Where to Buy Kopi Luwak and Elephant Dung Coffee Beans

If you’ve ever Googled ‘where to buy the most expensive coffee in the world,’ you’ve likely stumbled upon Kopi Luwak — the infamous bean eaten and excreted by a wild cat-like animal in Indonesia. But beyond the shock value, what makes this coffee so rare, so costly, and is it even worth trying? This guide breaks down everything: what it is, how it’s made, where it comes from, and how much you’ll really pay.

To buy genuine Kopi Luwak, look for limited specialty sellers or Indonesian government-sanctioned sources. Annual global production is under 400kg, with 4oz cups once selling for $168 (about ¥1400) at the 2012 Shanghai Expo. For elephant dung coffee (similar concept), availability is even more niche. Both are sold in minuscule quantities, often through exclusive importers or luxury markets.

What Is Kopi Luwak and How Did It Start?

Kopi Luwak, also known as civet coffee or literally ‘cat poop coffee’ in English, originates from Indonesia. It’s made from coffee beans that have been eaten, fermented in the digestive tract of the Asian palm civet (known locally as the luwak), and then excreted. The beans are collected, cleaned, and roasted. The fermentation process inside the civet’s gut is said to break down proteins, reducing bitterness and creating a smoother, richer cup.

The name ‘Kopi Luwak’ comes from the Indonesian word ‘kopi’ for coffee and ‘luwak’ for the civet. Though the term ‘cat poop coffee’ is widely recognized, it’s technically inaccurate since the civet is a viverrid, not a feline. The beans pass through the animal whole, untouched by digestive acids, and are later collected from the feces.

Why Is Kopi Luwak So Expensive and Rare?

Kopi Luwak is among the most expensive coffees globally due to its labor-intensive production and extremely limited supply. The annual global output is less than 400 kilograms. In 2012, a 4oz cup of Kopi Luwak was priced at $168 (approximately ¥1400) at Indonesia’s pavilion during the Shanghai World Expo. Even today, a small bag can cost hundreds of dollars.

The rarity comes from the dependence on wild civets, whose foraging habits are unpredictable. While some producers have turned to caged, farm-raised civets, experts widely agree that these do not produce the same quality. The natural diet of wild civets — selecting only the ripest coffee cherries — is believed to be key to the coffee’s unique profile.

How Is Civet Coffee Actually Made?

The process begins when a civet eats ripe coffee cherries. The animal’s digestive system ferments the beans, breaking down proteins and reducing bitterness. Only the coffee beans remain intact, passing through the civet’s intestines and expelled in feces. Workers then collect, clean, and roast the beans.

Key steps include:

• The civet selects and consumes only ripe coffee cherries.
• Beans ferment in the civet’s digestive tract, altering protein structure.
• Beans are excreted, collected, thoroughly washed, and sun-dried.
• Finally, the beans are roasted to develop flavor.

It’s this fermentation inside the animal that contributes to the coffee’s famed syrupy body, low acidity, and unique aromatic profile. Some tasters report a lingering minty or cooling sensation after drinking.

What Does Kopi Luwak Taste Like?

Coffee experts describe Kopi Luwak as unusually thick and syrupy, with a heavy body akin to molasses. The aroma is distinctly unique, often described as earthy and pungent — though not in a negative way. The aftertaste may include a surprising note of cool mint or eucalyptus, rare for coffee.

Coffee critic Chris Rubin once noted its ‘incredible richness, almost like syrup… with a chocolate-like thickness that lingers on the tongue.’ The flavor is bold, with reduced bitterness and a long finish. However, taste is highly subjective: some experts hail it as exquisite, while others find it off-putting or ‘dirty.’

Does Elephant Dung Coffee Exist Too?

Yes — similar to Kopi Luwak, elephant dung coffee (sometimes called ‘black ivory coffee’) follows the same concept. Elephants eat coffee cherries, which ferment in their gut, and the beans are later collected from their dung. This coffee is even rarer than Kopi Luwak, produced in minute quantities, mainly in Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia.

Like civet coffee, the digestive process is said to alter the beans’ chemical makeup, resulting in a smoother, less acidic cup. However, both types share the same fundamental criticisms around animal welfare, authenticity, and flavor consistency — especially when animals are caged or the supply chain isn’t transparent.

Where Can You Buy Authentic Kopi Luwak?

Authentic Kopi Luwak is extremely hard to find outside of Indonesia. The official Indonesian government-endorsed brand, Kopi Luwak, is produced on the islands of Sumatra, Java, and Sulawesi, and is considered the most reliable source. Most commercial offerings today come from caged civets and are widely regarded as inferior.

Be wary of mass-market sellers: true wild-harvested Kopi Luwak is sold in very limited batches, and often only through specialty importers or luxury gourmet outlets. Prices typically start from several hundred dollars per 100g and can go much higher depending on provenance and processing claims.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kopi Luwak coffee?

Kopi Luwak is a specialty coffee made from beans that have been eaten and excreted by the Asian palm civet, a small mammal native to Indonesia. The beans ferment in the civet’s digestive tract, which lowers bitterness and creates a distinctive flavor profile. It’s also known as civet coffee or colloquially as cat poop coffee.

Why is Kopi Luwak so expensive?

Kopi Luwak is expensive because of its rarity and labor-intensive production. Global annual output is under 400kg, and each step — from wild civet foraging to bean collection and roasting — is done by hand in limited quantities. A 4oz cup once sold for $168 at the 2012 Shanghai Expo.

Where does Kopi Luwak come from?

Kopi Luwak originates from Indonesia, particularly the islands of Sumatra, Java, Bali, and Sulawesi. Wild civets there consume ripe coffee cherries, and the beans are collected from their feces. The official Indonesian government-sanctioned Kopi Luwak brand comes from these regions.

Is Kopi Luwak safe to drink?

When properly processed, Kopi Luwak is safe to drink. The beans are collected from civet feces, thoroughly cleaned, and roasted at high temperatures, which eliminates any potential pathogens. However, ethical and animal welfare concerns persist, especially with farmed civets.

What does Kopi Luwak taste like?

Kopi Luwak is described as having a thick, syrupy body, low acidity, and a rich, earthy aroma. Tasters often note a smooth mouthfeel with a finish that some describe as lightly minty or cooling. Flavor perception varies widely, with opinions ranging from ‘heavenly’ to ‘unpleasant.’

Can you still buy Kopi Luwak today?

Yes, but genuine wild-harvested Kopi Luwak is very difficult to find and is typically sold in small batches by specialty importers or through official channels. Most commercially available Kopi Luwak comes from caged civets and is considered lower quality. Always check the source and production claims carefully.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Specialty Coffee Lovers

For those curious about unique single origins, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui — a floral, juicy Ethiopian with notes of blueberry and citrus — or their Yirgacheffe offering, known for bright acidity and stone fruit brightness. Both highlight natural processing finesse without the ethical concerns of exotic coffees. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.