The 10 most expensive coffees in the world
Ah, coffee – the elixir of productivity, the morning hug in a mug! But did you know that while most of us are content with our local brew, there are those who indulge in the crème de la crème of coffee beans, priced like fine wines and rare gems?
Yes, we’re talking about the beans that might make your wallet gently weep as you savor their exclusive aromas. Here’s a rundown of the 10 most expensive coffee beans in the world that are sure to perk up your curiosity (and maybe drain your bank account).
1. Black Ivory Coffee
Price: Up to $500 per pound
Ever thought about coffee processed through an elephant’s digestive system? Yes, you read that right.
Straight from the hills of Thailand, Black Ivory Coffee offers a unique production process involving elephants. Yes, you heard right—elephants!
The elephants eat the coffee cherries, and the beans are harvested from their… contributions.
The result? A distinctive flavor that’s smooth, chocolatey, and without a hint of bitterness. It’s a rare delicacy that’s as exotic as it sounds. It’s the perfect gift for someone who has everything, including a penchant for eccentric luxury!
2. Finca El Injerto Coffee
Price: Up to $500 per pound
Hailing from Guatemala, Finca El Injerto is renowned for its tiny beans with a big flavor. Grown in nutrient-rich volcanic soil, these beans are washed with pure spring water and meticulously sun-dried.
This cup will offer you a taste of crisp apple, tangerine, and apricot notes.
These rare beans are auctioned every year like Picasso in a coffee cup, with prices regularly crossing the $500 per round threshold—putting them on every list of most expensive coffee beans in the world!
3. Hacienda La Esmeralda
Price: Up to $350 per pound
Grown in the shade of guava trees in Panama, these beans are as exotic as the land they come from.
Known for its extremely aromatic profile, Hacienda La Esmeralda coffee boasts a bouquet of jasmine and stone fruit aromas.
It’s often sold through private auctions, fetching incredibly high prices due to its unique flavor and limited availability.
4. Kopi Luwak
Price: Up to $300 per pound
Yes, it’s the famed cat poop coffee!
Originally from Indonesia, these beans are eaten, digested, and then excreted by the civet cat. This natural fermentation process imparts a rich, smooth taste minus the acidity.
Just be sure to choose ethically sourced Kopi Luwak to avoid supporting harmful practices.
5. Saint Helena Coffee
Price: Up to $79 per pound
Napoleon Bonaparte’s exile spot, Saint Helena, offers more than historical trivia—it also gives us this unique coffee.
Its volcanic soil gives the coffee a vibrant and winey acidity, combined with hints of citrus and caramel.
And its remote cultivation makes it not only rare but also super expensive to transport—a truly regal brew!
6. Molokai Coffee
Price: Up to $51 per pound
This coffee is cultivated on small family farms on the island of Molokai in Hawaii. The rich volcanic soil and the warm Hawaiian sun ensure that each bean is bursting with flavor. Expect a mellow taste with hints of nuts and tropical fruits.
7. Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee
Price: Up to $50 per pound
One of the most revered coffees worldwide, Jamaican Blue Mountain is known for its mild flavor and lack of bitterness.
It’s grown at very high elevations with a tightly controlled production, which slows the fruit’s maturation process and results in a denser, richer bean.
8. Fazenda Santa Ines
Price: Up to $50 per pound
This coffee, cherished for its fruity notes and natural sweetness, is grown in the mineral-rich soils of Brazil. It is celebrated for its sweet, fruity flavors, reminiscent of berries and caramel.
Grown without pesticides, Fazenda Santa Ines emphasizes natural growing methods, and the attention to detail is evident in every sip.
9. El Salvador Los Planes
Price: Up to $35 per pound
Another gem from Central America, this coffee offers a complex flavor profile with hints of tangerine, caramel, and spice.
It was a close runner-up in the Cup of Excellence, and no wonder—it’s got a taste to remember!
10. Starbucks Reserve Rwanda Blue Bourbon
Price: Approximately $30 per pound
Rounding off the 10 most expensive coffee beans in the world is this rare “Blue Bourbon” bean from Rwanda’s volcanic soil, which is featured in the Starbucks Reserve line, celebrating unique global coffees.
Known for its deep, rich flavors with berry undertones, this Arabica variety offers a bright acidity and smooth body. Its complex profile blends sweet orange, peach, and caramel, creating a vibrant yet comforting cup with a pleasing aftertaste.
So there you have it, the 10 most expensive coffees in the world! Whether you’re splurging on a pound or just dreaming about these luxurious brews, remember that sometimes the best things in life are, indeed, the ones you drink!
