Civet Coffee - Our Take On This Smelly Topic

I'm often asked what my take is on the whole ALAMID COFFEE hype. To be honest, I HAVEN'T TRIED IT, for a simple reason which I will reveal at the end of this post. Today is the perfect day to discuss this topic, as I sit down on a rainy Monday morning with Philippine Coffee Guru Mr. Robert Francisco to discuss our amalgamated plans for the upcoming Asia Food Expo from September 11-14, as well as other stuff (the weather, married life, parenthood, nanny blues, coffee industry gossip, etc.).  In his award-winning book A COFFEE JOURNAL, Robert devoted a whole chapter regarding this touchy (smelly even) subject.

Photo Courtest of CIVET COFFEE SHOP

To those hiding under a rock these past few years, Alamid coffee is the most expensive coffee in the world, derived from the droppings of the wild civet cat.  The process is long, tedious and thorough: The undigested beans from their poop, uhm droppings i mean are picked up from the forest floor, washed, cleaned, peeled off from their parchment, roasted, and ultimately consumed.

To quote Robert verbatim: "Some claim Alamid coffee has a distinct flavor or texture that regular coffee does not have. Well, they can always speak for themselves. I have tried and tasted Alamid coffee and I have to say that for me, it is no big wow."

Furthermore, Robert explains: "The 'exotic' nature of the Alamid coffee creates a demand from the curious, and effectively commands a very high price, causing a chain reaction among farmers, hunters, and pickers, enticing them to be as innovative (greedy) as the can possibly be. Unfortunately, there are those who have perhaps become too innovative in the trade, and the civet cats are the ones already paying for it. Of course, if supply does not meet demand, pretty sure it will be adulterated."

Case closed, thanks but not thanks! Oh, and as a final note, a wise man by the name of Fr. Louis Papilla, S.J. (my high school guidance councilor) taught me well that "A WISE DOG NEVER EATS ITS OWN DUNG!" Taking a cue from this statement, what more if a human being eats the poop of a cat??? Food for thought - pun intended!

A Coffee Journal, the book about anything and everything coffee

WOFEX 2013

Time certainly flies and we're posting another successful WOFEX Show performance. For the "Nth" time, BOYD'S Coffee and Far Skyes Enterprise combined forces to showcase their signature Caffeinated & Creamy Experience that's never equaled!  Two companies with one common vision simply stated...

This year was made extra "syrupy sweet" with the arrival of Eagle Beverage's (owner of the STASERO brand from Seattle, WA) boss Ms. Aisha Kabani, to lend a hand and reiterate her unconditional support to us. Ten solid years and counting, we're truly filled with gratitude and it makes us prouder to represent your brand!

A significant year for BOYD's Coffee as well, with the owner's firm commitment to continue doing what he does best - Trailblazing! New machines, new concepts, reinvigorated passion for the Coffee Industry!

A bigger and better show next year? MOST DEFINITELY!