World’s Rarest Brews: Top 11 Luxury Coffee Beans You Won’t Believe!

crazy by Editorial Staff | Updated on April 24th, 2023

Hey there, coffee lovers! We all know that a great cup of coffee can work wonders, right? But have you ever wondered about the most luxurious coffee beans that money can buy?


Let’s start with a quick summary of these exclusive coffees:

11 Most Expensive Coffee Beans in The World
Coffee NamePrice per PoundOriginKey Flavor Notes
Black Ivory Coffee$500+ThailandRobust, fruity, chocolate
Finca El Injerto Coffee$500GuatemalaSmooth, rich
Hacienda La Esmeralda$350PanamaSweet, fragrant
Kopi Luwak$160-300IndonesiaSmooth, earthy
Saint Helena Coffee$79St. HelenaCaramel, citrus
Molokai Coffee$51HawaiiVibrant, exotic
Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee$50+JamaicaMild, non-bitter
Fazenda Santa Ines$50BrazilFruity, sweet
Starbucks Quadriginoctuple Frap$47.30/cupStarbucksMocha, vanilla, caramel
Los Planes Coffee$40El SalvadorTangerine, caramel, brown sugar
Hawaiian Kona Coffee$34HawaiiPremium, rare

List of the most expensive coffee bean in the world

Now, let’s dive into the details of each coffee and explore what makes them so special!

Black Ivory Coffee – More than $500/pound – Most expensive coffee bean in the world

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First up is the exotic Black Ivory Coffee! It’s the most expensive coffee bean in the world, and it’s made in Thailand. But here’s the twist—elephants are involved in the process! Yep, these majestic creatures consume Arabica coffee beans, and during digestion, the beans undergo fermentation, giving the coffee a unique robust flavor. With fruity overtones and hints of chocolate, this coffee is a true luxury experience.

First up is the exotic Black Ivory Coffee! Here’s what you need to know:

  • Origin: Thailand
  • Process: Elephants consume Arabica coffee beans and process them during digestion, creating a unique fermentation.
  • Flavor Profile: Robust flavor with fruity overtones and hints of chocolate.
  • Ethical Considerations: The use of elephants in the production process raises concerns about animal welfare.

Finca El Injerto Coffee – $500/pound

Finca El Injerto Coffee
  • Today the farm is managed by the third and fourth generation of the Aguirre family, who had worked on the farm since 1956, when production was approximately three hundred (300) bags of parchment coffee.

Next, we have Finca El Injerto Coffee, known for its rare and rich beans. Produced by the Aguirre family in Guatemala, this coffee is a favorite among connoisseurs. It’s made from small beans that are carefully washed and processed to enhance their quality. With a smooth, rich flavor, Finca El Injerto is definitely worth the splurge.

  • Origin: Guatemala, produced by the Aguirre family
  • Process: Made from small beans that are carefully washed and processed to enhance quality.
  • Flavor Profile: Smooth, rich flavor that’s a favorite among connoisseurs.

Hacienda La Esmeralda – $350/pound

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Ready for another treat? Hacienda La Esmeralda is grown in Panama using Geisha coffee beans, originally from Ethiopia. The secret to its amazing taste? Altitude! The beans are grown 1500 to 1900 meters above sea level, giving the coffee a sweet, fragrant flavor. You might have to attend an auction to get your hands on this one, but hey, it’s an adventure, right?

  • Origin: Panama
  • Process: Grown 1500 to 1900 meters above sea level for a unique flavor.
  • Flavor Profile: Sweet, fragrant flavor.
  • How to Get It: Attend an auction or check Amazon for availability.

Kopi Luwak – $160-300/pound

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Let’s jet off to Indonesia for our next coffee, Kopi Luwak! Also known as civet coffee, it’s made by Asian palm civets that eat coffee cherries and ferment the beans during digestion. The result? Smooth, earthy coffee without bitterness. But be mindful—some civets are kept in cages for production, which raises ethical concerns. So if you decide to try it, make sure you choose a source that practices ethical, cage-free production, like Volcanica Coffee.

  • Origin: Indonesia
  • Process: Asian palm civets eat coffee cherries and ferment the beans during digestion. The beans are then collected and processed.
  • Flavor Profile: Smooth and earthy with no bitterness.
  • Ethical Considerations: Look for ethical sources like Volcanica Coffee that don’t cage civets.

Saint Helena Coffee – $79/pound

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Ever wondered what the great Napoleon Bonaparte’s favorite coffee was? Well, it’s Saint Helena Coffee! Grown on the remote island of St. Helena, this coffee has a rich history that dates back to Napoleon’s exile on the island. With fragrant caramel notes and hints of citrus, it’s no wonder this coffee was a hit with the emperor. The transportation cost from the island adds to the price, but it’s a small price to pay for a taste of history!

  • Origin: St. Helena island
  • Process: Cultivated on the island with care, this coffee boasts a rich history.
  • Flavor Profile: Fragrant caramel notes with hints of citrus.

Molokai Coffee – $ 51 / Pound

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Aloha, coffee enthusiasts! Let’s head to Hawaii for our next pick, Molokai Coffee. Grown on the beautiful island of Molokai, this coffee boasts excellent growing conditions and skilled coffee-making expertise. The result? An exotic drink with a vibrant flavor that will transport you to the tropics. So, grab your lei and enjoy a cup of Molokai Coffee!

  • Origin: Hawaii
  • Process: Grown on the beautiful island of Molokai with excellent coffee-making expertise.
  • Flavor Profile: Vibrant and exotic, it’ll transport you to the tropics.

Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee – More than $50/pound

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Our next stop is the J Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee, home to the famous Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee. Loved by the Japanese for its mild and non-bitter taste, this coffee is grown at about 5,000 feet above sea level. The careful processing of the beans ensures you get a top-quality brew. Trust me, one sip and you’ll be jammin’ with this coffee!

  • Origin: Jamaica
  • Process: Grown at about 5,000 feet above sea level, with careful processing.
  • Flavor Profile: Mild and non-bitter, loved by the Japanese.

Fazenda Santa Ines – $50/pound

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If you have a sweet tooth, you’re going to love Fazenda Santa Ines from Brazil! Grown near the Mantiqueira mountains, this coffee has been winning hearts for over a hundred years with its fruity and sweet flavor. It’s like a carnival in your cup, and you won’t want to miss it!

  • Origin: Brazil, near the Mantiqueira mountains
  • Process: Cultivated with love for over a hundred years.
  • Flavor Profile: Fruity and sweet, it’s a carnival in your cup!

Starbucks Quadriginoctuple Frap – $47.30/cup

Okay, coffee fans, it’s time for something truly unique—Starbucks Quadriginoctuple Frap! This extravagant concoction is the most expensive coffee at Starbucks, and it’s loaded with delicious ingredients like mocha frappuccino, vanilla chips, caramel ice cream, bananas, and more. It’s a rare treat, but it’s worth every penny for a coffee adventure like no other!

  • Origin: Starbucks
  • Process: A concoction of 48 mocha frappuccino with vanilla chips, caramel ice cream, bananas, and more.
  • Flavor Profile: A delicious and extravagant treat, worth every penny!

Los Planes Coffee – $40/pound

Hailing from El Salvador, Los Planes Coffee is an award-winning coffee that won the Cup of Excellence in 2006 and 2011. Cultivated by the Ticas Yeyes family, this coffee has delightful flavors of tangerine, caramel, and brown sugar. It’s a true masterpiece in a cup!

  • Origin: El Salvador, cultivated by the Ticas Yeyes family
  • Process: Winner of the Cup of Excellence award in 2006 and 2011.
  • Flavor Profile: Delightful flavors of tangerine, caramel, and brown sugar.

Hawaiian Kona Coffee – $34/pound

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Last but not least, we have Hawaiian Kona Coffee. Made from rare beans, this coffee offers a premium experience. Just a heads up—some sellers use only 10% Kona coffee in a blend to cut costs, so look for 100% Kona coffee for the real deal.

  • Origin: Hawaii
  • Process: Made from rare variety beans, look for 100% Kona coffee for the real deal.
  • Flavor Profile: Premium and rare, a true Hawaiian experience.

Read our best Kona coffee bean list.

man standing in bathroom with bathtub next to body of water

You might be wondering why some coffee beans are so expensive. Well, there are several reasons for this. Some beans are rare and are grown only in specific regions, which adds to their exclusivity.

Additionally, certain beans require meticulous care and unique processing methods, which can be labor-intensive and add to the cost. Ethical practices also play a role, as coffee produced with fair trade or ethical practices ensures fair wages and humane treatment, but it can also be pricier.

So, are expensive coffee beans worth it?

The answer to this question depends on your personal taste and preferences. For some coffee lovers, the unique flavors and the stories behind these exclusive coffees make them worth the investment. For others, more affordable options may suffice.

If you’re wondering how you should brew these expensive coffee beans, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, always buy whole beans and grind them just before brewing to ensure freshness.

Second, experiment with different brewing methods, such as pour-over, French press, or AeroPress, to bring out the best flavors of the beans. Third, use filtered water for a clean, pure taste.

Lastly, pay attention to the temperature and brew your coffee at the right temperature, typically between 195°F to 205°F, to extract the best flavors.

Conclusion

Whew! What a journey we’ve been on, exploring the most expensive coffee beans in the world! Is your favorite on the list? Whether you’re splurging on a luxurious coffee or enjoying your daily brew, remember that every cup is an adventure. So, cheers to great coffee and happy sipping!

crazy

Editorial Staff

The editorial staff at Crazy Coffee Crave is a team of coffee enthusiasts & Baristas who enjoy the one thing we all think about as soon as we get up in the morning. Trusted by thousands of readers worldwide.