Johnsons Coffee is celebrating the news that its two of its blends have wowed judges in Great Taste 2013 by being awarded a total of 3 stars – in the world’s largest and most rigorous food awards scheme involving over 400 judges and thousands of hours of blind tasting. 

Great Taste is simply about taste, not clever branding or smart packaging.  Judges are presented with, for example, a cup of coffee, piece of cheese, a pie or a little dish of chutney, with no wrappings, jars or marks – and they taste, confer and re–taste before making the decision on whether a product should be a 1–, 2– or 3–star winner.  In total more than 12 judges will have tasted and commented on each product.

Philip Mills, Group Sales Director, Johnson Brothers commented, “We are delighted that our Johnsons Coffee Kenya Blend has been awarded two stars in these prestigious awards, with the judges commenting that it was a fine grind, and even roast, with a good level of acidity. It was delicate and quite thin but we like the flavour. Gentle fruit and a single minded coffee. Well–managed blackcurrant flavours give a good length of flavour.”

The Johnsons Coffee Costa Rica Blend received one star with the judges commenting, “Some gentle fruit on the nose. Good medium to light roast and a consistent grind. Some hazelnut and some wine notes. Delivers surprisingly well considering it is pre–ground.

Out of almost 10,000 products entered into Great Taste 2013 just 125 have been awarded 3–star.  All 3–star products have been re–judged by a panel including MasterChef judge and restaurant critic Charles Champion, food buyers from Harrods, Fortnum & Mason, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols and Whole Food Markets and Michelin Star chef Russell Brown who have together decided on the 2013 Top 50 Foods, the Golden Fork Trophy winners as well as the new 2013 Supreme Champion.