Coffee is one of the most beloved drinks around the world. Over one billion people drink coffee every day, with more than 2.25 billion cups consumed globally. But while most of us reach for an inexpensive option, there are actually some of the most expensive coffees around the world that you might not know about. From rarity to the production process, these luxurious brands might be worth trying for coffee fanatics.
6. Saint Helena
St. Helena Island Coffee is celebrated for its distinct and refined taste, and also for being one of the most expensive coffees in the world. By why so pricey? With each bag worth around $60, St. Helena coffee is grown in small quantities and is meticulously handpicked and processed. Because of this, the flavor is unlike any other on the market. The remote volcanic outpost in the South Atlantic Ocean, the coffee has roots that date back to the 18th century, offering distinctive flavors that set it apart from competitors.
5. Esmeralda Geisha
Hacienda La Esmeralda is home to Esmeralda Geisha, one of the rarest coffee varieties in the world. Initially developed in Ethiopia, it thrives in Panama’s high-altitude farms and is known for its jasmine-like aroma, tea-like body, and notes of tropical fruit. The micro-lots of this rare variety are often up for auction, valued between $350 to $600 per pound.
4. El Injerto
El Injerto is another luxurious name when it comes to the most expensive coffee in the world. Winning first place for the Cup of Excellence 10 times, the brand takes pride in crafting award-winning coffee. Similar to Esmeralda Geisha, the brand often has auctions that lead up to $500 or more in value. One of their most recent auctions was this $350 pack of 10 150-gram samples.
3. Kopi Luwak
Also called Civet Coffee, Kopi Luwak is iconic for its unique process. While it might sound unappetizing, Kopi Luwak is made from beans that have been consumed and excreted by a cat-like animal called a civet. The small animal is part of the mongoose family that lives on the Southeast Asian islands. When consumed, the beans are stimulated by the animal’s digestive enzymes, creating a smooth taste with a robust bitterness. Because of this, it’s common to see Kopi Luwak worth around $600 a pound.
2. Ospina Gran Cafe
For a staggering price of $2,500, Ospina coffee has one of the most expensive coffees in the world. Produced by one of Colombia’s oldest-coffee growing families, the brand comes from trees planted in volcanic soil at high altitudes. Not only that, but Ospina has seen five generations of expertise and passion, offering immaculate coffee with rich caramel and nutty notes with a clean, smooth finish.
1. Black Ivory
Labeled as the world’s rarest coffee, Black Ivory is the most expensive coffee in the world. What makes it so unique is similar to Kopi Luwak, except it is refined by elephants. Produced in Thailand, Arabica coffee cherries are fed to elephants, which pass through the digestive system and are collected from feces. One pound of The Reserve is a whopping $1,700.