How the Blue Mountain Conastale Estate Coffee Was Revived

Ever wondered how a coffee brand that vanished from history over 180 years ago ended up back on specialty menus? The story of Conastale Estate—once a forgotten name from Jamaica’s iconic Blue Mountains—offers a rare glimpse into how legacy, terroir, and modern trade can revive a forgotten classic.

The ‘revived’ Conastale coffee is a Jamaica Blue Mountain No.1 grade grown near the original estate site, processed at the B.M.C.P factory, and exclusively imported to Japan by Ataka Trading. Though the original farm disappeared after 1842, its name and coffee now live again through this unique collaboration.

What Was the Original Conastale Estate?

The Conastale Estate operated between 1801 and 1842 in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains. From 1801 to 1825, it was owned by Colin McClarty, followed by his son Alexander McClarty until 1825. From 1825 to 1842, management passed to the third-generation owner, Alexander Campbell. After 1842, the estate vanished from historical records, leaving only ruins of its old coffee mill behind.

How Was the Conastale Brand Revived?

The brand was resurrected not by reclaiming the original land, but by sourcing freshly picked coffee cherries from farms located near the historical Conastale site. These cherries are processed, milled, and prepared for export at the B.M.C.P factory. The operation involves the Sharpe family’s coffee trading company—father Florence Sharpe, and his sons Richard and Jason—who manage the production. Japanese firm Ataka Trading also invested in the B.M.C.P factory and holds exclusive rights to the revived Conastale-branded Blue Mountain No.1 coffee.

Where Is Conastale Located in the Blue Mountains?

The former Conastale Estate lies within Jamaica’s Blue Mountain region—a key area for cultivating Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee. Though the original structures are gone, the site’s terroir remains influential. The area is known for high altitudes, volcanic soils, and stable weather—all critical to the signature balance and smoothness of Blue Mountain No.1 coffee.

What Is Jamaica Blue Mountain No.1 Coffee?

Jamaica Blue Mountain No.1 is the highest official grade of Blue Mountain coffee. It is grown only in a defined area of Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, and must meet strict criteria: beans are sorted to a screen size of 17/18, with no more than 2% defects. It is processed, graded, and exported under official oversight. Only coffee meeting all these standards can be legally labeled as Jamaica Blue Mountain No.1.

Why Is Blue Mountain Coffee So Special?

Blue Mountain Coffee is famed for its balance. Unlike bright African coffees or heavy dark roasts, it delivers a smooth profile with no single dominant flavour. Notes often include hints of cream, caramel, chocolate, nuts, honey, and soft fruit. The cup is clean, sweet, and well-rounded, making it approachable yet complex. This balance has kept Blue Mountain coffee highly desirable for over a century.

How Is Conastale Coffee Produced Today?

Conastale Coffee is produced using a modernized version of the estate’s legacy. The Sharpe family sources coffee cherries from nearby farms in the historical Conastale zone. These are processed and milled at the B.M.C.P factory, then prepared for shipment. The coffee is exported exclusively to Japan by Ataka Trading. Though no longer grown on the original estate land, the coffee is positioned as a revival of the Conastale name, crafted from nearby terroir and traditional methods.

Who Are the Sharpe Family?

The Sharpe family—Florence, Richard, and Jason—are the driving force behind the modern Conastale brand. Based locally, they manage the sourcing of ripe cherries and oversee production at the B.M.C.P factory. Their operation ensures that the coffee reflects the historical quality associated with the Conastale name, even though it is no longer grown on the original estate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Conastale Estate still operating as a working coffee farm?

No. The original Conastale Estate ceased operations and disappeared from records after 1842. There are no surviving records of its activity beyond that year. The current 'Conastale' coffee is not produced on the original estate land, but is named in honour of its heritage and sourced from nearby farms in the same historical region of Jamaica’s Blue Mountains.

Where is the coffee processed?

The coffee is processed and milled at the B.M.C.P factory, which is operated by the Sharpe family’s coffee trading company. This facility handles the production of what is now sold as Conastale-branded Jamaica Blue Mountain No.1 coffee. Japanese company Ataka Trading has also invested in this factory.

What makes Jamaica Blue Mountain No.1 different from other Jamaican coffees?

Jamaica Blue Mountain No.1 is the highest and most strictly graded category of Blue Mountain coffee. It requires beans to be 17/18 screen size with no more than 2% defects. Only coffee meeting these exact criteria, and grown in the designated Blue Mountain region, can be labelled as No.1. This grade is known for its premium quality, balance, and limited availability.

Is the revived Conastale coffee the same as the original?

Not exactly. The original Conastale Estate ceased operations in 1842, and no coffee has been grown there since. The revived Conastale coffee is a modern product made using beans sourced from farms near the historical estate location. It is processed at the B.M.C.P factory and represents a contemporary interpretation of the historic brand’s terroir and legacy.

Who owns the rights to sell Conastale coffee?

The exclusive rights to sell the revived Conastale-branded Jamaica Blue Mountain No.1 coffee are held by Japanese trading company Ataka Trading. They have invested in the B.M.C.P factory where the coffee is processed and work with the Sharpe family, who manage sourcing and production in Jamaica.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Blue Mountain Fans

Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Jamaica Blue Mountain No.1 for a true taste of the region’s signature balance—think notes of nuts, mild chocolate, and a clean, sweet finish. For something comparably smooth but with more brightness, their Panama Huacai offers citrusy sweetness and floral tones. Or explore Ethiopia Huakui for a fruit-forward yet balanced cup. All are specialty-grade single origins, fresh-roasted for peak flavour. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.