As the most widely consumed psychoactive drug in the world, caffeine in its most ubiquitous form is coffee and is drunk so often and universally that it drives a billion-dollar economy. Apart from being the second most valuable commodity exported by developing countries, these beans support a global coffee culture ranging from the omnipresent Starbucks to hipster hole-in-the-wall cafes. In fact, so successful has the perk-me-up been that Ralph Lauren started selling its own brand and blend of coffee. Created in collaboration with La Colombe using beans from Central and South America, the coffee can be enjoyed in the brand’s Manhattan flagship store, along with other paraphernalia.

Be it a morning ritual, social lubricator, or after-meat digestif, some beans are just more equal than others. These exotic and rare varietals are guaranteed to satisfy even the most fastidious connoisseur. We track down the four most expensive coffee beans to date.