Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, with millions of people drinking it every day. However, not all coffee is created equal, and some varieties can cost a fortune. In this article, we will introduce you to the world’s most expensive coffee and show you where you can get your hands on it.
Ground coffee in portafilter on coffee beans backgroundWhat is the World’s Most Expensive Coffee?
The world’s most expensive coffee is called Kopi Luwak, also known as civet coffee. It is made from coffee beans that have been eaten and excreted by a civet, a small mammal found in Southeast Asia. The civet eats the coffee cherries, but it cannot digest the beans, so they pass through its digestive system intact. The beans are then collected from the civet’s faeces, cleaned, roasted, and brewed into coffee.
Kopi Luwak is expensive because of its unique production process. It is also rare, as the civet’s natural habitat has been shrinking due to deforestation and the expansion of agriculture. Additionally, the demand for Kopi Luwak has increased in recent years, driving up prices even further.
Where Can You Get Kopi Luwak?
Kopi Luwak is available in speciality coffee shops and online retailers. However, due to its high cost, it is not widely available. The price of Kopi Luwak can range from $100 to $600 per pound, depending on the quality and origin of the beans.
If you are looking to try Kopi Luwak, it is important to make sure you are buying from a reputable source. Some retailers sell fake Kopi Luwak, which is made from regular coffee beans and does not have the same unique flavour as the real thing.
What Does Kopi Luwak Taste Like?
Kopi Luwak is known for its unique flavour profile, which is described as smooth, rich, and earthy, with hints of chocolate and caramel. The coffee has a low acidity level and a full body, which gives it a velvety texture.
The flavour of Kopi Luwak is influenced by the civet’s digestive system, which breaks down the coffee cherries and removes any bitterness from the beans. The beans are also fermented during the digestion process, which adds to their unique flavour.
Is Kopi Luwak Ethical?
The production of Kopi Luwak has been a subject of controversy in recent years. Some animal welfare groups argue that the civets are mistreated and kept in captivity for the sole purpose of producing coffee. They claim that the civets are often confined to small cages and fed a diet of coffee cherries, which can lead to health problems.
As a result, some retailers have stopped selling Kopi Luwak, while others have switched to alternative production methods, such as wild-crafted or farm-grown civet coffee.
Conclusion
Kopi Luwak is the world’s most expensive coffee, known for its unique flavour profile and rare production process. It is available from speciality coffee shops and online retailers, but due to its high cost, it is not widely available. If you are looking to try Kopi Luwak, it is important to make sure you are buying from a reputable source and to be aware of the ethical concerns surrounding its production. While Kopi Luwak may not be for everyone, it is an interesting and unique coffee that is worth trying at least once.
