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Black Ivory Coffee – Thailand
It is priced at $500–$1,500 per pound. This ultra-rare coffee is made by feeding Thai Arabica beans to elephants. The beans are partially digested and fermented in the elephants’ stomachs, then collected from their dung, cleaned, and roasted. The flavor profile is smooth, low-acid, with chocolate, tamarind, and spice notes, and the production volume is less than 500 kg per year. It is produced by the Black Ivory Coffee Company, which claims to follow ethical treatment practices for elephants.
Kopi Luwak (Civet Coffee) – Indonesia
It is priced at $250–$600 per pound. The beans are eaten and excreted by Asian palm civets. The fermentation in the animal’s gut alters the beans’ composition, making the final brew smoother. The flavor profile is earthy, smooth, low-acid, slightly musty. The commercial farms often keep civets in cruel conditions; ethically sourced wild civet coffee is much rarer and more expensive.
Hacienda La Esmeralda – Panama
It is priced at $350–$1,000+ per pound (auction lots) and is famous for its Geisha (Gesha) beans, grown at high altitudes with exceptional care. These beans consistently win international awards for flavor. The flavor profile is floral, jasmine, bergamot, tea-like, and citrusy. This coffee has an extremely limited harvest, often sold via international auctions.
Finca El Injerto – Guatemala
The price of this coffee is $500+ per pound (auction lot), uses rare Maragogype beans, a large Arabica varietal. It is hand-processed with strict quality control and recognized in the Cup of Excellence. The flavor profile is bright acidity, red fruit, chocolate, and complex floral notes. This one got multiple Cup of Excellence awards.
Ospina Coffee – Colombia
The price of this coffee is $300–$500 per pound, and it is one of the oldest coffee-growing families in Colombia (since 1835), which uses high-altitude Arabica Typica beans and traditional, eco-friendly processing. The flavor profile is caramel, almond, and cocoa, with a full body and mild acidity, and its limited-edition roasts fetch premium prices.
St. Helena Coffee – South Atlantic (UK Territory)
It is priced at $145–$300 per pound and grown in volcanic soil using heirloom Green-Tipped Bourbon beans brought by Napoleon from Yemen. The remote location and limited quantities drive up the price, and the flavor profile is bright acidity, citrus, floral aroma, and light body. The production is extremely limited and sustainable.
Molokai Coffee – Hawaii, USA
It is priced at $100–$160 per pound and grown on a small island with strict quality controls. This is one of the only coffees in the U.S. with a federally recognized geographic indication. The flavor profile is medium body, chocolate, spice, and mild acidity. It is hand-picked and sun-dried for quality.
Jamaican Blue Mountain – Jamaica
The price of this coffee is $80–$150 per pound, and it is grown at 3,000–5,500 feet with an ideal climate and mineral-rich soil. Has very low bitterness and smooth flavor, and it's highly regulated and export-limited. The flavor profile is mild, clean, sweet, slightly floral, no bitterness. This one is one of the most sought-after premium coffees in Japan.
Fazenda Santa Ines – Brazil
The price is $50–$100 per pound. A family-run farm producing award-winning beans using traditional techniques, and it is known for consistency and high cupping scores. The flavor profile is sweet, fruity, and smooth with notes of berry and chocolate.
Yemeni Port of Mokha Coffee – Yemen
The price of this coffee is $75–$200 per pound, and it is grown in remote areas with centuries-old techniques and sun-dried on rooftops. It is sourced through difficult supply chains due to regional instability. Its flavor profile is wine-like, dried fruit, spice, and heavy body.
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