COFFEE SMARTER WEEK 4: KOPI LUWAK
Today’s conversation with Chris O’Brien of Coffee Cycle did not go the way I expected. I suppose I never expected to get so in depth about a coffee that has been digested in the stomach of a cat most commonly found on the other side of the world from where I am in San Diego either.
If you’d like to read a bit more about Kopi Luwak, I suggest you read the Wiki here. It’s well done. One thing we didn’t talk about on the show was the cost of Kopi Luwak. I did mention it was a delicacy, but you might be surprised to hear that a pound of this cat stomach digested coffee can cost upwards of $600 per pound.
That is the price for “Wild” found Kopi Luwak which implies someone went out into the wild, and collected it. For farmed Kopi Luwak the price drops significantly, and can be found for $50 to $100 per pound. Still not nothing, but it does bring us full circle to Chris’s concerns about the ethicalness of purchasing or drinking this unique coffee.
He very passionately asked us not to purchase it, despite how interesting the science might be. If you decide that you feel differently, I hope you’ll go to the source, and ensure there is a measure responsible farming that allows you to feel comfortable with that choice. Granted that would likely mean a trip to the Philippines or Vietnam or East Timor.
Now that I think about it, that sounds like a pretty great trip. Maybe for Season 3 we take this show on the road. In general, take the time to get to know the roasters who produce the final coffee product that is such an integral part of most of our mornings.
It is the responsibility of conscientious consumers to follow up on their purchases. Often craft coffee roasters are going above and beyond to ensure their products are fairly traded and farmed sustainably. It can be tough to follow all the links in the chain, but it is one more reason why supporting the brands doing the work is so important.
Roast! West Coast Industry Partner’s Mostra Coffee has deep Filipino roots, and it was an experience traveling there that inspired Bev and Jelynn’s business partnership. Eventually they started Mostra Coffee along with Bev’s husband Sam, and Mike Arquines (future show guest). You can learn all about their roots, and see footage of a return trip their team took to engage with coffee farmers in the Philippines.
GOFUNDME FOR LINDSEY CARON
Lindsay Caron is the woman who I spoke about on today’s show. She was injured on her bicycle in a hit and run down the street from Coffee Cycle in Pacific Beach. You can read about the accident here, join the Facebook group that has mobilized around her, or click the button below to support the GoFundMe campaign set up to take on the anticipated medical and recovery expenses.
As a full-time bicycle commuter who spent a lot of time passing that exact same spot, this really struck a chord. My best to Lindsey, her family and friends. I’m wishing her a speedy recovery.
INDUSTRY LEGACY PARTNERS
The Roast! podcast is supported by some local coffee industry (or industry adjacent) partners. These companies not only support Roast! efforts to share more coffee content they are the foundation I lean on when I need some coffee expertise.
Zumbar Coffee & Tea • First Light Coffee Whiskey • Leap Coffee • Steady State Roasting • CAFÉ LaTERRE • Mostra Coffee • Cape Horn Coffee Importers • Marea Coffee • Coffee Cycle • Camp Coffee
IN CLOSING
Need to get caught up? Don’t forget to listen to the last interview with Cheryl Guildner of Renegade Coffee Roasters Design Group, and you can find all of the episodes from Season 1 here.
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Kopi Luwak, The Cat Poop Coffee.