Most of us are well aware of Mocha, Cappucino and Expresso. But lately, the Southeast Asian archipelago is the world's main producer of Civet Coffee (known as Kopi Luwak in Malay or Indonesian language). It is a coffee brewed with beans plucked from the dung of the furry, weasel-like creatures known as Luwak or the Civet Cat!
The ripe coffee berries (usually Arabica) are eaten by the Civet Cat. The digestive juices & enzymes will cause a reduction in the bitterness of the bean. The end product, after a good wash and light roasting, lacks the bitterness of ordinary coffee and has a unique, soft flavour.
Single cup of Civet Coffee have been known to sell for almost $100 in London and 850 Baht in Thailand. Almost equivalent to RM85 in Malaysia. It is the prima donna & the Rolls Royce of coffee!
I've tasted it recently with a friend in Bangkok.
It is light, mild and non-bitter in taste. Judging from the price, of course we slowly take it, sip by sip. We basically had a great time, chatting casually, sharing some light jokes and some serious thoughts as well. Plus a rainy evening really helps create the whole experience of drinking this coffee.
Life is short. It is good to try something new if we have a chance to do so.
