Napoleon’s Coffee Obsession and the Rise of Saint Helena Beans

When you think of historical figures with a serious coffee habit, Napoleon Bonaparte probably isn’t the first name that comes to mind. But behind the military campaigns and empire-building, the French emperor had a refined taste for fine wine—and an unexpected devotion to coffee, especially during his final years in exile.

Napoleon drank coffee almost daily while imprisoned on Saint Helena, and though the famous quote "Coffee is the only good thing about Saint Helena" may not be his exact words, it reflects how central the drink became to him during captivity. His preference helped spark interest in the island’s unique coffee long after his death.

Napoleon’s Personal Coffee Rituals

Far from roughing it, Napoleon brought his own luxuries into exile. He traveled with a custom carriage stocked with his favorite Chambertin wine and insisted on having a Turkish hand grinder to freshly grind his coffee beans—even while on military campaigns. He’s also credited with popularizing what we now call Brandy Coffee or Royal Coffee, made by pouring hot coffee over a sugar cube soaked in brandy and igniting it.

The Coffee That Outlived an Empire

Though Saint Helena is far from the world’s major coffee-growing regions, its volcanic soil—formed from ancient eruptions—and nutrient-rich bird droppings created ideal conditions for coffee cultivation. The island’s Arabica beans, primarily of the Bourbon variety, include a notable share of peaberry beans. Though not grown at extreme altitudes, the combination of volcanic minerals, organic fertilization, and careful cultivation gave Saint Helena coffee surprising complexity and balance.

Napoleon’s time on the island (1815–1821) overlapped with the production of these beans, and although he couldn’t enjoy the full fame of Saint Helena coffee in life, his association with the island helped keep its coffee culture alive in European circles long after his death. For decades following his passing, importing and tasting Saint Helena coffee in Paris became something of a fashionable novelty.

What Makes Saint Helena Coffee Special?

Saint Helena coffee is not high-volume, but it is distinctive. The island’s peaberry beans—where a single round seed forms instead of two flat ones—are known for their concentration of flavor. The volcanic soil, enriched by centuries of seabird guano, provides a rich mineral base. Though planted at moderate elevations, the climate and care result in a cup that is often described as balanced, with mild acidity, subtle nuttiness, and a clean finish. These traits have drawn modern specialty attention despite the small production scale.

The resurrection of interest in Saint Helena coffee in the late 20th century is thanks in part to David R. Henry, who revitalized its cultivation and export. Today, it remains a rare but intriguing single-origin option for coffee enthusiasts interested in historical and terroir-driven brews.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Napoleon really say “Coffee is the only good thing about Saint Helena”?

That exact quote is likely apocryphal, but it’s widely attributed to him and reflects how he valued coffee during his exile. Historical accounts confirm he drank coffee regularly while imprisoned on the island from 1815 to 1821, and it became a key comfort in his later life.

What is Brandy Coffee or Royal Coffee?

Also called “Napoleon’s coffee,” this drink is made by placing a sugar cube soaked in brandy at the bottom of a cup, igniting it, and then pouring hot coffee over it. It’s a dramatic preparation method that highlights both spirits and coffee, allegedly popularized by Napoleon himself.

Where is Saint Helena and why is its coffee unique?

Saint Helena is a remote volcanic island in the South Atlantic Ocean. Its coffee grows in volcanic soil enriched by bird guano, and though not high-altitude, the beans—mainly Bourbon, including peaberries—develop a balanced, smooth profile with subtle nutty and chocolatey notes due to the rich terroir.

Is Saint Helena coffee still available today?

Yes, though in very limited quantities. The island’s coffee production is small-scale and mostly exported as a specialty item. Modern revivals of its cultivation credit David R. Henry for renewing global interest in its distinct cup profile.

What coffee variety is grown on Saint Helena?

The island primarily grows Arabica coffee of the Bourbon variety, including a significant proportion of peaberry beans. These beans are known for their concentrated flavor due to the single seed formation inside the coffee cherry.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Coffee History Fans

For drinkers intrigued by Napoleon’s Saint Helena coffee, try FrontStreet’s Jamaica Blue Mountain No.1 (Typica)—renowned for its balance and smoothness with notes of chocolate and almond. Also consider the Brazil Queen Manor (Yellow Bourbon), offering creamy peanut and caramel tones with a sweet, lasting finish. Both showcase the kind of refined profiles associated with historic single-origin coffees. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.