Talking about kopi luwak, our expectations are naturally set on it being the most expensive coffee in the world. Yes, you heard that right! This authentic Indonesian coffee has indeed become one of Indonesia’s flagship commodities. Learning how to brew kopi luwak is necessary for you to be able to enjoy the full flavor, before we explain the brewing steps let’s learn a bit about the coffee luwak.
The high price is due to its lengthy production process and the limited amount of yield. Kopi luwak production requires the help of the civet or Luwak animal. The Luwak is known for its ability to select high-quality coffee cherries to eat. However, the Luwak’s digestion can only break down the cherry’s pulp, while the skin and coffee bean remain intact, though they have been exposed to the acids in the Luwak’s stomach.
The coffee beans then exit the Luwak’s digestive system intact. These beans are sought after by coffee farmers because the substances absorbed by the coffee beans from the digestive process are believed to create a distinctive, delicious taste.
The popularity of kopi luwak went global when it was first publicized in the 1980s. However, it had already been well-known in Southeast Asia before then. Kopi luwak’s high price can be wallet-breaking, as 450 grams (1 pound) of unground beans can cost up to USD 100, or about 1.3 million Indonesian rupiahs. Expensive, right? But this price is fitting for the quality of this world-famous coffee.
How to Brew Kopi Luwak
This luxurious coffee isn’t brewed much differently from regular coffee, but some specific steps need to be followed carefully to ensure the flavor and aroma are not compromised, given its high price!
The following three methods can guide you in brewing kopi luwak.
Method 1
- Start by boiling water. While waiting, prepare the kopi luwak by putting a spoonful of ground kopi luwak into a cup.
- Once the water has boiled, turn off the heat and wait for 1 to 2 minutes for the temperature to drop, or until it reaches about 90 degrees Celsius.
- Pour the hot water into the cup, then cover it for 3 to 5 minutes to let the coffee extract fully without its aroma escaping.
- To enjoy, you can slowly remove the cover and take a sip while inhaling the rich aroma. The fragrance that fills the air is lovely to breathe in deeply before taking the first sip.
Method 2
- While the first method involves steeping, the second method involves boiling the kopi luwak grounds directly with hot water.
- Simply pour 1-2 cups of water into a saucepan and heat it.
- Wait for about 1 minute or until the water temperature reaches 60 degrees Celsius,
- then add a spoonful of kopi luwak grounds, adjusting the amount to your taste.
- Keep heating the water until it boils. To prevent burning the coffee, stir it constantly until it’s ready to be poured and served.
Method 3
- This method is similar to the first, except the coffee grounds are left undisturbed.
- Simply prepare the coffee grounds in a cup, then pour hot water over them. But remember, do not stir!
- Slowly add the hot water to the amount you desire.
- To enhance the aroma and flavor, it’s best to cover the cup right after pouring,
- then wait a few minutes to allow the coffee to extract its unique aroma and taste.
- The coffee grounds will settle at the bottom of the glass without stirring, and the coffee can be enjoyed directly by sipping it slowly. Enjoy!
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Get more information about Kopi Luwak here: A Comprehensive Guide: What is Kopi Luwak Coffee?
