The Only Coffee Served Exclusively at the White House

When you think of the White House, you might imagine policy debates, state dinners, or press conferences. But for decades, one constant—often overlooked—has been coffee. Every four years, a new president moves in, bringing different policies and political views, yet almost all share one common ritual: drinking coffee. So which coffee, if any, holds the unique honor of being the official choice for America’s most famous residence?

The only known specialty coffee consistently served at significant White House events is a grade of Hawaiian Kona Rainforest Coffee, typically ordered in the 'Extra Fancy Blend' profile. This coffee comes from a 24-acre organic farm in Hawaii and costs over $20 for just half a pound, plus $10+ for shipping.

What Is Kona Rainforest Coffee and Why Is It at the White House?

Kona Rainforest Coffee is a single-origin, 100% organic Hawaiian coffee grown on a small family-run farm. The farm employs only six people—two owners and four staff—and produces coffee entirely through organic practices. The specific blend served at the White House is known as the 'Extra Fancy Blend,' a medium-roasted profile that highlights the region’s terroir. Reviewers note its smooth body with hints of smoke, light acidity, a fresh earthy aroma reminiscent of post-rain soil, and subtle chocolate notes typical of medium roasts.

This particular coffee isn’t widely distributed commercially, adding to its exclusivity. Its price reflects both its limited production and the costs of sourcing from a remote, small-scale organic farm. For context, half a pound retails for more than $20, with additional shipping fees pushing the total higher. Despite the cost, its consistent presence at White House functions underscores its special status.

How Kona Coffee Became the White House’s Coffee of Choice

The presence of Kona coffee in the White House didn’t happen overnight. During the George W. Bush administration, there was an initial effort to limit Hawaiian coffee offerings at certain high-level events. However, the owner of the Kona Rainforest Coffee farm seized the opportunity to make a direct impression. Samples of twelve different coffees from the farm were sent to key White House figures, including presidential advisors and then-first lady Laura Bush. Impressed by the quality, the White House began placing regular orders, and the farm has supplied coffee for official functions ever since.

The coffee’s selection wasn’t politically motivated but based purely on taste and quality. Its unique profile and organic credentials likely contributed to its approval for use during official and ceremonial occasions where presentation and substance both matter.

Obama Drank Tea While Biden Preferred Coffee

Not every president or high-ranking official followed the coffee tradition. Barack Obama, despite being surrounded by coffee drinkers in the White House, reportedly preferred tea. Photographs from the Oval Office and Air Force One consistently show him holding a cream-and-golden-rimmed cup, usually filled with tea, according to his aides. An Obama speechwriter noted that during travel, Obama almost never purchased coffee, opting for tea instead. Even when photographed at a Starbucks, Obama clarified that he was there for tea, not coffee. At a Missouri café, he was seen ordering iced Earl Grey.

In contrast, Vice President Joe Biden was often seen as the face of White House coffee culture. Media outlets frequently published photos of Biden ordering coffee at upscale cafés, and aides confirmed his strong preference for it. The Obama campaign even used “Let’s have coffee with Biden” as a fundraising email theme, accompanied by a handwritten note in Biden’s voice offering to buy supporters a coffee. Biden’s energetic demeanor was often likened to the jolt of a strong espresso, while Obama’s style was compared to the slow brew of tea—measured and deliberate.

A Brief History of Coffee in the White House

Coffee has been a staple at the White House since the nation’s founding. Historical records, including the 1968 book The Presidents’ Cookbook, confirm that George Washington imported 200 pounds of coffee in 1770 via a Philadelphia merchant and later wrote to thank him for the shipment arriving from the Red Sea port. Other presidents also left their mark: Abraham Lincoln was known to favor hot coffee alongside apples; Franklin D. Roosevelt reportedly drank nearly a gallon of coffee daily; Richard Nixon sipped coffee slowly with every meal; and Jimmy Carter set aside time specifically for coffee during work hours.

Among them, George H. W. Bush stood out as the most enthusiastic, drinking up to 10 cups per day until health issues in 1991 forced a switch to decaf. Even then, he reportedly couldn’t tolerate decaf for long, calling it “not real coffee,” and returned to regular coffee shortly after.

Coffee has also sparked moments of controversy. During Bill Clinton’s presidency, a “Coffee with the President” fundraiser drew legal scrutiny over ticket pricing rules. A coffee mug gifted to Clinton by Monica Lewinsky became a minor symbol of their relationship. And during the 2008 Democratic primary, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama competed for support, with Bill Clinton infamously downplaying Obama by saying, “A few years ago, this guy would have been getting us our coffee.”

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Exploring Hawaiian Profiles

If you’re curious about Hawaiian coffee profiles similar to those served at the White House, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Yunnan offerings as a comparative experience. While not Kona, their 2013 Yunnan Typica offers balanced chocolate and nut flavors with a medium roast, providing a smooth and approachable cup. For something earthier, their Lintong Mandheling features herbal and spicy notes with low acidity—great for exploring deeper profiles. Both are freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.