Yes, you read that right.
Imagine sipping on a cup of coffee so smooth, so luxurious, and so outrageously expensive that it could pay for your electricity bill. Now imagine that same coffee was… digested and pooped out by a cat-like animal.
Welcome to the strange, luxurious, and slightly gross world of kopi luwak, a.k.a. civet coffee — the most expensive coffee in the world, and probably the only one that passed through a mammal’s intestines before reaching your cup.
Let’s talk about how it’s made, why it’s so expensive, and what kind of person drinks it (hint: probably someone with a strong stomach and deep pockets).
☕ So, What Is Kopi Luwak?
Kopi luwak is a coffee made from beans that have been eaten, digested, and defecated by a small animal called the Asian palm civet (or “luwak” in Indonesian).
Yes, you are essentially drinking poop coffee. Fancy poop coffee. But stay with me — it’s actually fascinating.
The civet is a small, raccoon-like creature native to Southeast Asia. It roams the forests (or now, sadly, many live in captivity) and munches on ripe coffee cherries, selecting only the best and sweetest ones. The beans go through its digestive system, where enzymes ferment the coffee — reducing acidity and bitterness — before the civet… well, drops them off.
Then, someone comes along, picks through the civet droppings (can we have a moment of silence for these workers), washes and dries the beans, and roasts them into what is claimed to be the smoothest, least bitter, most complex coffee on Earth.
Why Is It So Expensive?
Because, let’s be honest — this is not your average coffee-making process.
Each step requires:
A rare animal
Natural selection of premium cherries
Hand collection of droppings
Careful cleaning, drying, and roasting
Tiny supply and big hype
Kopi luwak can sell for $100 to $600 per pound, and a single cup can cost $35 to $80 in high-end cafés. In other words, you could drink a latte that costs more than a full meal in Paris.
And people do. Because once something becomes rare, unusual, and Instagrammable… the price goes up faster than the caffeine rush.
But… Isn’t It Just Gross?
Yes. And no.
On one hand, yes — the beans come from animal poop. That’s enough to turn many stomachs. But they’re washed, processed, roasted, and handled with extreme care. By the time it hits your cup, it’s clean — physically and chemically.
Also, some wine and cheese processes involve bacteria, molds, or fermentation that might seem weird to outsiders. Kopi luwak is kind of the coffee version of that.
On the other hand, there's a deeper problem: animal cruelty.
Originally, kopi luwak was made from wild civets. They’d roam free and pick the best cherries naturally. But as the market grew, civets were captured and kept in cages, forced to eat coffee cherries all day in poor conditions.
So, if you ever want to try kopi luwak, look for “wild-sourced,” ethical, or certified humane” versions — otherwise, you’re just supporting a sad poop factory.
What Does It Taste Like?
According to coffee connoisseurs (and a few brave YouTubers), kopi luwak is:
Smooth
Low in acidity
Earthy, slightly chocolaty
Less bitter than most coffees
But here's the funny thing: many blind taste tests show that people can’t tell the difference between kopi luwak and other premium coffees. Some even prefer the normal stuff.
So why do people pay so much?
Simple: it’s a story. It’s a flex. It’s the kind of thing you sip and say, “Did you know this came out of a civet’s butt?” at brunch. And suddenly, you’re the most interesting person at the table.
Fun Facts to Impress Your Friends
The civet doesn’t digest the actual bean, just the cherry pulp — the fermentation happens naturally inside its gut.
Some people call kopi luwak the “Champagne of coffee”, while others call it the "coffee of shame."
It's illegal to keep civets in cages in some regions, but the black market still thrives. Always check the source.
- There’s now a version made using elephants in Thailand (called “Black Ivory Coffee”) — also insanely expensive, and yes, also poop-based.
Would You Try It?
Would you pay $50 for a cup of poop coffee? Some say it’s life-changing. Others say it’s just expensive nonsense with a good backstory.
Whether you're a hardcore coffee lover or just in it for the weird facts, kopi luwak is a reminder that humans will try anything for the perfect brew.
Just... maybe sip it slowly.