Would you pay Rs 2.6 lakh for coffee made from beans digested by elephants?

If you thought your daily cappuccino was expensive, wait till you hear about Black Ivory Coffee, a Thai brand! This ultra-luxurious, rare, and yes – elephant-assisted – coffee can cost you nearly Rs 2,64,300 per kilogram. That’s right, this isn’t just coffee; it’s liquid gold in a cup!

How is it made? Well, let’s just say… elephants are involved
Before you wrinkle your nose, let’s get one thing straight—this isn’t your average farm-to-cup coffee. Black Ivory Coffee is made from Thai Arabica coffee cherries that are eaten by elephants, digested, and then, um… well, ‘processed’ naturally before being collected, cleaned, and roasted. (Yes, someone has the job of collecting elephant-digested coffee beans. Wild, right?)

The science behind this? The elephants’ digestive process ferments the beans naturally, breaking down proteins (which cause bitterness) and leaving behind a rich, smooth coffee with notes of chocolate, malt, and spice. In other words, a coffee experience like no other!

An incredibly distinctive cup
Black Ivory Coffee isn't just expensive—it’s one of the most unique-tasting coffees in the world. With flavour notes of cacao/chocolate, pu'erh tea, tamarind, date, plum, and a hint of tobacco, this coffee offers an unforgettable drinking experience. And the best part? It lacks the burnt or bitter taste of regular coffee, making it perfect even for those who aren’t coffee connoisseurs.

Why is it so expensive?
Well, apart from the unique production method, a single kilogram of Black Ivory Coffee requires about 33 kg of raw coffee cherries. Many beans get chewed up, lost, or broken during digestion, making this a low-yield, high-labour coffee. Combine that with the fact that only 225 kg is produced in 2025, and you’ve got the world’s rarest coffee.

A single cup of Black Ivory Coffee at high-end hotels can cost around Rs 3,700, while a 35-gram pack is priced at Rs 8,900. If you want the ultimate indulgence, a single package of Black Ivory Coffee costs Rs 13,300, while a 1 kg package (set of 25) is priced at Rs 2,64,300.

Where can you try it?
Since this coffee is as rare as a unicorn, it’s not available at your neighbourhood café. It’s mainly served in luxury hotels, Michelin-star restaurants, and on high-end private airlines. If you’re determined to try it, some speciality retailers sell it online—but be prepared to pay a fortune for this elephant-approved caffeine fix.

Drinking for a cause
If the price tag makes your wallet cry, at least there’s some good news: a portion of the proceeds goes to the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, which helps care for elephants and supports conservation efforts. So, you’re not just sipping on an exotic brew—you’re also contributing to a good cause!

Is it worth it?
If you’re a coffee lover with an adventurous streak (and deep pockets), Black Ivory Coffee is a must-try bucket list experience. It’s not every day you get to sip on a brew that’s been hand-picked (or should we say, trunk-selected?) by elephants!

Would you try Black Ivory Coffee if given the chance? Or would you rather stick to your good old filter coffee? Let us know!