15 Most Expensive Coffee in the World

Coffee is a beloved beverage enjoyed by millions across the globe, and for those with a discerning taste, the quest for the most luxurious and rare coffee is an ongoing journey. This article will take you through the 15 most expensive coffee varieties in the world, with a special focus on the coveted Kopi Luwak, which claims the top spot.

From exotic beans harvested in unique locations to methods of processing that add to the price, we will explore what makes these coffees so expensive and why they continue to attract coffee enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.

1. Kopi Luwak (Civet Coffee)

Kopi Luwak, or civet coffee, is undoubtedly the most expensive coffee in the world. This unique coffee is produced using a natural process in which the beans are eaten and then excreted by the civet, a small mammal found in Southeast Asia.

The beans are collected from the feces of the civet, cleaned, and then roasted to create a coffee that is said to have a smooth, rich, and earthy flavor profile. The process of fermentation inside the civet’s digestive system is believed to contribute to the coffee’s unique taste.

Due to its labor-intensive and rare harvesting process, Kopi Luwak coffee can sell for as much as $500 per pound.

2. Hacienda La Esmeralda

Hacienda La Esmeralda, a Panamanian coffee, is renowned for its Geisha variety, which is one of the rarest and most sought-after beans in the coffee world. This coffee is grown in the Boquete region of Panama, known for its ideal growing conditions.

Hacienda La Esmeralda is particularly famous for its Geisha beans, which have a delicate and complex flavor profile with notes of jasmine, bergamot, and tropical fruit. The high demand and limited supply make this coffee one of the most expensive, costing around $350 per pound.

3. Black Ivory Coffee

Produced in Thailand, Black Ivory Coffee is another rare and expensive coffee similar to Kopi Luwak. The beans are eaten by elephants and then collected from their dung.

The fermentation process inside the elephant’s stomach is believed to enhance the flavor of the beans, resulting in a smooth, mellow coffee with notes of chocolate, spice, and fruit. Black Ivory Coffee is sold at approximately $500 per pound, making it one of the most expensive coffees in the world.

4. Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee

Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee is a well-known coffee from the Blue Mountain region of Jamaica, one of the most famous coffee-growing areas in the world. The beans are grown at high altitudes, where the cool temperatures and rich soil contribute to their exceptional flavor.

This coffee is known for its mild taste and low acidity, making it a favorite among coffee lovers. Due to its limited supply and high demand, Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee can cost between $50 and $100 per pound.

5. Hawaiian Kona Coffee

Hawaiian Kona Coffee is grown on the slopes of the Mauna Loa volcano in Hawaii. The volcanic soil and tropical climate provide ideal growing conditions for Kona coffee, renowned for its smooth, rich flavor and low acidity.

Kona coffee is often considered one of the best coffees in the world, and its price reflects its high quality. It can be sold for up to $100 per pound, making it one of the most expensive coffees.

6. Panama Geisha

Panama Geisha coffee is grown in the Boquete region of Panama, which is renowned for its high-quality coffee production. The Geisha variety, originally from Ethiopia, is known for its complex flavor profile, including floral, fruity, and citrus notes.

Panama Geisha has gained worldwide recognition for its exceptional taste, with prices ranging from $350 to $600 per pound, depending on the quality and harvest.

7. Finca El Injerto

Finca El Injerto is a coffee farm in Guatemala that produces some of the highest-quality Arabica beans in the world. The beans are grown at high altitudes in the Huehuetenango region, where the soil and climate are perfect for producing rich, flavorful coffee.

Finca El Injerto coffee is known for its smooth and balanced taste, with notes of chocolate, caramel, and fruit. Due to its limited supply, this coffee can cost upwards of $500 per pound.

8. Kopi Luwak of Bali

While Kopi Luwak is primarily associated with Indonesia, there are also unique variations of the coffee produced on the island of Bali. These beans are also harvested from the droppings of civet cats, but the flavor profile can vary depending on the region and the specific processing methods used.

Bali Kopi Luwak is known for its rich, earthy flavor and smooth finish, with prices ranging from $200 to $350 per pound.

9. Colombian Coffee

Colombian coffee is known for its high quality and rich flavor. Grown in the ideal climate of Colombia’s mountain regions, these beans are prized for their smooth, balanced taste with hints of caramel and nutty flavors.

The best Colombian coffees, particularly those from specialty farms, can cost up to $100 per pound, making them among the most expensive coffees in the world.

10. Ethiopia Sidamo Coffee

Ethiopian Sidamo coffee is a high-quality Arabica coffee grown in the Sidamo region of southern Ethiopia. Known for its vibrant acidity, floral notes, and fruity flavor profile, this coffee is highly prized by coffee connoisseurs.

The combination of altitude and ideal growing conditions gives Sidamo coffee its unique and sought-after flavor, with prices reaching up to $50 per pound for the best varieties.

11. Sumatra Mandheling Coffee

Sumatra Mandheling is a variety of coffee grown on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. This coffee is known for its full-bodied flavor, earthy notes, and low acidity.

It is often used in espresso blends and is highly prized for its rich, smooth taste. Sumatra Mandheling coffee can be priced at around $50 to $75 per pound, depending on its quality.

12. Yunnan Coffee

Yunnan coffee is grown in the Yunnan province of China, an area known for its diverse and fertile soil. The coffee grown here is often described as having a complex flavor profile with notes of chocolate, spice, and earthy tones.

While it is not as widely known as other coffee varieties, the increasing demand for Yunnan coffee has driven up its price, with premium varieties reaching up to $100 per pound.

13. Tanzanian Peaberry Coffee

Tanzanian Peaberry coffee is produced in the highlands of Tanzania, where the combination of volcanic soil and ideal weather conditions creates the perfect environment for coffee cultivation.

The Peaberry variety is particularly rare, as it forms when only one bean develops inside the coffee cherry instead of two. This coffee is known for its bright acidity and full-bodied flavor, with prices ranging from $30 to $70 per pound.

14. Blue Mountain Coffee from Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea’s Blue Mountain Coffee is often compared to Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee for its similar growing conditions and flavor profile.

Grown at high altitudes, this coffee is known for its smooth, mild flavor with a hint of nuttiness. Due to its limited availability, it can cost between $50 and $80 per pound.

15. Nicaragua Coffee

Nicaragua is home to some of the finest Arabica coffee beans, which are grown in the country’s high-altitude regions. Known for their smooth, balanced taste and vibrant acidity, Nicaraguan coffee beans are highly sought after by coffee lovers worldwide.

Premium Nicaraguan coffee can sell for up to $60 per pound, making it one of the most expensive coffees in the world.

Conclusion

The world of the most expensive coffee is a fascinating one, with beans that are rare, unique, and sought after by coffee connoisseurs. From the exotic Kopi Luwak to the delicate Geisha varieties, these coffees represent the pinnacle of coffee quality. While the high prices may be a barrier for some, the exceptional flavors and unique production methods make these coffees a true luxury for those willing to indulge.

For those looking to explore high-quality coffee from Indonesia, consider sourcing your beans from FnB Tech, a supplier offering the best Indonesian coffee beans. Whether you’re a business or a coffee enthusiast, FnB Tech provides premium coffee that embodies the richness of Indonesia’s coffee-growing regions.

Check out our selection of top-quality coffee for your next premium coffee experience.