The History, Culture, and Stories of Panama's Esmeralda Special Estate Single-Origin Coffee Beans

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The History, Culture, and Stories of Panama's La Esmeralda Estate Premium Single-Origin Coffee Beans

Panama

Population: 3,406,000

Panama's coffee definition is based on how coffee is produced, not on geographical divisions. Previously, when coffee cultivation was more widespread, and when the regions listed below were smaller and more closely clustered, coffee beans from these areas could be combined as a single unit.

BOQUETE

The Boquete region is the most famous Panama growing area. Its mountainous terrain creates many microclimates. The relatively cool weather and frequent fog help slow the maturation of coffee cherries, which some consider similar to high-altitude climate conditions.

Altitude: 400-1,900m

Harvest: December - March

Varieties: Typica, Caturra, Catuai, Bourbon, Geisha, San Ramon

VOLCAN-CANDELA

The Volcan Candela region produces most of Panama's food and some amazing coffees. The region is named after Baru Volcano and the city of Piedra Candela, bordering Costa Rica.

Altitude: 1,200-1,600m
Harvest: December - March

Varieties: Typica, Caturra, Catuai, Bourbon, Geisha, San Ramon

RENACIMIENTO

Renacimiento is a growing region in Chiriqui province, bordering Costa Rica. The area itself is quite small, so it's not one of Panama's major specialty coffee regions.

Altitude: 1,100-1,500m

Harvest: December - March

Varieties: Typica, Caturra, Catuai, Bourbon, Geisha, San Ramon

Introduction

In November 1967, Rudolph A. Peterson (1904-2003), a Swedish-American born in California and president of the Bank of America, purchased Hacienda La Esmeralda from Hans Elliot, a Swedish immigrant who had built the estate, as his retirement residence.

Hacienda La Esmeralda is a historic estate, a coffee farm located in the small area of Palmira in the Boquete region, until it was purchased by Rudolph A. Peterson in November 1967 for retirement living and dairy farming purposes.

In 1973, the estate was taken over by Price Peterson, the elder Rudolph's son. Price Peterson was born in 1936, studied and grew up in America, earning a Ph.D. in Neurochemistry from the University of Pennsylvania. In 1973, he moved with his wife Susan Duff and their two children, Erik and Rachel, to their homeland Boquete's Hacienda La Esmeralda. The elder Rudolph's second son, Daniel Peterson, was born here in 1974. Although the farm was primarily operated as a dairy business under the Peterson family's management, the original old coffee growing areas always existed. After 1987, it gradually transformed into a coffee estate, and in 1994, the estate established its own coffee processing wet mill to handle the coffee cherries harvested from the estate. In addition to Geisha, varieties grown on the estate include Typica, Caturra, Catuai, and Bourbon.

2002 was a turning point for La Esmeralda farm, thanks to Mr. Peterson's younger son, Daniel Peterson, who believed that the coffee produced throughout the entire La Esmeralda farm (two major coffee growing areas - the original La Esmeralda estate in southwest Boquete and the Jaramillo region newly added in 1996) was always harvested, mixed, and sold. Although the overall quality evaluation was good, it wasn't necessarily of uniform quality and flavor. The unique, elegant citrus sweetness and fruit aroma should come from certain excellent coffee varieties within the farm. So he began cupping each growing block individually, finally discovering in the higher altitude valleys of the Jaramillo area that the coffee harvested from these tall, low-yielding coffee trees had exceptional cupping quality. After several inquiries, they learned that these varieties, which thrive in high-altitude, low-temperature environments, were what would later become famous - GEISHA. In 2004, La Esmeralda participated in the Best of Panama (BOP) cupping competition with these special coffees. Geisha's unique aroma and rich texture amazed the judges, winning the "Best Coffee of Panama" championship title and setting a historical record of USD $21 per pound at that year's auction! This competition brought significant attention to La Esmeralda's Geisha coffee from the specialty coffee world! Subsequently, they won BOP championships in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, and 2010.

—Hacienda La Esmeralda has become the coffee estate with the highest award-winning rate globally—

About Hacienda La Esmeralda

The old La Esmeralda estate is located in Palmira, Boquete, built by Hans Elliot, a Swedish immigrant who settled here. It was purchased by Mr. Rudolph A. Peterson in November 1967 for dairy farming operations. In 1973, it was taken over by the elder Rudolph's son, Price Peterson. Price Peterson was born in 1936 and grew up in America, earning a Ph.D. in Neurochemistry from the University of Pennsylvania (U. Penn) during his studies. In 1973, he moved to the La Esmeralda estate in Boquete with his wife Susan Duff and their two children, Erik and Rachel. Daniel was the second son, born here in 1974. Although the farm was primarily operated as a dairy business under the Peterson family's management, the original old coffee growing areas always existed. After 1987, it gradually transformed into a coffee estate, and in 1994, the estate established its own coffee processing wet mill to handle the coffee cherries harvested from the estate. In addition to Geisha, varieties grown on the estate include Typica, Caturra, Catuai, and Bourbon.

After the Peterson family took over this farm, they purchased and added an additional 60 hectares of Jaramillo growing area. Some of this area had previously been used for dairy farming. After several major renovations of the entire farm, many blocks that were later dedicated to coffee cultivation began to bear fruit gradually in 2003-2004. In 2002, the Peterson family's son, Daniel, proposed a new idea, believing that not all coffee from the growing regions would have similar good flavors, but that several blocks had more distinctive tastes. So he began cupping all the coffee beans from the entire estate. Finally, in a small valley block at the highest altitude of the estate, he found this special coffee flavor - the coffee beans that sell for the best price at La Esmeralda, known as "Esmeralda Special." The coffee beans from other blocks are also of very good quality, but not as astonishingly remarkable as "Esmeralda Special." We understand that "Esmeralda Special" requires many factors to come together to produce small-lot, micro-batch, top-quality coffee, though the quantity represents a very small percentage of the estate's total production.

Hacienda La Esmeralda Estate Introduction

Hacienda La Esmeralda Estate is situated on the Baru Volcano mountain range in the Boquete region of western Panama. The estate's coffee fruits grow in Boquete's fertile volcanic soil and cool climate.

Panama is near the equator with a tropical climate. However, due to its high altitude and the local topography and microclimate of La Esmeralda, the Boquete region experiences significant temperature variations, with cold temperatures both morning and evening at the estate. Half of their carefully tended coffee gardens are located within forest reserves or national park areas. They are firmly committed to implementing sustainable agricultural practices and social responsibility. Due to their dedication to and special care for the natural environment, La Esmeralda's coffees are Rainforest Alliance Certified (RFA).

The Geisha variety was first discovered at Hacienda La Esmeralda in 2003. La Esmeralda is currently jointly operated by the third generation, Rachel and Daniel. Daniel is the discoverer who made the Geisha variety popular worldwide. Daniel and his sister Rachel cup each batch individually, recording every harvest of coffee fruits, analyzing the flavor profiles between different growing areas and different batches. One day, Daniel noticed that one batch of coffee had a distinctive floral aroma from the estate, with a brighter and richer texture. After逐一检视后, he finally discovered that the unique aroma and flavor came from the Geisha variety, unveiling the colorful chapter of the Geisha variety. La Esmeralda also took the first step toward becoming a world-class star estate.

The Geisha variety in Taiwan and globally has become synonymous with top-flavor specialty coffee. Good Geisha beans possess distinct "flavor characteristics," with jasmine, peach, orange, and other exotic floral aromas that are prominent and delicate, considered one of the world's finest coffees.

To this day, in the world of specialty coffee, it is well-known that Geisha originated from La Esmeralda. La Esmeralda has received countless first-place awards due to this Geisha variety, including:

Awards

Since 2004, Hacienda La Esmeralda has gone on to win a great number of major coffee industry awards and to set several online coffee auction price records.

1ST PLACE RECORD

Every year around June is La Esmeralda's independent auction time (auctioning only Geisha varieties) (one of the few estates in the world that can be publicly auctioned online). This year, as usual, the overall price has generally increased. Taiwan successfully bid on many batches this year, which is truly impressive.

La Esmeralda Products Commonly Seen in Taiwan:

1. La Esmeralda Diamond Mountain Washed (Varieties: Typica, Bourbon, Catuai)
2. La Esmeralda Geisha, mainly divided into 3 batches:
   • High altitude (Red Label) batch (auction batch) 1600-1800 meters, cupping score above 90 points
   • High altitude (Green Label) batch: 1600-1800 meters
   • Medium-high altitude (Blue Label) batch: 1500 meters

ESMERALDA SPECIAL Award Records:

• 1st Place Specialty Coffee Association of America Roasters Guild Cupping Pavilion (2007, 2006, 2005)
• 2nd Place Coffee of The Year (2009, 2008)
• 1st Place "Best of Panama" (2010, 2009, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004)
• 1st Place Rainforest Alliance Cupping for Quality (2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2004)

Award Records (La Esmeralda's award records):

• Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) Annual Cupping Competition Champion:
  • 1st Place Specialty Coffee Association of America Roasters Guild Cupping Pavilion
• Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) Annual Cupping Competition Second Place:
  • 2nd Place Coffee of the Year
• Best of Panama Champion:
  • 1st Place "Best of Panama"
• Rainforest Alliance Coffee Quality Cupping Competition Champion:
  • 1st Place Rainforest Alliance Cupping for Quality

Geisha is pronounced similarly to the Japanese word for "geisha," hence it's also called Geisha coffee. Because the tree variety is taller than typical coffee trees, it was originally planted in a small area of the estate and used as a windbreak. The estate owner's son, wanting to participate in the annual Best of Panama competition, tested all coffee tree varieties throughout the estate, giving Geisha the opportunity to make its debut. Subsequently, it participated in various world coffee competitions, winning a total of eleven championships.

Geisha has full sweetness, an extremely clean texture, 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 characteristic. To this day, Geisha remains the champion among coffee varieties.

Panama is the most important region on the world coffee map. Coffee beans from here's annual auctions fetch high prices of hundreds of dollars.

Panama Geisha (Hacienda La Esmeralda)

Origin: Panama

Region: Located on the slopes of Baru Mountain, the highest peak in western Panama

Estate: Hacienda La Esmeralda

Grade: Blue Label

Growing Altitude: 1450M

Processing Method: Fine washed processing

Special Certification: Rainforest Alliance Certified

Roast Level: Light roast city-

What is the Panama Auction?

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 established the famous Panamanian Association of Special Coffees of Panama (SCAP). In 2013, the highest bid for washed Geisha in the BOP exceeded $160 per pound, while the highest bid for natural Geisha was won by a natural Geisha from Hacienda La Esmeralda at over $350 per pound.

La Esmeralda Geisha has 3 brands, divided 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), Geisha selected from around 1500 meters altitude

Manufacturer: Coffee Workshop
Address: 10 Baoan Front Street, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, FrontStreet Coffee
Manufacturer Contact: 020-38364473
Shelf Life: 90 days
Net Content: 100g
Packaging: Bulk
Origin: Panama

Hand-poured Blue Label: 15g coffee, medium-fine grind (Fuji ghost tooth grinder 3.5), V60 dripper, 91-93°C water temperature. First pour with 30g water, 27-second bloom, then pour to 105g and stop. Wait until the water level drops to half, then continue pouring slowly until 225g. Discard the tail end. Water-to-coffee ratio 1:15, extraction time 2:00.

Panama Geisha (Hacienda La Esmeralda)

Country: Panama

Grade: Blue Label

Region: Slopes of Baru Mountain

Roast Level: Light roast

Processing Method: Washed

Variety: Geisha

Estate: Hacienda La Esmeralda

Flavor: Oolong tea aroma, peach aroma, honey aroma

Panama · La Esmeralda Geisha Coffee Beans

The Geisha variety was discovered in the Geisha forest of Ethiopia in 1931 and 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. Geisha didn't receive much attention until one day when Don Pachi initially brought it from the small town of GESHA in southwestern Ethiopia to Costa Rica. Later, Geisha entered Panama along the southern route, where Panama's La Esmeralda estate separated it from other varieties and won the national coffee championship.

Flavor Description: Oolong tea aroma, peach aroma, honey aroma - refreshing and comfortable, bright yet balanced, with extremely strong aromatic layers. The entire aroma is wrapped together with caramel sweetness. Upon entry, the tongue feels distinct fruit acidity, which is gentle and round in the mouth. The fruity sweetness and aftertaste are strong, like drinking a mouthful of fresh fruit tea, refreshing and heart-clearing. The lower the temperature, the more delicate the acidity. The flavor charm is also quite persistent, leaving people feeling very satisfied!

La Esmeralda Estate Introduction:

In 1996, the Price Peterson family purchased a coffee garden in the Jaramillo region north of Boquete, later naming it Pequeña Suecia (Little Sweden) to commemorate their homeland. This coffee garden is located east of Baru Volcano, with a cool climate and ethereal mountain mist. As Mr. Peterson described, this newly added area to La Esmeralda farm has excellent altitude and climate (1450-1700m), and the coffee beans produced emit an extremely elegant citrus fragrance after roasting. Interestingly, this old estate has various coffee tree varieties left by previous owners.

2002 was a turning point for La Esmeralda farm, thanks to Mr. Peterson's younger son, Daniel Peterson. He believed that the coffee produced throughout the entire La Esmeralda farm (two major coffee growing areas - the original La Esmeralda estate in southwest Boquete and the Jaramillo region newly added in 1996) had always been harvested, mixed, and sold. Although the overall quality evaluation was good, it wasn't necessarily of uniform quality and flavor. The extremely elegant citrus fruit aroma and sweetness should come from certain excellent coffee varieties within the farm. So he began cupping each growing block individually, finally discovering in the higher altitude valleys of the Jaramillo area that the coffee harvested from these tall, low-yielding coffee trees had exceptional cupping quality. After several inquiries, they learned that these varieties, which thrive in high-altitude, low-temperature environments, were what would later become famous - GEISHA. In 2004, La Esmeralda participated in the Best of Panama (BOP) cupping competition with these special coffees. Geisha's unique aroma and rich texture amazed the judges, winning the "Best Coffee of Panama" championship title and setting a historical record of USD $21 per pound at that year's auction! This competition brought significant attention to La Esmeralda's Geisha coffee from the specialty coffee world! Subsequently, they won BOP championships in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, and 2010.

—Hacienda La Esmeralda has become the coffee estate with the highest award-winning rate globally—

Important Notice :

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