Introduction:An in-depth look at why a specialty coffee shop in Shanghai’s Jing’an District, famous for selling a pour over coffee priced at an astronomical 6,200 yuan, abruptly closed down in less than three months. This article analyzes the “high-priced coffee” trend that emerged across various regions in 2023, focusing on the BOP Champion Bean label behind these offerings, and provides rational advice for coffee enthusiasts on selecting and appreciating high-quality coffee beans.

Not long ago, a specialty coffee shop in Shanghai’s Jing’an District sparked heated discussion on social media after launching a pour over coffee priced as high as 6,200 yuan per cup. Yet, from its soft opening to its quiet closure, the shop’s lifespan was less than three months. What led to the sudden exit of this once internet-famous café? And what market phenomena does it reflect?

According to public information, the shop was located in Shanghai’s Jing’an District, and its exterior had attracted many visitors eager to take photos. However, today the store is locked up, its equipment has been cleared out, takeaway cups are scattered on the counter, the stone slabs that once displayed coffee beans are toppled, and some household waste remains — a stark contrast to the lively scene of the past. According to reviews on Dianping, its status is listed as “temporarily closed,” with the last comment dated January 4, and the business phone goes unanswered.

Looking back to the end of last year, the shop launched a series of jaw-dropping coffee prices: 2,888 yuan, 4,988 yuan, 6,200 yuan, and even as high as 13,333 yuan. Among them, the most eye-catching was the 6,200-yuan “2023 Best Panama Champion – Finca Carmen Estate · Washed · Geisha” pour over coffee, available by limited reservation. According to staff at the time, the beans were in limited supply, with only two cups pre-sold. Although the owner later requested the suspension of sales for this auctioned pour over coffee and the removal of the high-price menu items, the “high-priced coffee” label had already brought considerable traffic to the shop.

However, the good times didn’t last. The once red-hot coffee shop ultimately chose to “pull out overnight,” leaving the premises empty and creating a sharp contrast with the bustling scene at its opening. From viral online fame to closure, the entire process took less than three months, sparking widespread speculation.

In fact, similar “high-priced coffee” phenomena emerged in various parts of China throughout 2023. Whether it was the 4,988-yuan coffee in Hangzhou, the 6,200-yuan champion pour over in Shanghai, or coffee priced as high as 13,000 yuan, these products shared one common trait — they were mostly marketed as being made from the “2023 BOP Champion Beans.”

BOP (Best of Panama) is one of the most influential competitions in the global specialty coffee industry, where the champion beans selected each year often boast unique flavors and extreme rarity. Take the Finca Carmen Geisha, for example — such coffees are typically produced in very limited quantities, with complex flavor profiles featuring floral notes, tropical fruits, and even tea-like qualities, making them highly sought-after by seasoned coffee enthusiasts for collection.

For true coffee aficionados chasing ultimate flavor, rather than spending thousands to taste a single cup at a café, it may be more worthwhile to consider pooling resources with fellow enthusiasts to jointly purchase a batch of champion roasted beans and share the brewing experience. This not only makes the cost more reasonable but also allows for adjustments according to personal preferences at home.Pour over parameters— such as controlling the water temperature between 90–94°C and using a recommended coffee-to-water ratio of 1:15 to 1:16 — can be employed to fully highlight the floral, fruity notes and sweetness unique to Geisha beans.

It is worth noting that although high-priced coffee often markets itself on “scarcity” and “premium quality,” the value of specialty coffee should ultimately return to the essence of flavor, rather than mere price hype. When choosing high-priced coffee beans, consumers should also pay attention to key information such as origin, processing method, and roast date to ensure the best possible flavor experience.

The “high-priced coffee” craze of 2023 was both a market phenomenon and a lesson in consumer education. While pursuing unique coffee experiences, rational consumption and flavor exploration are the core drivers of the long-term development of coffee culture.

The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.