Tea for the Soul, Civet Coffee for… Well, Let’s See.
I’ve got nothing against coffee or coffee lovers. Heck, I even drink coffee occasionally. But after encountering Luwak coffee (a.k.a. the infamous cat poop coffee), my sense of adventure took a dramatic nosedive—at least in the beverage department. No matter how much you rave about its “rich taste,” I’m staying firmly planted on Team Tea.
In fact, my love for tea runs so deep, I might just include your name in my will if you agree to be my chai-serving adopted child. But not just any tea will do. By tea, I don’t mean your fancy green tea or some pale, brownish concoction pretending to be tea. Nope. My poison is strong-brewed desi chai, straight from the tea gardens of Assam. The holy mix of water, sugar, milk, and tea leaves is my ultimate comfort.
So, when my friends dragged me into a coffee adventure during our trip to Bali, I had no idea I was about to come face-to-face with one of the most exotic, and frankly shocking, coffees in the world: Kopi Luwak.
The “Coffee Beans” Trap: A Trusting Tea Lover’s Misadventure
So we were in Bali in April 2023, surrounded by lush greenery and the sweet promise of relaxation. My friends and I decided to visit Bali Pulina, a stunning agro-tourism spot where you can witness coffee plantations in all their glory.
The place was magical—think vibrant landscapes, rustic charm, and the aroma of roasted coffee drifting through the air. It was the kind of place that could even convert a die-hard tea enthusiast like me. Almost.
Accompanying me were Priyanka, a die-hard coffee addict, and Sapna, our fearless adventurer. The plan? Learn about coffee-making, sample some brews, and soak in the views.
Little did I know, I was about to meet the one coffee that would shake my soul: Luwak coffee (a.k.a. Kopi Luwak). At first, the name sounded exotic and intriguing. Then I learned what it meant.
Horror Unfolded: The Truth About Luwak Coffee
A cheerful Balinese guide led us through the plantation, explaining the process of Kopi Luwak production. She told us about the star of the show: the Asian palm civet, a small, cat-like creature with a knack for foraging the ripest coffee cherries. So far, so good.
But then came the twist. The civet doesn’t just pick the cherries. Oh no, that would be too simple. Instead, it eats the cherries and… um, let’s just say, nature takes its course. The cherries travel through the civet’s digestive system, where enzymes work their magic, altering the beans’ chemical composition to create a unique flavor. And yes, the beans are eventually “harvested” from the civet’s poop.
You read that right. This “delicacy” is literally processed through a civet’s gut and collected from its droppings.
Cue my internal scream. I stared at the guide, then at the beans, then back at the guide. Was she serious? She was. Dead serious.
Why Is Kopi Luwak So Expensive?
Kopi Luwak is not a beverage on a budget, it is the most expensive coffee(that I have come across so far). If you’re wondering why anyone would pay up to $1,200 per kilogram for Kopi Luwak coffee beans, here’s the scoop: It’s all about rarity, novelty, and that oh-so-special enzymatic transformation in the civet’s belly. The beans are said to have a complex flavor profile that’s smoother and less bitter than regular coffee.
The process doesn’t end there. After collection, the beans are meticulously washed, sun-dried, and sorted. Only the best beans make it to the roasting process, which is crucial for achieving the rich taste and unique aroma that coffee connoisseurs rave about.
Meanwhile, I was busy wondering who on earth first thought to brew coffee from… well, you know.
A Tea Lover’s Existential Crisis at Bali Pulina
Back at the plantation, none of my friends even considered trying it. They simply refused, leaving me as the only one wrestling with the horror of the situation.
Me? I stood there, frozen, staring at the beans with a mix of horror and disbelief. Was I really going to sip on something that had… taken the scenic route through a civet’s digestive system? Of course, I decided to pass.
Instead, I wandered around the plantation, soaking in the scenery and mentally composing a love letter to my humble jar of Nescafe back home.
Ethical Concerns: The Dark Side of Civet Coffee
While Bali Pulina prides itself on ethical practices, not all civet coffee producers can say the same. In some places, Asian palm civets are kept in cages and force-fed coffee cherries, leading to concerns about animal cruelty.
Ethical Kopi Luwak production ensures that the civets are free to roam and forage naturally, but it’s always a good idea to research the source before indulging in this pricey brew.
That is something I read about kopi Luwak coffee beans after I came back.
Why I’m Sticking to Tea
By the end of the tour, I was more convinced than ever that I’m a tea person through and through. While others may delight in exotic brews like Kopi Luwak, I find comfort in the simplicity of desi chai. No wild animal digestive systems required—just water, milk, sugar, and tea leaves brewed to perfection.
That’s not to say I’m against trying new things. But sometimes, adventures come with limits. And for me, Luwak coffee is where I draw the line.
Would You Try Cat Poop Coffee?
So, what about you? Would you brave a cup of cat poop coffee for the sake of adventure? Or are you, like me, happy to stick with your tried-and-true favorites? Share your thoughts—and your most bizarre food adventures—in the comments.
As for me, I’ll be sipping my chai and staying away from expensive coffees
