For most of us, coffee is an essential part of our daily routine. It is one of the most traded commodities and is the second most consumed beverage in the world. With countless varieties available, choosing the finest and most premium blend can be a daunting task.
The 7 Most Expensive Coffees in the World
Our list of the world's most expensive coffees showcases some of the finest and most unique coffees from around the globe. From rare coffee beans crafted with the aid of elephants to blends roasted by century-old artisans, these coffees redefine the standards of excellence in every cup.
Black Ivory - $2,500 per kilogram
"Black Ivory" coffee is the most expensive coffee in the world, surpassing even "Kopi Luwak" in exclusivity and price. Produced in Anantara resorts in the Maldives and Thailand, this rare coffee involves nearly 30 elephants consuming Thai Arabica coffee beans. After undergoing a natural fermentation process in the elephants' digestive system, the beans produce a coffee with reduced bitterness and a smooth, chocolatey flavour, with hints of red berries offering a unique taste.
The coffee production process is costly, with elephants consuming about 35 kilos of coffee cherries to yield just under a kilo of coffee beans. However, it's not just about taste, proceeds from sales support the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, supporting the majestic animals and their caretakers. With a limited availability of approximately 225 kg per year, Black Ivory Coffee is reserved for a select clientele, highlighting the brand's commitment to quality and exclusivity.
Misha Coffee - $1,500 per kilogram
This exceptional variety surpasses the traditional Misha Life Bosque blend, thanks to a unique natural process involving local Coatis. These native animals, skilled at selecting ripe coffee cherries, contribute to the beans' distinct profile through their digestive process, imparting additional fruity notes. Located in the Andean Mountains' high altitudes, the coffee unfolds flavours of deep chocolate, almond, and subtle citrus undertones.
Similar to "Kopi Luwak" or "Black Ivory," the coffee cherries are eaten by the Coatis and partially digested before being eliminated. Inside the stomach, the beans mix with previously consumed fruits like pineapples or papayas, influencing the coffee's flavour profile. The collected droppings are roasted at nearly 220 degrees to ensure cleanliness before processing.
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Kopi Luwak - $1,300 per kilogram
Originating from Indonesia, these beans are renowned as one of the world's most expensive and exquisite varieties of coffee. To craft this coffee, the beans undergo a unique process. They are fed to civets, small mongoose-like mammals found in the tropical forests of Asia and Africa, and then harvested from their droppings. As the civets digest the beans, they ferment, resulting in an unmistakable flavour profile. Known for its strong earthy tones and musty aroma, Kopi Luwak often exhibits hints of caramel, chocolate, and nutty flavours. This intricately nuanced coffee attracts numerous visitors to Indonesia each year, seeking to better understand its production process.
Ospina Coffee: Dynasty Gran Café, Premier Grand Cru - $1250 per kilogram
The Ospina name carries a legacy of excellence in Colombian coffee for over 185 years. Grown in the lush highland microclimates of Colombia's Andean mountains, Ospina Coffee cherries benefit from volcanic soil, ample rainfall, and abundant sunshine. Hand-picked at peak ripeness, they undergo a specialised "bird-friendly wet milling" process to preserve their inherent qualities.
Sun-dried and carefully rested, these beans yield Ospina's trademark sweet, balanced cup. Exclusive use of the rare Arabica Typica variety, known as the "Champagne of coffee," ensures intricate flavours and a velvety body. With less than 1% of global Arabica production, Ospina's beans are exceptionally precious and undergo over 20 quality control checks to maintain their uncompromising standards which makes their coffee some of the most expensive in the world.
Finca El Injerto - $1,100 per kilogram
Finca El Injerto commands prices starting at $1,100/kg due to its exceptional quality and award-winning status. Grown in Guatemala, this coffee undergoes a unique washing process to enhance grain quality, contributing to its rich, full-bodied profile with a creamy texture and sweet, smooth taste reminiscent of dark chocolate. It also features notes of tea, rose, tamarind, coconut, and sweet fruits, offering a distinctive flavour profile.
As the first carbon-neutral certified coffee farm in Guatemala, El Injerto, managed by the Aguirre family, prioritises sustainable practices and social responsibility. Thanks to its mineral-rich non-volcanic soil and high-altitude location, El Injerto coffees authentically reflect the terrain of Guatemala which distinguishes them from their imitations and dupes.
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Saint Helena - $870 per kilogram
The history of this coffee traces back to 1733 when the East India Company transported coffee seeds from Yemen's port of Mocha to the volcanic island of St. Helena, located approximately 1900 km from the African mainland. The island's mild climate and volcanic soil provided ideal conditions for coffee cultivation. Known for being Napoleon Bonaparte's exile, the island's limited size and tough accessibility contribute to the rarity and expensive nature of St. Helena coffee.
Cultivation and processing are exclusively done by hand, following organic principles. Described as the world's best coffee in 1839, production ceased in the late 19th century due to changing market demands. However, it resumed in 1994 under David Henry's initiative, and later, a joint venture revived production in 2010. St. Helena coffee offers subtle flavours of hazelnut, chocolate, and almond, with mild acidity.
Hacienda La Esmeralda - $560 per kilogram
Hacienda La Esmeralda, a family-owned business in Panama's southwest highlands, produces award-winning specialty coffee, including its high-altitude Geisha variety. Since 2007, the Petersons have achieved record prices through private online auctions, showcasing their commitment to quality and taste. Grown under guava trees on Mount Baru, the beans have earned numerous accolades, contributing to their impressive price tag. With flavours of peach, vanilla, lavender, and honey, Hacienda La Esmeralda offers a uniquely rich and sweet cup with strong acidity.
The world of expensive coffees is as diverse as it is dynamic, with offerings from various corners of the globe. Unlike wine, coffee's shelf life is limited, requiring timely consumption to savour its unique flavours. Involving unique cultivation methods, meticulous processing techniques, and exquisite flavour profiles, exploring these exquisite brews promise an ever-evolving journey of luxury and taste, offering a sensory experience unlike any other.
