs: $94.17-$189.94
100+ lbs: Email for quote
De Minimis for Duty De Minimis for VAT
10,000 JPY 200,999 JPY
150,000 KRW** 150,000 KRW
** price of goods+shipping cost+insurance
Hawaii to Australia*
*Rural locations may incur additional costs at checkout
Up to 1 lb: $20.70
2-5 lbs: $22.16-$30.40
6-10 lbs: $29.33-$36.40
11-15 lbs: $55.54-$72.31
16-20 lbs: $76.98-$85.37
21-25 lbs: $91.27-$93.29
26-30 lbs: $122.59-$126.73
31-99 lbs: $126.77-$245.34
100+ lbs: Email for quote
De Minimis for Duty De Minimis for VAT
1000 AUD None

* Please note that customs and duties are displayed at checkout. All costs listed are estimates.

Shipping and Returns Policy:

We stand behind the quality of our products and strive to provide an exceptional experience for you. Our Shipping and Returns Policy outlines the guidelines and procedures for shipping orders, handling returns and to continue providing care and quality. Please read this policy carefully before placing an order with us.

Shipping:

1.1 Address Accuracy:
It is the customer’s responsibility to provide accurate and complete shipping information at the time of purchase. We strongly encourage customers to double-check the shipping address before finalizing an order. Big Island Coffee Roasters will not be held liable for any delays, losses, or additional costs incurred due to incorrect or incomplete address information provided by the customer.
1.2 Additional Shipping Fee:
If an order is returned to us due to an incorrect or incomplete shipping address provided by the customer, we reserve the right to charge the customer an additional shipping fee to reship the package to the correct address. The customer will be notified of the additional fee and must provide the correct shipping address and complete the payment before the package is reshipped.  Big Island Coffee Roasters may make reasonable attempts to contact the customer over a period of 30 days, but will not be held liable for delays. If the customer does not respond or arrange for the package to be resent within 30 days, the original order will be considered void.
1.3 Refund or Credit:
Alternatively, if the customer prefers not to pay the additional shipping fee, we will credit or refund the customer for the order amount, less the original shipping costs incurred by Big Island Coffee Roasters. The credit will be issued once the package is returned to us and processed according to our returns procedure.  Perishable items are not eligible for refund or credit if the customer does not respond or arrange for reshipment within the 30-day period. These items will be disposed of in accordance with appropriate guidelines to ensure customer safety. For items that can be restocked, a credit may be issued.
1.4 Damaged Products:
If a product arrives damaged, the customer must notify us within 5 days of receipt. To report a damaged product, the customer should provide clear and detailed photographs showing the extent of the damage, along with a description of the issue.
1.5 Wrong Item Shipped:
In the event that the customer receives the wrong item, they must notify us within 5 days of receipt. To report the wrong item, the customer should provide clear and detailed photographs of the received item, along with a description of the item they expected to receive.
1.6 Return Shipping Costs for Damaged Products or Wrong Item:
For damaged products or wrong items, we may provide a prepaid shipping label to cover the return shipping costs. The customer must return the product in its original packaging, including all accessories and documentation.
1.7 Refund, Replacement, or Exchange:
Upon receiving the returned damaged product or wrong item, we will inspect it to verify the reported issue. Depending on the circumstances, we may offer one of the following options: Refund, Replacement, Credit or Exchange.


Returns:
2.1 Eligibility:
We accept returns for eligible products within 7 days from the date of delivery. To be eligible for a return, the item must be unused, in its original packaging, and in the same condition as when it was received. Perishable items are not eligible for refund.
2.2 Return Shipping Costs:
If a return is requested due to the customer’s change of mind or error (excluding defective or damaged items), the customer is responsible for the return shipping costs.
2.3 Return Process:
When a return is received, we will inspect the item. After inspection, depending on the circumstances, we may offer one of the following options: Refund, Replacement, Credit or Exchange.


ESPRESSO BITES

Because Espresso Bites are made without stabilizers or preservatives, they may bloom or melt when shipping temperatures exceed 80 F. If this is a concern in your location please select FedEx shipping.

If you notice a white color to your bar, it's perfectly safe to eat. This happens when the cocoa butter softens and migrates to the surface. It happens more often when shipping in warm weather. Learn more about blooming.

Espresso Bites that melt or bloom when shipped via FedEx are eligible for a full refund or credit.

Espresso Bites that melt or bloom when the buyer elects Free Shipping or standard USPS are eligible for a credit.

If your order is incorrect or damaged in any way, please email us at hello@bigislandcoffeeroasters.com with your order number within 7 days of receiving your order.

RETURN ADDRESS

Big Island Coffee Roasters, 76 Kalanianaole St. Hilo, HI 96720

HAWAIIAN COFFEE CLUB SUBSCRIPTIONS