How Serious Are You About Coffee?

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World's rarest and most expensive cup launched in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support

Those who are really serious about their coffee will be interested to hear about the launch of the world’s rarest and most premium coffee. However, as with most rarities, it comes at a price - £50 per cup to be precise.

Undoubtedly a huge price tag for a cup of coffee, proceeds from the sale of Caffe Raro will be donated to Macmillan Cancer Support to help people whose lives have been affected by cancer.

Coffee experts De’Longhi created the world’s most exclusive coffee by combining two of the world’s rarest coffee beans, Kupi Luwak and Jamaican Blue Mountain.

Jamaican Blue Mountain is a coffee grown in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica, between Kingston and Port Maria. Rising to 7,500 feet, the Blue Mountains are some of the highest in the Caribbean. The climate of the region is cool and misty with high rainfall and rich soil. This combination of climate and soil is considered ideal for coffee. Jamaica Blue Mountain is noted for its mild flavour and lack of bitterness and over the last several decades has developed a reputation as one of the most expensive and sought-after coffees in the world.

Kupi Luwak is widely regarded as the most expensive individual coffee bean on the market. Produced in Indonesia, this rare bean is digested by the Palm cat, a process which creates an earthy flavour celebrated by coffee aficionados. With only 200 kilos produced each year demand for the bean is strong and prices remain high.

“Caffé Raro is an extremely exciting coffee and a first for the UK – if not the world! These two incredibly rare coffees have never been blended before and the result is a very rich and full tasting espresso. These coffees have been slowly hand roasted for around 12 minutes to ensure that we maximise the potential of each coffee. The final roast colour is quite dark to ensure that the espresso is perfect for a smooth latte or cappuccino,” said David Cooper creator of De’Longhi’s Caffé Raro, World Barista Championship Judge and Board Director of the World Barista Championships.

With statistics showing that the British drink around 70 million cups of coffee a day, coffee is becoming increasingly popular in the predominantly tea drinking UK.

Caffé Raro is only available in the Peter Jones Espresso Bar and Brasserie by the cup as well as in-store in 100g packets throughout April. De’Longhi’s Caffé Raro retails for £50 per 100g packet or £50 a cup. All proceeds from the sale of the coffee will be donated to Macmillan Cancer Support to help people whose lives have been affected by cancer.

To find out more information about the De’Longhi Caffé Raro blend visit www.seriousaboutcoffee.com.

April 10, 2008