10 most expensive coffees in the world and what makes them worth the price
From elephant-digested beans in Thailand to volcanic island brews from the South Atlantic, discover what sets these elite coffees apart and why they command such high prices.
Black Ivory Coffee Black Ivory Coffee originates from the mountainous areas of northern Thailand and is among the most unique and rare coffees worldwide. The process of making the coffee is quite uncommon. Arabica beans, aged for at least a year, are eaten by elephants, then naturally fermented during digestion, and then collected by farmers. The enzymatic process creates a coffee that is extremely smooth, low in acidity, and exhibits delicate flavors of chocolate, tamarind and spice. This unique coffee is priced around ₹91,000 per kilogram.(Image: Pinterest)
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Finca El Injerto Finca El Injerto is grown on volcanic soil at high altitude, which contributes to the unique quality of the coffee. Finca El Injerto consists of dense beans, and the highland waters are purification washed, and sun-dried. The coffee is consider to have award-winning characteristics with care taken to produce the micro-lots, which are hand sorted and in the process, a lot of effort has been made to that coffee is processed effectively. The cost of Finca El Injerto is approximately ₹91,000 per kilogram.(Image: Pinterest)
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Hacienda La Esmeralda Hacienda La Esmeralda is located in the famous Boquete region of Panama. It is known for producing one of the most well known varietals, Gesha. The beans grow under guava tree shade contributing floral and fruit forward notes. When brewed the coffee tastes of jasmine, bergamot, and tropical fruits with a light tea body. The price of Hacienda La Esmeralda is around ₹63,700 per kilogram.(Image: Pinterest)
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Kopi Luwak Kopi Luwak is one of the most well-known luxury coffees and comes from coffee beans that are eaten and excreted by civet cats in Indonesia. The digestive process creates a fermentation that alters the beans and gives a cup of coffee with a smooth, not bitter taste. After the fermentation process is complete, the beans are collected, cleaned, and roasted to produce coffee that has earthy flavors with mild acidity, and the price is around Rs 54,600 for a kilogram.(Image: Pinterest)
Saint Helena Coffee Saint Helena coffee comes from the small volcanic island of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic. The island has nutrient-dense soil and was formed from an eruption of volcanoes, along with a mild maritime climate. Saint Helena coffee is grown on small micro-lots and harvested by hand, and it generally goes through traditional processing. As the micro-lots are limited, and there are few growers, producing Saint Helena coffee leads to a refined cup of coffee and is approximately ₹14,400 per kilogram.(Image: Pinterest)
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Molokai Coffee Molokai coffee is grown exclusively on the Hawaiian island of Molokai. The coffee is produced from volcanically rich soil and unique coastal microclimate. The family farms responsible for the process produce well-rounded coffee with a nutty flavor and hints of tropical fruit, with a delicate body. Molokai coffee costs ₹9,300 a kilogram.(Image: Pinterest)
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Jamaican Blue Mountain Sometimes referred to as the champagne of coffee, Jamaican Blue Mountain originates from high-altitude growing areas in the Blue Mountains. The cooler temperatures on the hillsides slow down the growth of the coffee beans, allowing for the complex flavors to develop slow without bitterness. It is famous for its smooth body, mild acidity, and bright-floral notes, presenting around ₹9,100 per kilogram.(Image: Pinterest)
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Fazenda Santa Ines Originating in Minas Gerais, Brazil, Fazenda Santa Ines is known for its naturally sweet and smooth profile. The farm uses no synthetic pesticides, only hand-picking its beans for collection. The coffee is fruity in flavor and rich in mouthfeel while bringing together notes of berry, sugarcane and chocolate, costing around ₹9,100 per kilogram.(Image: Pinterest)
El Salvador Los Planes Los Planes coffee originates from the Chalatenango mountains in El Salvador and has won several international awards, They are also known for their environmentally-friendly growing methods and use both washed and honey processes of processing their coffee. The coffee is bright and complex with plum, citrus and notes of milk chocolate and costs around ₹6,400 per kilogram.(Image: Pinterest)
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Starbucks Reserve Rwanda Blue Bourbon Coming from Starbucks' Reserve collection, this specialty coffee derives from Rwanda's high elevation area. Blue Bourbon is a highly sought-after varietal known for its clean flavor, medium body, and bright citrus acidity. Starbucks partners with local farmers to ensure the coffee is ethically sourced and sustainably farmed. Overall, this coffee retails for about ₹5,500 per kilogram.(Image: Pinterest)
