For JUST 1 Cup of the Most Expensive Coffee in the World

I had read about Civet Coffee after hearing about it on NPR's "This American Life". It doesn't come without controversy and naysayers. But, I have been intrigued and curious for some time. So, when Touch of Modern, the source for a daily shopping email I receive, offered a package from ValBeMar

that contained enough grounds to make a 8-10 oz cup for $25, I went for it; you only live once. I received my single serving of Kopi Luwak Friday. Immediately, I started thinking when do I make this? Do I wait for a special occasion? Do I need to prepare my palette? How? What's the best way to make a single serving of coffee from grounds? Oh, the thoughts one will put into making a $25 single serving of coffee.

I decided I would be fluid as to when, but that it would have to be on a morning when there was no rush, no hustle and bustle, an easy starting day. Well, I overslept and missed the opportunity to join the Sunday morning running group I sometimes run with. The time has just sprung forward. And, I can run when I want to. Today was the day, Carpe Diem! I made the coffee.

I had done a little research and discovered the recommended way to make the coffee requires a Syphon Brewer. You can buy yours here. I didn't. After doing a little research which amounted to watching some YouTube videos. I decided to use my French Press:

Those are expresso cups and we got about 3 cups worth from the press. Thus, the following should provide a sense of scale for both size and price:

8 Bucks Worth of Cat-Poop Coffee

Okay, I know you're on the edge of your seat. It was good, very good. It was not 8 bucks worth of good though. I'm not a great describer of flavor, but I love coffee and have sampled many. This coffee was rich in flavor without any bitterness. The aftertaste was equally smooth, pleasant, and lasting just enough to earn appreciation without boredom, leaving you ready for the next sip. I would also agree with ValBeMar's description:

ValBeMar Kopi Luwak Kayumas is a full bodied coffee (almost syrupy) with a rich, heavy taste and hints of caramel or chocolate. Many describe the aroma as earthy, musty, and complex. - See more at: http://www.valbemar.com/our-coffees/kopi-luwak/#sthash.pCqHdpNq.dpuf

Betsy, my wife, had a dilemma. She normally doctors her coffee up with sweetener and creamer. But, adding something to this coffee seemed to be the equivalent of putting steak sauce on a steak. In Texas where I grew up, one only puts steak sauce on bad steak. The flavor should come from the meat. A little salt and pepper perhaps, but that's all. While Betsy liked the taste of the coffee, she was still impelled to "doctor" it up. She did. She liked it, but didn't find it superior to some coffees we brought home from Costa Rica during our vacation there last year.

So, there you have it. Very good. Too expensive. Get a good, less expensive Costa Rican coffee, but if you see a good deal, you too, should try it.