Ever browsed through Nespresso’s catalog and noticed a section called “Special Reserve” in between the colorful cartons with intriguing names like “Cioccolato” and “Diavolitto”? If you’ve wondered what exactly makes these pods so “special,” you’re not alone. Simply put, these Special Reserves are Nespresso’s collection of some of the world’s best and rarest coffees.
That’s not an exaggeration. You can take the Jamaican Blue Mountain Special Reserve as an example. The coffee is sourced from the highlands of the Blue Mountains in Jamaica, often said to be one of the best coffee-growing regions out there. The farms here only produce about 400 metric tons each year, and the scarcity plus the fine quality combined makes for very expensive coffee that often sells for a whopping $65 per pound or more. You can expect the same level of exclusivity from the other Special Reserves like the Hawaiian Kona and Galapagos.
But, as you might expect, these premium coffees come with similarly premium price tags. Special Reserve pods typically cost between $2 and $2.80 each (depending on whether you choose Originalor Virtuo versions), roughly double the price of standard Nespresso capsules which can go anywhere from $0.77 (Nespresso Ispirazione Variety Pack) to $1.30 (Nespresso Capsules Vertuo Variety Pack, Medium and Dark Roast Coffee). But when you consider the exceptional quality and rarity of these beans, it might be worth the admission fee if you’re serious about your morning cuppa!
What Special Reserves are available?
For February 2025, the current Nespresso Special Reserve on offer is the Hawaiian Kona — a name that all coffee enthusiasts should be able to instantly recognize. Kona coffee is one of Hawaii’s most lucrative exports as one of the priciest coffees in the world. Per Nespresso, it sourced its Kona beans from farms built atop the mountain slopes of Mauna Loa. You can really taste the uniquely tropical terroir that this brew carries. Expect bright, fruity flavors tempered by subtle citrus notes, with a satisfying nutty richness lingering on the palate for the finish.
Special Reserves appear in limited runs lasting a few months before Nespresso rotates in different limited-edition capsules. Some years feature multiple Special Reserves released at different times, while other years might not see any at all. If luck’s on your side, beyond Hawaiian Kona, you might also get to taste the Galapagos Special Reserve — a balanced medium roast with sweet cereal and biscuity notes originating from the Galapagos Islands. There’s also the previously mentioned Jamaica Blue Mountain and the sophisticated Maragogype Special Reserve to watch out for.
Keep an eye out for the Original Special Reserve gift box if you’re feeling lucky (currently sold out at the time of writing). This package includes four sleeves of coffee, featuring one Special Reserve-of-the-month alongside premium Master Origins or similar high-end capsules. It’s quite an investment, but if you’d like the best flavors Nespresso can offer? It’s hard to take better picks than these.
