We all know that specialty coffee can be expensive. Have you ever wondered how much people are willing to pay for premium coffee? Recently, the record was set for the most expensive coffee sold. Hint, it's not the infamous Kopi Luwak. If you're interested in knowing what's the most expensive coffee, read this article!
Kopi Luwak: The Most (in)Famous Expensive Coffee
You may have heard of kopi luwak, which is mistakingly believed to be the most expensive coffee. But what exactly is kopi luwak, and why is it so expensive?
Kopi luwak is made from coffee beans that have been eaten and defecated by the Asian palm civet, a small mammal native to Indonesia. The civet's digestive enzymes allegedly impart a unique flavor to the beans, which are then roasted and ground in the traditional manner. A cup of kopi luwak can set you back anywhere from $50 to $100.
However, there are ethical concerns about the production of kopi luwak. These animals are often kept in cramped cages with unsanitary conditions.
Cup of Excellence Auctions
In 1999, two coffee industry veterans founded the Coffee Cup of Excellence, which has since become the most prestigious award in the coffee world. The organization receives submissions from over 20 countries, and a panel of experts ranks the coffees before auctioning off the top-scoring ones.
The Cup of Excellence is a game-changer in the coffee industry. By auctioning off the best coffees, they're not only improving specialty coffee but also helping small-scale farmers to invest in quality improvements. It's initiatives like these that make the world a better place, one cup of coffee at a time.
A New World Record
In recent years, the title of world's most expensive coffee has been held by coffees sold at auction through the Cup of Excellence program. This year, a new world record was set when a pound of Panama coffee sold for more than $6000. That's right, 6000 dollars! For a single pound of coffee. Let that sink in for a minute. The Lamastus family of Boquete were the sellers, and they have now cemented their place in coffee history. And you thought your daily $6 Starbucks cup was bad for your wallet.
Why This Coffee is So Expensive
Well, the Lamastus family, who are renowned coffee growers and who smashed the world record with their winning bid, say it's worth it. The beans for this special coffee are grown in volcanic soil in Panama and are then hand-picked and sun-dried.
The Lamastus family has been in the coffee business for generations, and they are passionate about producing the highest quality coffee possible. The lucky buyer is a Japanese collector who is willing to pay top dollar for these unique beans. The collector says he is excited to be able to share this rare coffee with his friends and attributes its high price tag to its exceptional quality.
Conclusion
Sometimes you just have to splurge – like when you buy the world's most expensive cup of coffee! This brew from the Lamastus family is sure to break your bank account – but it might just be worth it thanks to its exceptional flavor profile. So next time you find yourself reaching for your wallet to pay for your morning cup of joe, remember the Lamastus family and their record-breaking beans!
