Some of the world’s most expensive coffees

We sometimes hear that expensive means good. Certain coffees command extraordinary prices because their beans are difficult to obtain or production is limited. Sometimes their growing conditions, quality and final flavour make enthusiasts willing to pay a great deal. Here are some of the world's famously expensive coffees, as discussed in the original article.

Kopi Luwak

Kopi Luwak has been sold in Poland at prices around PLN 450–500 per 100 g, as quoted when this article was first published. Its unusual production helps explain the cost.

The beans are collected after passing through the digestive tract of a civet, also called a luwak. The animal eats coffee cherries, digests the pulp and excretes the beans, which are then collected and processed.

Traditional accounts emphasise the civet's selection of ripe fruit and describe the resulting coffee as gentler and less bitter. Production methods and quality vary, so the name alone is not a guarantee.

Esmeralda Special

Sometimes called a coffee lover's Holy Grail, this celebrated Gesha coffee comes from Hacienda La Esmeralda in Panama. It is known for floral and fruity aromas and a sweet character.

There is no single fixed price. Selected lots are offered through special auctions, and the estate's coffees have earned numerous awards.

Hawaii Kona

Kona coffee grows on the volcanic slopes of Hawaii, where mineral-rich soils contribute to the growing environment. Climate matters too, with warm days and cooler, humid nights.

The cherries are picked by hand and processed and dried before the green beans are ready for roasting. The original guide describes sun drying and roasting around 200°C; actual processing and roast profiles vary between producers.

St Helena

St Helena coffee has a story linked with Napoleon. Local lore says he loved the coffee during his exile on the island and even took an interest in growing it. Whatever the details, his association helped bring attention to the island's coffee in Paris and elsewhere in Europe.

It is often described as having a citrus character, making it an intriguing choice for drinkers who enjoy fresh, lively flavours.

Blue Mountain

Jamaica Blue Mountain also belongs in a discussion of prestigious coffees. Named for Jamaica's Blue Mountains, it is associated with a gentle, lightly acidic profile, low bitterness and subtle fruit notes.

Coffee cultivation in Jamaica dates to the eighteenth century. The region's cool, humid conditions and fertile, well-drained soils contribute to its reputation. A lighter roast can help highlight delicate fruit characteristics.

El Injerto

This celebrated coffee estate is in Guatemala. Its family history and attachment to tradition span generations, with careful harvesting and processing central to its reputation.

Hand picking, drying and preparation at the estate help maintain control over quality, while direct export supports traceability. The original article highlights a major award in 2006, part of the estate's long record of recognition.