fandomhigh | A Shot in the Dark: A Comprehensive Guide to Coffee; Thursday, 4th Period [06/20].

"For our penultimate class," Ignis stated, after ensuring that everyone he suspected would be coming did, in fact, meet as directed at the portalocity office, "we will be taking another field trip to explore what is considered one of the finest and most unusual, some might even say off-putting and completely ridiculous, gimmicky, coffees this world has to offer: kopi luwak. I have actually had the opportunity to try this before in a previous visit with the school to Indonesia, and that is where we will be traversing today, to the Cantik Kopi Luwak cooperative. There, we will learn more about this very special coffee, its origins, the process and rituals inherent in it, as well as its culture and cultivation, and an exploration on why it is a revered as it is. If you've heard of kopi luwak already, then you know what we're in for. And if you haven't?"

Here, Ignis smiled, with a small nod.

"Then I hope you at least keep an open mind about it. I'm sure that won't be a problem for some of you, though, thankfully. With that, then, let us set forth to Bali, and get started."

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The coffee is made of what??

Upon arrival to the remote plantation with an extensive tour, the class will learn about what makes the kopi luwak coffee so unique: it is often simply called civet coffee, because it is made from coffee cherries ingested and then extracted by the local population of civet cats.

That's right. The coffee is made from beans pooped out by local critters.

History suggests that this practice was started thanks to colonialism; when the Dutch swept in during the 18th century to capitalize on coffee production, they left the native farmers with little coffee of their own. When discovering the undigested cherries left behind by the civets after consuming them, a solution was found, and a drink of legend was born.

In addition to the famed coffee, however, the plantation is also an excellent source of cultural preservation and Balinese history, something to certainly keep in mind when discussing a product with, on this planet at least, a deep history of exploitation of both people and natural resources.

Kopi luwak isn't the only type of coffee offered by the cooperative, with over 12 different roasts to try, but, of course, sampling the one that made them famous and makes them an exceptional amount of money at those prices is highly encouraged. There is debate, of course, as to whether or not the novelty of kopi luwak has inflated its value substantially: many critics and coffee lovers disparage the cup, actually, for being mediocre at best and riding solely on its strange origins for its prestige.

So taste, consider, discuss, explore the plantation or engage with the workers about the process. Enjoy the lush Balinese landscape or just go hang out with the civets. All valid options.

Who is trying to keep his actual opinion of kopi luwak neutral for the sake of the class, and will simply remark that it is no Ebony, but what is, really?