Coffee is one of the most diverse beverages on the planet, with flavours ranging from fruity and floral to deep and chocolatey. But beyond your everyday Arabica and Robusta lies a world of rare and unique coffee beans—some so exclusive they sell for thousands of dollars per pound.
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most unique and sought-after coffee beans, what makes them special, and where they come from.
1. Panama Geisha
- Origin: Panama (Ethiopia)
- Flavour Profile: Jasmine, bergamot, tropical fruits, honey, tea-like body
- Best Brewing Method: Pour-over (V60, Chemex) to highlight its delicate flavours
What Makes It Special?
- Firstly it is grown at high-altitudes, typically 1,400 to 2,000 metres above sea level. This plays a crucial role in developing the complex, sweet flavours of the coffee bean as the temperatures are cooler allowing for a slower maturation. Additionally, the Panama soil is rich in minerals which enhances the growth of coffee. Besides this, the climate is just perfect for the growth of coffee beans.
- Panama Geisha is consistently rated above 90 points on the Speciality Coffee Association scale! This scale is an important addition to the specialtiy coffee world as experts use it to rate the quality of the coffee based on its aroma, acidity, body, balance and flavour complexity. Many coffee experts recognise this variety of coffee as being one of the finest and most refined due to the unique flavour profile.
- This variety of coffee is one of the most expensive coffee beans in the world mostly due to its rarity and demand. Since the bean yields only a small amount of coffee each year, demand remains consistently high. A single cup of Panama Geisha can cost between £50-£100.
2. St. Helena Coffee
- Origin: St. Helena, South Atlantic Ocean
- Flavour Profile: Bright citrus, caramel, floral, wine-like acidity
- Best Brewing Method: Pour-over or siphon for a clean and crisp taste
What Makes It Special?
- St. Helena coffee is grown on a small remote island which is located 1,700 metres above sea level. This not only means that the coffee is grown at high altitudes but it also makes the coffee production exclusive to that island. Due to the island's remote nature, its growing conditions have remained largely unchanged for over 200 years. This has helped preserve the original flavour profile of the coffee beans..
- Since the island only measures 16 x 8 km, it has a small portion of land dedicated to growing coffee beans. Making the supply of coffee very limited. But what makes the demand for this coffee so high is the rare citrus-like flavour profile.
- Interestingly, St. Helen coffee is grown from a rare variety of coffee beans called the Green Tipped Bourbon. This variety of coffee is known for its bright, floral, citrus flavour profile with a wine-like acidity. One of the most distinctive coffee in the world! This coffee often earns over 90 points on the Speciality Coffee Association scale. All of this combined means the coffee often sells for £100-£150 per pound.
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3. Laurina (Bourbon Pointu)
- Origin: Réunion Island, Brazil, Nicaragua
- Flavour Profile: Mild citrus, floral, tea-like, smooth sweetness
- Best Brewing Method: Pour-over or AeroPress to highlight its delicate flavours
What Makes It Special?
- One of the most defining characteristics of Laurina is that it is naturally low in caffeine content, even without human intervention. This is because it comes from a mutation of the Bourbon coffee varietal that creates a smoother, less acidic cup.
- As Laurina offers the full experience of high-end speciality coffee without the strong caffeine buzz it has become highly desirable among coffee lovers who like to have more than one cup of coffee a day. Often selling for £50-£100 per pound.
4. Maragogipe – The Giant Coffee Bean
- Origin: Brazil, Guatemala, Nicaragua
- Flavour Profile: Mellow acidity, creamy texture, chocolate, nuts
- Best Brewing Method: Espresso or drip coffee to enhance its balanced flavours
What Makes It Special?
- This coffee variety produces one of the largest beans, measuring nearly twice the size of a typical Arabica bean. This was caused by a genetic mutation which led to the plant developing oversized cherries and seeds. Meaning that it requires special attention during the planting, harvesting and roasting process as Maragogipe behaves differently to the standard coffee bean.
- Since the bean is larger it has more surface area to develop nuanced flavour profiles. It is also more porous which means it has a faster roasting time and unique heating absorption. Thus, creating the need for expert roasters and special processing methods.
- Additionally, the bean has a lower density which is what produces the smoother, less acidic cup. This delicate flavour is perfect for those who often find coffee too intense.
- Maragogipe is only grown in selected small, regions around the world; like Brazil, Guatemala, Mexico, Colombia. Unfortunatly, a single plant only produces fewer coffee cherries compare to the standard Arabica coffee plant. Because of this farmers can only harvest limited supply of the coffee plant which is what leads to the higher demand.
