How Napoleon Helped Make St. Helena Coffee Famous

When you hear about a tiny volcanic island in the South Atlantic producing award-winning coffee, your first question might be: how did that happen? Especially when the island is so remote that just getting there requires a five-night ship ride or a costly flight from South Africa. The answer isn’t just volcanic soil or perfect altitude—it’s tied to one of history’s most famous coffee drinkers: Napoleon Bonaparte.

St. Helena coffee rose to global fame largely because of Napoleon’s famous last words about the island’s brew: “Coffee is St. Helena’s only good thing!” Though slightly altered from his original remark, those words helped make its coffee a celebrated single origin decades later. His praise, combined with the island’s unique growing conditions, turned St. Helena coffee into a rarity that serious coffee drinkers now seek out.

Napoleon’s Unexpected Role in Coffee History

Napoleon Bonaparte was a lifelong coffee enthusiast. As early as 1795, while courting Josephine, he regularly enjoyed coffee grown by her family on Martinique. But it wasn’t until his exile to St. Helena in 1815—after his defeat at Waterloo—that coffee became more than a daily ritual. It became a vital mental refuge.

Despite being a prisoner on a remote island, Napoleon insisted on maintaining his dignity, surrounding himself with fine porcelain and enjoying the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. The British supplied him with St. Helena-grown coffee, which was crucial since importing beans from Europe would have been nearly impossible due to the island’s isolation.

The Island That Grows Its Own Coffee

St. Helena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sits over 1,200 miles off the coast of Africa. The island’s high altitudes, volcanic soils, and cool temperatures create ideal conditions for growing coffee. Most of St. Helena’s coffee is cultivated around the Blue Hill and Hutt’s Gate areas, at elevations between 500 and 1,000 metres.

The coffee variety grown here is primarily Typica—a traditional arabica strain brought to the island in the early 18th century. Planted in small plots by local farmers, the coffee is handpicked, wet-processed, and sun-dried. The average farm size is tiny, often less than a hectare, which contributes to the limited annual production of just a few hundred bags.

How Napoleon’s Words Changed Everything

During his time in Longwood House—the former country residence where he was confined—Napoleon developed a particular taste for St. Helena’s locally grown coffee. He was so particular about his water that he insisted on using spring water from the scenic Valley of the Compassion (referred to in some accounts as “”), believing it improved the clarity of thought the coffee provided.

When the island’s governor, Hudson Lowe, visited Napoleon and presented him with freshly roasted St. Helena coffee, Napoleon saw an opportunity to negotiate more freedom. Lowe refused, leading to a bitter argument. After the governor left, Napoleon reportedly said, “The governor is repulsive... I can’t stand talking to such a man—it turns my stomach, and I don’t even want coffee anymore!” His valet feared the coffee might be poisoned, but Napoleon stopped him, declaring, “Don’t waste good coffee. In this godforsaken place, it’s priceless!” Over time, this remark evolved into the more concise and oft-quoted: “Coffee is St. Helena’s only good thing!”

This altered version spread back to Europe and became synonymous with the island’s coffee. It contributed significantly to the beverage’s mystique. Soon after, St. Helena coffee began earning accolades at European coffee tastings, further cementing its reputation among specialty roasters and collectors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What made Napoleon say coffee was St. Helena’s only good thing?

Napoleon originally complained that the island had nothing good except the coffee, which he refused to give up even during his imprisonment. His actual quote was closer to praising coffee as invaluable on the miserable island, but over time it was shortened and misquoted as “Coffee is St. Helena’s only good thing!” This phrase helped build the coffee’s legendary status.

Where is St. Helena, and why is its coffee special?

St. Helena is a remote volcanic island in the South Atlantic Ocean, over 1,200 miles from Africa. Its high-altitude farms, volcanic soil, and cool climate create ideal conditions for growing Typica coffee. The limited production, hand-processing, and historical connection to Napoleon all contribute to its unique reputation.

Did Napoleon actually grow his own coffee on St. Helena?

Yes, according to historical records, Napoleon planted several coffee seedlings near his Longwood House villa, hoping to harvest the cherries himself. However, due to the steep terrain and harsh winds, the plants died within months, which he took as a bad omen.

What coffee variety is grown on St. Helena?

The primary coffee variety grown on St. Helena is Typica, an heirloom arabica strain that was introduced to the island in the 18th century. It is cultivated at elevations of 500–1,000 metres and processed using traditional washed and sun-dried methods.

How did Napoleon’s time on St. Helena affect the coffee’s fame?

His famous praise—especially the misquoted line about coffee being the island’s only virtue—helped draw attention to St. Helena coffee after his death. Combined with its unique terroir and limited availability, this turned the coffee into a sought-after single origin among European connoisseurs and specialty roasters.

Is St. Helena coffee still produced today?

Yes, St. Helena coffee is still grown on the island, mainly by local farmers using traditional methods. Annual production remains small, ensuring that every lot is traceable and produced with care. It is widely regarded as a rare and historical single origin.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for St. Helena Fans

For fans of St. Helena coffee, try FrontStreet Ethiopia Humbera for its bright acidity and floral notes, or FrontStreet Jamaica Blue Mountain No.1 for a smooth, balanced premium single origin. FrontStreet Yirgacheffe also offers a tea-like, delicate cup reminiscent of St. Helena’s Typica profile. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.