A next-level coffee that brings the bean’s potential to its absolute peak: Premium.
We took an original blend — crafted with care in bean quality, blending balance, and roasting process — and elevated it further by adding a special treatment to produce an even finer coffee.
The technique is a third process completely separate from the common coffee steps of fermentation or roasting.
As a pre-treatment to maximize the natural aroma and sweetness that green beans inherently possess, we employ the Natural Enhance method, a patented technology.
As a result, off-flavors are reduced and the coffee becomes sweeter and easier to drink while retaining a rich, refined aroma.
This is our top-tier premium blend, featuring the most Hawaiian-like characteristics!
Difference Between Premium and Original
Premium is built on the same beans and proportions as our Original blend.
Applying the Natural Enhance method to that base creates a number of changes.
The Original blend is close to the globally ideal “classic” composition, and it uses top-grade coffee beans. It is overall well balanced and crafted to bring out the best possible flavor.
Premium then becomes a more Hawaiian-style coffee in which acidity, bitterness, and caffeine are reduced while sweetness, savory notes, body, aroma, and a pleasant aftertaste are increased.
It is not fully decaffeinated, but caffeine naturally decreases by roughly 10%, making it gentler on the body.
Another major benefit is a significant increase in antioxidant capacity.
Flavor Changes in Premium
Because the Premium blend uses scientific techniques, here is a brief look at the academic basis.
The figures below are reference data based on average trends from overseas university research and analyses by the Japan Food Research Laboratories.
- Acidity: 25–30% reduction (due to breakdown of chlorogenic and quinic acids, which lowers acidic components)
- Bitterness: about 20% reduction (due to decreased formation of CGA-derived lactones and phenylindans)
- Sweetness: about 15% increase (polysaccharides breaking down into reducing sugars increases natural sweet components)
- Umami: about 40% increase (increases in alanine, glutamic acid, and other compounds)
- Body: 20–25% increase (increase in free amino acids and peptides)
- Aroma: noticeably improved (enhanced Maillard reactions from increased amino acids)
- Aftertaste: greatly improved (reduction of bitterness and astringency factors)
- Caffeine: about 10% reduction (due to early-stage metabolic effects)
- Antioxidant capacity: 10–15% increase (generation of new phenolics and increased melanoidin formation)
Five‑Point Evaluation of Premium’s Characteristics
| Item | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Acidity | Mild (★★☆☆☆) | The sharp edges of acidity are softened. |
| Bitterness | Gentle (★★☆☆☆) | Low bitterness, easy to drink. |
| Sweetness | Very sweet (★★★★★) | Clearly perceptible sweetness. |
| Umami | Very savory (★★★★★) | Strong mellowness and deep savoriness. |
| Body | Rich (★★★★☆) | Substantial texture and quality. |
| Aroma | Floral and lively (★★★★☆) | Sweet roasted-nut fragrance. |
| Aftertaste | Excellent (★★★★★) | Surprisingly clean finish. |
| Caffeine | Lower (★★☆☆☆) | Gentle absorption. |
| Antioxidant Power | Strong (★★★★☆) | Increased polyphenols. |
Premium Uses the Same Principle as the World’s Finest Kopi Luwak
In fact, Premium is processed scientifically using the same basic principle as the famously high-end Kopi Luwak beans.
In Kopi Luwak, civet enzymes in the digestive tract break down proteins and polyphenols to reduce off-flavors and bitterness while increasing sugars and amino acids, which enhances sweetness and savoriness and produces a cleaner aftertaste.
Although Kopi Luwak tends to attract attention for being “civet feces,” the process itself undeniably makes coffee more palatable.
However, it also has many downsides: hygiene concerns, inconsistent quality, unstable supply, and high cost.
The patented Natural Enhance method addresses all those drawbacks.
Its greatest advantages are safety, reproducibility, improved health value, and excellent cost performance.
Product Details for Premium
| Name | Premium |
| Net Weight | 7 oz (198 g) |
| Bean Type | Ground, Whole Bean |
| Size | 9 × 5.5 × 25 cm |
| Weight | 0.25 kg |
| Price | 1,980 JPY (tax included) |
| EAN Code | 4595555098054 (ground), 4595555098061 (whole bean) |
| URL | Product Page |
Recommended Recipe
Waikiki Coffee’s Recommended Recipe – Hand-Drip Edition
Coffee Tips and Knowledge
Best Coffee Tools to Improve Flavor – Top 5 High-Quality & Affordable Picks
How to Pour Coffee Like a Pro – The Ultimate Hand-Drip Brewing Guide
Best Coffee Storage Methods – Tips to Keep Your Coffee Fresh