Trying Kopi Luwak in Bali – Natures Coffee Filter

You call yourself a coffee lover? Do you love it enough to try a cup from beans that were “processed” through a cute little animal? I’m talking about Kopi Luwak in Bali where beans are recovered from the excrement from a ferret like creature, roasted, and brewed.

Intrigued? It’s better than it sounds.

Luawked

There’re many places to try Kopi Luwak in Bali. I stopped at Alam Bali Kopi Luwak, a tourist plantation just down from the Tegalalang Rice Terrace. Upon entering you will find a few of the energetic Asian palm civet’s on display. Although they are nocturnal, they do you eat a shit ton of coffee beans so you may luck out and find one awake as we did.

After feeding this guy a few coffee cherries we watched as he lost his mind. I’m talking chasing its tail, rolling around, and pacing in its cage. Pretty much what you would expect from something that eats coffee for a living.

Bowels to Brew

Next you’ll find a display of the Kopi Luwak process. From fresh dung to roasted beans, it’s on display here.

What’s the Point?

Although there are those out there interested in trying Kopi Luwak in Bali just for the novelty (ahem), there’s actually a method to this odd madness. Kopi Luwak in Bali is said to be less caffeinated as the Luwak absorbs most of the caffeine (no shit) and it is supposed to taste better due to be fermentation process during digestion (no shit?)

Naturally, this process has also made Kopi Luwak in Bali and beyond the most expensive coffee in the world. This has resulted in some cruel conditions for the little luwaks. Historically, beans were forged in the Forest. Now beans are pulled from tiny cages where luwaks or force fed coffee cherries.

How to tell if it’s ethical? It a tough sell but there is a list of ethical producers out there. According to a discovery by the BBC most “plantations” are pretty shit.

The Verdict

Along with a massive selection of flavoured teas, I gave Kopi Luwak in Bali a go. Even though the beans are roasted at high temperatures, killing off any of the luwak remains, the thought that this brew passed through a living thing is pretty odd… and tasty! Trying Kopi Luwak in Bali was an experience and nothing more for me. It was flavorful next to the purposely watered-down Balinese coffee they give you on the side to compare, but not enough to warrant the high price and harsh conditions.

Back to regular manual slave labor beans for this guy!

What say you?
Thoughts on trying Kopi Luwak in Bali?
Let’s hear it!

For more reviews from Asia and beyond see HERE.