The Differences Between Hacienda La Esmeralda's Red, Green, and Blue Labels - An Introduction to Panamanian Geisha Coffee Flavor

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FrontStreet Coffee - Introduction to the Differences between Hacienda La Esmeralda Geisha Red Label and Blue Label

Hacienda La Esmeralda consists of 4 farms: Cañas Verdes, El Velo, Jaramillo, and Palmira. All coffee beans are sent to these 4 farms for processing after harvest. The Peterson family, who own the estate, first purchased the Palmira farm.

Red Label [Competition Batch]

Altitude: 1,600-1,800 meters
Cupping score: 90+ points
Farms: Jaramillo and Cañas Verdes
This represents the highest quality Geisha beans

Harvested from the highest elevations of the Boquete mountain region, these Geisha beans possess special, bright floral aromas and citrus fragrances. Coffee of this grade is processed into either natural or washed green beans. In 2018, a new yeast processing method was added. These beans can only be acquired through the annual global auction and are highly sought after by numerous coffee merchants.

Green Label [Reserve Batch]

Altitude: 1,600-1,800 meters
Farms: Micro-batch coffee beans from three different farms: Jaramillo, Quiel, and Cañas Verdes

Although not the highest-grade competition beans, this level of Geisha still carries the classic flavors of Geisha coffee beans—floral notes, fruit aromas, citrus acidity, and a thick, juicy mouthfeel. The carefully selected fully ripe coffee fruits create rich sweetness, bright fruit acidity, and delicious flavors. This grade of Geisha beans also offers both washed and natural processed green beans to choose from, making them another popular choice among coffee merchants.

Blue Label [Selection Batch]

Altitude: 1,500 meters
Farms: Blended beans from three different farms: Jaramillo, Cañas Verdes, and El Velo

Featuring subtle floral notes, fruit acidity, and sweetness, with a relatively less full-bodied mouthfeel compared to the Red Label. Clean and refreshing, this grade of Geisha beans is only available as washed processed green beans.

Knowledge Extension

The competition batch Esmeralda Special, which carries the Red Label, can only be purchased through the annual global auction. Hacienda La Esmeralda hosts its own global auction each year, which has become an annual major event in the specialty coffee industry.