Coffee is popularly referred to as a power-boosting drink all around the globe. The international market for instant coffee is growing at an astronomical rate.
Because of that, many often wonder: what are the 10 most expensive coffees in the world?
Coffee became an absolute alternative whenever countries banned alcohol consumption. Each type of coffee contains a variable amount of caffeine which is known to act as a stimulant for the brain and the nervous system.
You might be thinking about what makes coffees unique and expensive. What makes it expensive is generally the hard work and techniques that goes behind making a processed coffee jar; from the growing of cherries to packing them before their transportation. However, the uniqueness lies in its variation of strong flavor and aroma which energizes one’s brain. Now you know why people are ready to spend a hefty sum of money on a single cup of coffee. Coffee is a much needed fuel and is often grabbed before going to work, between breaks, or even when gearing up for sleepless nights.
This article provides information about the 10 most expensive coffees in the world and how each one is prepared. Find out if you are willing to pay big dollars for these unique coffees.
Top 10 Expensive Coffees in the World – 2023
10. Hawaiian Kona Coffee – 35 USD/Pound
The Hawaiian Kona Coffee appears on the list of the most expensive coffees of 2022 due to its uniqueness as it contributes to only 1% of the entire world’s coffee. Its commercial importance lies in the fact that it’s carefully grown on the volcanic slopes on the Big Island of Hawaii, besides being handpicked by farmers. As the coffee is crazy rare so most coffee shops blend 10% of it with 90% of a cheaper coffee.
9. El Salvador Los Planes Coffee – 40 USD/Pound
The Finca Los Planes Coffee is cultivated on the family farm of Sergio Edmundo Ticas Reyes. The coffee beans are a cross between Maragogype and Pacas, grown exclusively on the Los Planes farm.
The coffee is quite popular due to its unique flavors like brown sugar threads and tangerine with caramel which dominate the aroma.
The Finca Los Planes Coffee is the ninth most expensive award-winning coffee in the world. Yes, the coffee won an overall second position in the Cup of Excellence competition in 2006 and later landed onto the sixth position in the same awards held in 2011.
8. Starbucks Quadriginoctuple Frap – 47.30 USD/ Cup
This one is claimed to be Starbucks’ most highly-priced coffee. It is highly distinctive and is prepared on special orders.
Wondering what makes it highly expensive? So a single coffee cup contains 48 shots of espresso, two bananas, vanilla beans, protein powder, caramel Frappuccino chips, and an additional soybean mocha flavor.
Coffee lovers found the drink highly energetic and felt energized mainly because of the caffeine overdose.
7. Fazenda Santa Ines – 50 USD/ Pound
Fazenda Santa Ines originated from the Mantiqueira Mountains of Brazil and was planted exclusively by the Periera family back in 1979.
The specialty of this coffee lies in its tremendous flavor which is a blend of chocolate tones and berry notes.
Fazenda Santa Ines is yet another award-winning coffee on the list of most expensive coffees. The way the flavors permeate every sip made it win the World Cup of Excellence in 2005.
6. Molokai Coffee – +55 USD/ Pound
Hawaii is considered the best place for coffee cultivation in the U.S and Molokai Coffee is grown on Molokai Island in Hawaii.
The first batch of this coffee was brought to market by a German merchant in the mid-19th century. Since then it has become popular and the reason behind its hefty price tag is its rich taste.
5. Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee – 65 USD/ Pound
This highly esteemed coffee is grown in the Blue Mounts of Jamaica. The coffee beans remain high in demand and are quite rare – the reason behind the hefty tag on this coffee pouch.
When it comes to the taste of this fifth most expensive coffee type you will acknowledge a range of distinguished flavors. Some drinkers find hints of herbs and floral notes in each coffee sip. Though others exclaim a chocolate taste with a much stronger nutty flavor.
4. St. Helena Coffee – 79 USD/ Pound
‘The only good thing about St Helena is the coffee, this is what the great Napoleon Bonaparte exclaimed during his visit to the island.
The delicate beans of the St. Helena coffee are cultivated on the west coast of Africa and access to the island results in costly transportation. This is one of the reasons behind the exorbitant price tag and the coffee connoisseurs find its taste unique and appreciate the blend of caramel with a fine touch of citrus that permeates every sip.
3. Kopi Luwak – 160 USD/ Pound
Kopi Luwak is produced uniquely in Indonesia and regardless of the human labor, it requires the assistance of wild Asian Palm Civets.
The Asian Civets consume the fresh coffee cherries, ferment them through digestive enzymes and pass the broken beans out in the form of feces. These beans are then collected and washed. There lies a notable chocolate and cherry notes flavor which lacks bitterness.
2. Finca El Injerto Coffee – 500 USD/ Pound
Finca El Injerto Coffee holds distinction in its unique flavor and coffee aficionados are fond of it. If you ever have a cup of this Finca El Injerto Coffee you will become a fan of the jasmine fragrance which comes with a fine touch of candied fruits taste.
The coffee is notably expensive as it is made from a rare variety of rich coffee beans and has been winning the Cup of Excellence award since 2002.
1. Black Ivory Coffee – 1000 USD/ Pound
The Thailand-originated Black Ivory Coffee is the most expensive coffee of 2022.
Before giving out big dollars for the consumption of this coffee you should be aware of its harvesting process.
The harvesting of the Black Ivory Coffee requires generous assistance from the Thai Elephants who consume the best quality Arabica cherries that have been picked by the farmers. Once the elephants are fed, caretakers wait till the time they deposit it out. Then these are dried and roasted before packing the unique and most expensive coffee beans.