Lewak Coffee

Apparently the most expensive coffee in the world is grown in Bali. Lewak coffee is grown on a plantation up in the mountains not too far from Mt. Batur. The story behind this coffee is that the beans are grown and then eaten by a lewak. In the west the lewak is also known as a civet. The beans then pass through the digestive system of the lewak and and are sorted out by the workers on the plantation. Some people call this the "poop" coffee. In US dollars it costs about $38.00 for enough to make one pot.

We arrived at the plantation during a rain shower and were met in the parking lot by gentlemen providing umbrellas for our use.

After a walk through some gardens we came across a demonstration area. First the beans are sorted into male and female beans. (I had no idea coffee beans had a designated sex.) 

There was a very friendly gentleman roasting some of the beans over an open fire. He even let me try my hand at coffee roasting.

Following the demonstration we walked through more of the plantation. There were fruit trees of all varieties and spices grown in addition to several types of coffee and tea.

We also saw some lewak in cages but they move so quickly that all of the photos just show a sandy colored blur.

The plantation is built on the side of a mountain in a similar manner to the rice paddies. So we traveled up and down a bit till we came to a small tasting center. Each group is given a tray filled with several types of coffee including vanilla and coconut as well as several types of tea including lemongrass and pandanus. 

If you wanted to try the lewak coffee, there was a small charge. Since Ken and I are not coffee drinkers we opted to stick with the tasting tray, but Shayne and May Lene decided to be adventurous.

Let's suffice it to say that the verdict was not favorable. Shayne liked it better than May Lene, especially after she added sugar and some vanilla coffee to it. It naturally has a very strong flavor and is somewhat bitter. I didn't care for my sip, but then I don't care for coffee anyway. 

We all enjoyed the setting with a view over the valley and the sounds of a soft rain relaxing us.

But our relaxing moment could not last too long. Lots more to see and do in Bali.