Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Rare, Ultra-Premium Coffee

The market for high-end coffee might look confusing at first. Specialty coffee is more expensive than everyday coffee, so it makes sense to ask some questions before making any purchase.  
Let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions about rare and premium coffee. This is our specialty coffee FAQ.

Is expensive coffee worth it?

If you drink coffee regularly and have learned to appreciate its nuances, then leveling up and trying rarer coffees makes sense. For coffee enthusiasts, there are endless possibilities to try rare and interesting coffees from around the world. For coffee, higher prices regularly mean better quality, which means more interesting flavors and aromas. So if you’re passionate about coffee, trying a more expensive coffee is definitely worth it. 

What is the most expensive coffee in the world? 

Black Ivory, Musha Coffee and Kopi Luwak are often the top-three coffees in the price leaderboard. All three are produced using coffee beans that pass through an animal’s digestive system. 

Elephants in Thailand eat the coffee cherries used to make Black Ivory. Kopi Luwak comes from beans eaten by civets in Indonesia, while the rarer Misha Coffee passes through the digestive system of coatis, small mammals native to South America.

Of course, the most expensive coffee isn’t always the best. There are several high-priced coffees that offer better value without involving animal digestion. Jamaican Blue Mountain, Panama Geisha (also known as Gesha) and Hawaiian Kona are often in the top ten in terms of price, and the only creature digesting these coffees is you.

What do Premium, Specialty and Rare mean?

Terms like gourmet, premium, rare, and specialty are common on coffee labels, but they can mean different things.  

There are two things to consider when buying high-end coffee: its quality and its rarity. As with any agricultural product, some coffees are better quality than others, and a better quality commands a high price. 

Some terms are not about quality but about rarity. Usually, the world’s finest coffees are produced in small quantities. So when you see a term on a coffee bag, ask yourself whether it refers to the coffee’s quality or rarity. Sometimes it’s just a marketing gimmick.

What is the best specialty coffee to start learning more?

Ultimately, no coffee is better than another, especially if you're getting started.  High-quality coffee can offer richer, more complex flavors than everyday coffee, so spending a bit more on your usual coffee is a good way to start learning more about different types of beans and processes.

When you’re ready, choose the specialty coffee that sounds the most appealing to you. Hawaiian Kona, Panama Geisha, Jamaican Blue Mountain are some of our most popular coffees with experienced and inexperienced customers alike.

Should I treat expensive coffee differently from regular coffee?

All coffee, not just the expensive ones, needs a little care. Store your coffee in a cool place away from direct sunlight. Ideally, buy freshly roasted coffee beans, grind them as needed, and avoid buying more than you can use in a few weeks.  

Specialty coffee usually comes in nice packaging: bags designed to protect it from oxygen and light. So, it’s generally best to keep your coffee in its original bag unless recommended otherwise by the roaster.  

How to buy rare coffee online?

When buying specialty coffee, look for reputable roasters and merchants with direct ties to the producers. The fewer intermediaries involved, the better. 

If you want to try some of the most interesting coffees in the world, explore Hayman’s catalogue. Upgrading your daily cup of coffee to specialty coffee is a rewarding way of treating yourself and taking your passion for coffee to the next level.