£265 Shot of Espresso in London

Jun 28, 2024

£265 Shot of Espresso in London

Why Try Such an Expensive Coffee?

  • Curiosity: Most expensive cup of coffee the presenter has bought in 20 years.
  • Common questions: Why so expensive? Is it worth it?
  • Press often writes about pricey coffees, prompting interest.

Reasons for Expensive Coffee

  1. Scarcity:
    • Limited production.
    • Example: Kopi Luwak.
  2. Competition:
    • Price driven up by auctions, e.g., Cup of Excellence.
    • Example: Hacienda La Esmeralda.
  3. Preparation:
    • Complex aging or brewing methods.

The Coffee: Nakayama Estate (Okinawa, Japan)

  • Reason for Price: Scarcity.
  • Type: Typica variety, natural process.
  • Processing:
    • Natural: Dried completely before hulling.
    • Contrast with washed process.
  • Production:
    • Small farm (~1000 trees).
    • Estimated production: ~300 kg annually.
    • Export to UK might be as low as 20-50 kg.
    • High production cost due to labor costs in Japan.
    • Example: California coffee ($300-$400/kg).
  • Island Coffee:
    • Islands can produce good coffee at low altitudes.
    • Example: Cuban coffee, Kona, St. Helena.

Price and Rarity

  • Price elasticity: Charging what people will pay.
  • Luxury items (wine, caviar, coffee) are often purchased for exclusivity.
  • Mayfair, London: Known for luxury and high prices.

Shot Coffee Shop (Mayfair)

  • Offers luxury island coffees.
  • Menu includes Jamaica Blue Mountain, Kona, St. Helena, Kopi Luwak, and Nakayama Estate.
  • No filming allowed inside.

Tasting the Espresso

  • Taste: Fermented, dried fruit notes, high acidity, juicy, bright.
  • Low altitude characteristics: Slight woodiness.
  • No distinct 'Japanese' taste.
  • Well brewed shot, good body and texture.
  • Conclusion: Taste and price are not strongly connected.

Was It Worth It?

  • Perspective:
    • Experience and story over purely taste.
    • Scarcity vs. competition coffees (better taste value).
  • Encourages audience interaction: Sharing their most expensive coffee experiences.

Final Thoughts

  • Presenter expresses the subjective worth of the experience.
  • Invites comments on the most expensive coffees viewers have had.
  • Requests suggestions for future content.