Panama Cotowo Witch Estate Geisha Coffee Flavor and Characteristics

Professional coffee knowledge exchange. For more coffee bean information, please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat public account: cafe_style).

2015 Best of Panama Competition

La Brujita Washed Geisha auction lot beans priced at ¥5,190 per kilogram.

This particular lot is not from the auction batch. The importer had already placed orders before the competition, which is why the price is much more affordable.

The flavor profile is also exceptional, making it an excellent value for money.

Coffee Information

Country: Panama

Name: Kotowa Estate La Brujita Geisha Washed

Region: Boquete

Grade: SHB

Processing Method: Washed

Altitude: 1,700 meters

Variety: Geisha

The name "Kotowa" originates from the indigenous people's native language, where it represents the meaning of "mountain."

History and Legacy

Over a century ago, Alexander Duncan McIntyre came to this land in Panama. The simplicity and beauty of the people here deeply attracted him, and from then on, the family began cultivating coffee here. Today, it is operated by the fourth-generation successor, Ricardo Koyner.

The estate currently has four coffee farms: Finca Kotowa Duncan, Finca Kotowa Don K, and Crystal River (Finca Kotowa Río Cristal). The Don K estate is situated at an altitude of 1,700-1,750 meters on the western slopes of the Boquete region, near Barú Volcano.

Although located in the same producing region, the microclimates on either side of the valley create completely different flavor profiles for the coffees from the two estates.

Terroir and Growing Conditions

Cool nights without frost and dry, sunny days create ideal growing conditions. The area is influenced by microclimates where Pacific and Atlantic air currents meet. The growing season enjoys abundant rainfall with distinct wet and dry seasons.

Additionally, the volcanic belt's lava contains rich minerals, and the fertile volcanic black soil provides ample nutrients. Excellent drainage further enhances the exceptional terroir conditions.

Processing and Quality Control

During the harvest season, ripe red-purple cherries are carefully selected. Modern pulping equipment is used for processing, and local, natural, clean water sources are used to wash coffee cherries and remove pulp.

Compared to other processing facilities, only half a liter of water is used per pound of green coffee beans here, saving approximately 10-20 liters of water resources. The pulp and wastewater are then reused as organic fertilizer.

After natural drying, the green coffee beans are stored in temperature-controlled warehouses at 45°C. After resting for two months, the moisture content becomes consistent, and the flavors mature further, creating more charming aromas and mouthfeel.

Flavor Profile

Citrus, floral notes, cream, and coffee flowers.

Brewing Recommendations

FrontStreet Coffee recommends pour-over brewing with a V60 dripper:

Grind Size: 3.5 (Fuji R440 from Japan)

Water Temperature: 90°C

French Press: Recommended grind size 4, water temperature 90°C

AeroPress: Recommended grind size 3.5, water temperature 87°C

Siphon: Grind size 4, water temperature [information incomplete in original text]

Important Notice :

前街咖啡 FrontStreet Coffee has moved to new addredd:

FrontStreet Coffee Address: 315,Donghua East Road,GuangZhou

Tel:020 38364473