Nespresso Launches Extremely Rare Hawaii Kona Special Reserve, Which Offers an Exceptional Experience for Coffee Connoisseurs

NEW YORK, Nov. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Committed to delivering one-of-a-kind coffee experiences, Nespresso demonstrates its expertise and innovation as it launches the highly exclusive and limited edition Hawaii Kona Special Reserve. Hawaii Kona coffee has earned a global reputation as one of the world's most prestigious coffees, beloved by true connoisseurs; it boasts a complex aromatic profile, exceptional rarity and specialist growth methods to ensure the coffee classification, "Extra Fancy."   Nespresso's Coffee Experts challenged themselves to bring Hawaii Kona's remarkable sensory experience to its Club Members.  For the first time in the brand's history Nespresso will offer its first Kona Special Reserve and the first pure origin from the U.S. – the ultimate Limited Edition for discerning coffee lovers. 

"In our endless search for the very best coffees around the world, we find small pockets of exceptional coffees, just enough in quantity to produce a Limited Edition that enable new dimensions in the journey of coffee knowledge and enjoyment," commented Karsten Ranitzsch, Head of Coffee Group, Nestle Nespresso SA. "Kona is one of the world's most sought after coffees for its exquisite taste but of such physical scarcity that it can only be offered as an extremely limited edition. To mark this distinction, Nespresso is announcing its first ever Special Reserve Coffee – Hawaii Kona – a true rare indulgence that every coffee lover should taste, if only once."

The Special Reserve will captivate coffee lovers as it gradually releases its exceptional roundness and richness alongside an array of delicate flavors and aromas.  Made of 100% pure Hawaii Kona Arabica, it is infinitely rich and smooth, with a velvety body.  The intensity of Hawaii Kona Special Reserve lies not in its strength, but in its enduring and lingering taste. In place of bitterness we find gentle fruity and well-rounded flavors that are light but lasting on the palate.

"As we grow our presence in the U.S. market, the introduction of the Hawaii Kona Special Reserve is truly a special one as it's Nespresso's first-ever coffee to be sourced entirely in the U.S.," said Frederic Levy, President, Nespresso USA. "We're constantly striving to surprise and delight our customers by delivering the highest quality, exceptional tasting coffee from across the globe, and we're thrilled to add one of the world's rarest coffees to our Grand Cru collection from right here in the U.S." Nespresso's Coffee Experts carefully controlled the strength and enhanced aromatic notes of the coffee through extraction of the finest flavors– while avoiding bitterness – through a mastering of the grinding of the beans. With an intensity of five on a scale of one-to-ten, Hawaii Kona provides a unique experience that awakens the senses.

The Origin of Hawaii Kona Special Reserve

Born from one of the most beautiful islands in the world – the perfect garden for exceptional coffee plants – Hawaii Kona's rarity is a result of meticulous growth methods, traditional farming practices and the exacting processes Nespresso required to heighten its sensatory properties.  Grown on the left side of Hawaii's Big Island on less than one thousand very small – often only five acre – family-run farms, only 40,000 bags are produced a year versus Colombia's 9 million.  The region's ideal microclimate with temperate weather, no frost, protective shade and lush volcanic soil, allows coffee bushes to develop slowly until they have created the perfect cherries which can then be hand-picked with meticulous care for the finest selection.  Only coffee grown in this very small region – as with Nespresso's pure Special Reserve – can be labeled Hawaii Kona.

Producing the Special Reserve was a complex endeavor for Nespresso's Coffee Experts.  Not only is Kona one of the rarest coffees in the world but in line with the company's exacting standards, only the very best quality called "Extra Fancy" – the highest grade in the Hawaii Kona classification, is good enough for Nespresso's Special Reserve. The "Extra Fancy" classification is based on the physical condition and characteristics of the beans.

Limited Availability of Hawaii Kona Special Reserve

Due to its small volume, fragility of the crop, and Nespresso's meticulous approach, the quantity produced is very limited and precious.  To preserve and best protect it, the cherries were stored with the kept parchment in Hawaii, and a second liner bag was added to protect and maintain the freshness of this delicate coffee. 

A precious production, Nespresso's Hawaii Kona also requires a very specific and delicate two-phase roasting method, carefully developed by Nespresso Experts, to highlight the coffee's rare quality through its incomparable flavor and complexity.  First, the beans' residual humidity is dried to be leveled, and the beans are roasted homogenously at a constant temperature, inside and out – the process enhancing the expression of delicate aromas allowing them to fully develop and reveal the delightful subtlety of the Special Reserve's fruity bouquet.

Due to the refinement of Hawaii Kona, it is best served as an espresso and can also be enjoyed with a splash of milk to enhance nutty, toasted notes. Reflecting the preciousness of the coffee inside, the Hawaii Kona capsule is a pure aluminum color. The sleeve, in line with the capsule, is finished in a satin mat shade of aluminum and opens from the front in a coffer style. 

Hawaii Kona Special Reserve launched on November 2^nd and is available in very limited quantities for a limited time at Nespresso Flagship Boutiques (New York, Miami and Boston), Nespresso Boutique-in-Shop locations, through the Nespresso Club (1.800.562.1465) and at www.Nespresso.com.  A sleeve sells for $20.00.

For more information on the new Hawaii Kona or other Nespresso coffees, visit www.Nespresso.com.

About Nestle Nespresso SA
Nestle Nespresso SA is the pioneer and reference for highest-quality portioned premium coffee. Headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, Nespresso operates in more than 50 countries and has more than 7 000 employees. In 2011, it operated a global retail network of 270 exclusive boutiques. For more information, visit the new Nestle Nespresso corporate website: www.nestle-nespresso.com. 

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SOURCE Nestle Nespresso SA