The Legend of Panama's Hacienda La Esmeralda Geisha Blue Label Washed Coffee Beans

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The Rise of Panamanian Specialty Coffee

In 1996, during the lowest period of international coffee prices, seven coffee estates in the Boquete and Volcan regions saw the dawn of the specialty coffee era. They organized and formed the famous Panamanian Association of Special Coffees of Panama (SCAP). In 2013, the highest bid for washed Geisha in the BOP (Best of Panama) exceeded $160 per pound, while the highest bid for natural Geisha was claimed by a natural Geisha from Hacienda La Esmeralda at over $350 per pound.

Hacienda La Esmeralda Geisha Brands

Hacienda La Esmeralda's Geisha has three brands, classified by altitude:

Auction Geisha (ESMERALDA SPECIAL) (Red Label): Selected from altitudes above 1550 meters.

Boquete Geisha (Green Label): Geisha selected from 1500 meters.

ESMERALDA 1,500 (Blue Label): Selected Geisha varieties from around 1500 meters altitude.

The History of Geisha Coffee

The Geisha variety was discovered in the Geisha forest of Ethiopia in 1931, then sent to the Coffee Research Institute in Kenya. In 1936, it was introduced to Uganda and Tanzania, and in 1953, Costa Rica introduced it. For a long time, not many people paid attention to Geisha until one day, Don Pachi brought it from the small town of GESHA in southwestern Ethiopia to Costa Rica. Afterward, Geisha entered Panama along the southern route. Hacienda La Esmeralda in Panama separated it from other varieties and won the national coffee championship.

Characteristics of Geisha Coffee

Geisha possesses full-bodied sweetness, an extremely clean mouthfeel, and rich aromas that extend from berries and citrus to mango, papaya, and peach flavors. A very distinct bergamot-like aftertaste is also its typical cupping attribute. To date, Geisha has remained the champion among coffee varieties.

Brewing Guide

Blue Label pour-over: 15g of coffee, ground to medium-fine (using Fuji's ghost tooth grinder at 3.5), V60 dripper, water temperature 91-93°C. First pour 30g of water, let it bloom for 27 seconds. Pour to 105g and stop. Wait until the water level drops halfway, then slowly pour until reaching 225g. Avoid the tail end. Water-to-coffee ratio 1:15, extraction time 2:00.

Panama Geisha (Hacienda La Esmeralda) Specifications

Country: Panama
Grade: Blue Label
Region: Slopes of Baru Volcano
Roast Level: Light Roast
Processing: Washed
Variety: Geisha
Estate: Hacienda La Esmeralda
Flavor Notes: Oolong tea, peach, honey

Panama Hacienda La Esmeralda Geisha Coffee Beans

Origin: Panama
Region: Located on the slopes of Baru Volcano, Panama's highest peak in the west
Estate: Hacienda La Esmeralda
Grade: Blue Label
Growing Altitude: 1450m
Processing Method: Fine washed processing
Special Certification: Green Rainforest Alliance Certified
Roast Level: Light roast (city-)

About Panama Coffee Auctions

Panama is the most important region on the world coffee map. Coffee beans from their annual auctions fetch prices exceeding hundreds of dollars.

Geisha is pronounced the same as the Japanese word "geisha," hence it's also known as Geisha coffee. Because the tree variety is taller than typical coffee trees, it was originally planted in a small area within the estate and used as a windbreak. The estate owner's son, to participate in the annual Panama's Best Coffee competition, searched through all coffee varieties in the estate for testing, giving Geisha the opportunity to shine. It later participated in various world coffee competitions, winning a total of eleven championships.

Flavor Description

Oolong tea fragrance, peach aroma, honey notes - refreshing and comfortable, bright yet balanced, with an extremely strong layering of aromas. The entire aroma and caramel sweetness are wrapped together. Upon entry, the tongue feels distinct fruit acidity, while it's gentle and smooth in the mouth. The fruit sweetness and aftertaste are strong, like swallowing a mouthful of fresh fruit tea - clear and refreshing. The lower the temperature, the more delicate the acidity. The flavor is quite persistent, leaving one feeling completely satisfied!

Product Information

Manufacturer: Coffee Workshop
Address: No. 10 Bao'an Front Street, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, FrontStreet Coffee
Contact: 020-38364473
Shelf Life: 90 days
Net Weight: 100g
Packaging: Bulk
Origin: Panama

Important Notice :

前街咖啡 FrontStreet Coffee has moved to new addredd:

FrontStreet Coffee Address: 315,Donghua East Road,GuangZhou

Tel:020 38364473