Kopi Luwak - Cruelty by the cup

Anyone tried Kopi Luwak?

I've drunk Kopi Luwak a number of times. It's not a bad brew. Tastes a little earthy, but it really has quite a different kick to it. It's almost like it's extra caffeinated. The theory behind it is that the civets only choose to eat the ripest most delicious coffee berries, meaning that contained within their droppings is the finest most ripest and delicious coffee beans. Great theory.

So what?

The problem with this theory is that the some producers of Kopi Luwak keep their civets under cruel conditions, which is no fun for anyone, especially not the civets, and in my world cruelty to animals is intolerable. By keeping the civets caged and feeding them harvested coffee berries they are also effectively preventing the civets from doing their job, which is choosing the finest berries to eat, which means that not only are they making animals suffer for our gratification, but they are providing a B-grade product, which goes against the very foundation of what their product is supposed to be.

What's the problem?

I have no problem making coffee from the excrement of a civet (after it is carefully washed and roasted), but it needs to be done in an equitable way that allows the civets to live unencumbered in their own environment. Not only will this be better for the civets, but it will be better for us as it will enable the civets to pick only the finest beans to include for us in their very own special blend.

Unfortunately, until producers clean up their act I recommend boycotting Kopi Luwak completely.

I don't ask for much, but please help support the campaign to stop cruelty by clicking here.

The civets will thank you for it later.