Panamanian Coffee: Exploring the Exquisite Flavors of Boquete
In 2019, a Geisha coffee from Elida Estate in Panama set a world record price at auction, selling for $1,029 per pound!
Panamanian coffee, particularly from the Boquete region, is renowned for its exceptional quality and unique flavor profiles. The country's most famous variety, Geisha, has revolutionized the specialty coffee world with its delicate floral and tea-like characteristics. Panama's diverse microclimates and careful cultivation practices contribute to producing some of the world's most sought-after and expensive coffees, known for their complexity, clarity, and distinctive taste.
History
Coffee cultivation in Panama dates back to the early 1800s, but it wasn't until the late 20th century that Panamanian coffee gained international recognition. The discovery and development of the Geisha variety in the early 2000s catapulted Panama into the spotlight of the specialty coffee world. Since then, Panamanian coffees have consistently broken price records at auctions and have become highly prized by coffee connoisseurs worldwide.
Panamanian
Local Coffee Customs
Economic Impact
Awards
- Best of Panama Competition (2004)
Brewing Methods
- Pour-over
- Chemex
- Aeropress
Certifications
- Rainforest Alliance
- Fair Trade
Common Varieties
- Geisha
- Catuai
- Caturra
Flavor Profile
- Floral
- Citrus
- Tropical fruit
Popular Brands & Roasters
- Hacienda La Esmeralda
- Elida Estate
- Ninety Plus Coffee
Tourism & Culture
Boquete offers coffee tours and tastings at various farms, allowing visitors to experience the entire coffee production process firsthand. The annual Flower and Coffee Fair in January is a popular attraction for coffee enthusiasts.
Future Outlook
Panama's coffee industry continues to focus on quality over quantity, with ongoing experimentation in processing methods and variety development. The country is likely to maintain its position as a producer of premium, high-value coffees, with increasing emphasis on sustainability and direct trade relationships.
Roast Recommendations
- Light roast
- Medium roast
Sustainability Practices
- Shade-grown cultivation
- Water conservation techniques
Traditional Preparation Methods
- Chorreador (cloth filter method)
- French press
Typical Harvest Season
Typical Processing Methods
- Washed
- Natural
- Honey