Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, with over 1 billion people drinking it every day. But not all coffee is created equal. Some coffee beans are so rare, so exquisite, and so sought-after that they can cost a fortune. In this article, we’ll take a look at the 10 most expensive coffees in the world and what makes them so special. Warning: some of these coffees may shock you with their price tags and their production methods!
Hawaiian Kona – $35/pound
Hawaiian Kona is a type of coffee that comes from the Kona districts of Hawaii, where the climate and soil are ideal for growing coffee. The beans are hand-picked and sun-dried, resulting in a smooth and rich flavor. Hawaiian Kona is considered to be one of the best coffees in the world, but it’s also very rare and in high demand. Only coffee that is grown in the Kona districts can be labeled as “Kona Coffee”, and the supply is limited by the land area and the weather. To make things worse, some producers mix pure Kona with cheaper beans to create a more affordable blend, which dilutes the quality and taste. If you want to enjoy the real deal, look for packets that say “100% Kona Coffee”.
Los Planes – $40/pound
Los Planes is a family-owned coffee plantation in El Salvador that produces award-winning coffee beans. The farm is located near the Citala volcano, which provides fertile soil and mineral-rich water for the coffee plants. Los Planes coffee has a variety of flavors, such as tangerine, caramel, and brown sugar. It has won several prizes, including the second place at the 2006 Cup of Excellence and the sixth place at the same event in 2011. Los Planes coffee is praised for its fruity and sweet taste, and its loyal customers are willing to pay $40 per pound for this exquisite brew.
Fazenda Santa Ines – $50/pound
Fazenda Santa Ines is a Brazilian coffee farm that has been producing coffee for over 100 years. The farm is situated near the Mantiquera mountains, which create a microclimate that is perfect for growing coffee. Fazenda Santa Ines coffee is known for its fruity and floral aroma and its complex and balanced flavor. It has been ranked as one of the best coffees in the world by several experts and critics, and it has also won eighth place at the 2009 Cup of Excellence. Fazenda Santa Ines coffee is a rare and delicious treat that costs $50 per pound.
Jamaican Blue Mountain – $50/pound
Jamaican Blue Mountain is a legendary coffee that comes from the Blue Mountains of Jamaica, where the altitude, rainfall, and soil create optimal conditions for coffee cultivation. The beans are carefully selected, processed, and roasted, resulting in a smooth and mild coffee that has a hint of chocolate and nuts. Jamaican Blue Mountain is one of the most sought-after coffees in the world, especially in Japan, where it accounts for 80% of the market. The supply of Jamaican Blue Mountain is limited by the geographical area and the strict quality standards, which drive up the price to $50 per pound.
Molokai – $51/pound
Molokai is a Hawaiian island that is home to a unique coffee called Molokai Muleskinner. This coffee is grown on the slopes of the Maunaloa volcano, which gives it a distinctive flavor and aroma. Molokai Muleskinner is a dark roast coffee that has a bold and earthy taste, with notes of caramel and spice. It is also organic and pesticide-free, which adds to its appeal. Molokai Muleskinner is a rare and exotic coffee that costs $51 per pound.
St. Helena – $79/pound
St. Helena is a remote island in the Atlantic Ocean that is famous for being the place where Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled and died. It is also the origin of a rare and expensive coffee called St. Helena Coffee. This coffee is grown on the island’s volcanic soil, which gives it a unique flavor and aroma. St. Helena Coffee is a medium roast coffee that has a smooth and delicate taste, with hints of citrus, honey, and caramel. It is also one of the favorite coffees of Napoleon himself, who reportedly drank it every day. St. Helena Coffee is a historical and luxurious coffee that costs $79 per pound.
Kopi Luwak – $160/pound
Kopi Luwak is a controversial and exotic coffee that comes from Indonesia. It is made from coffee beans that have been eaten and digested by a small mammal called the Asian palm civet. The civets eat the ripe coffee cherries, but they cannot digest the beans, which pass through their digestive system and are excreted. The beans are then collected, cleaned, and roasted, producing a coffee that has a rich and smooth flavor, with notes of chocolate and caramel. Kopi Luwak is one of the most expensive coffees in the world, not only because of its rarity and taste but also because of its production method, which raises ethical and environmental concerns. Some people consider Kopi Luwak to be a delicacy, while others find it disgusting and cruel.
Hacienda La Esmeralda – $350/pound
Hacienda La Esmeralda is a coffee farm in Panama that produces some of the most expensive and acclaimed coffee in the world. The farm is located in the Boquete region, where the high altitude, cool climate, and rich soil create ideal conditions for coffee growing. The farm is famous for its Geisha variety, which is a rare and delicate coffee that has a floral and fruity flavor, with notes of jasmine, bergamot, and honey. Hacienda La Esmeralda coffee has won several awards, including first place at the Best of Panama auction and the Cup of Excellence. Hacienda La Esmeralda coffee is a refined and exquisite coffee that costs $350 per pound.
Finca El Injerto – $500/pound
Finca El Injerto is a coffee farm in Guatemala that produces some of the most expensive and exclusive coffee in the world. The farm is located in the Huehuetenango region, where the high elevation, volcanic soil, and shade-grown plants create a perfect environment for coffee cultivation. The farm is known for its Pacamara variety, which is a rare and large coffee bean that has a complex and intense flavor, with notes of citrus, chocolate, and floral. Finca El Injerto coffee has won several prizes, including first place at the Cup of Excellence and the Specialty Coffee Association of America. Finca El Injerto coffee is a premium and sophisticated coffee that costs $500 per pound.
Black Ivory – $1,000/pound
Black Ivory is the most expensive coffee in the world, and it is also the most unusual. It is made from coffee beans that have been eaten and digested by elephants. The elephants eat the coffee cherries, but they cannot digest the beans, which ferment in their stomachs and are excreted. The beans are then collected, washed, and roasted, producing a coffee that has a smooth and mellow flavor, with notes of chocolate, malt, and spice. Black Ivory is a rare and exotic coffee that costs $1,000 per pound.
