Panama Coffee Beans | Introduction to Boquete Region's Hacienda La Esmeralda Diamond Mountain Coffee

Panamanian coffee enjoys extremely high recognition in the global coffee market, a reputation primarily attributed to the Best of Panama (BOP) competition organized by the Specialty Coffee Association of Panama (SCAP). Through coffee competitions and auctions, high-value bidding for premium coffee is generated, which better enhances people's awareness of coffee origins, varieties, and processing methods. Simultaneously, it provides broader market access for coffee farmers, increases income efficiency, and thus encourages the production of high-quality coffee. The discovery of the Gesha variety at Hacienda La Esmeralda and its subsequent championship in the 2005 BOP with its unique flavor and exceptionally high scores brought it instant fame.

Panamanian Coffee

Panama's ability to cultivate such high-quality coffee is inseparable from its geographical environment and unique climate. Located in the southern part of Central America, Panama features undulating terrain with numerous valleys. Apart from the coastal plains in the north and south, most of the country consists of mountainous regions. Due to its proximity to the equator, Panama has a tropical maritime climate with humid days and cool nights. The average annual temperature ranges from 23-27°C, with distinct dry and rainy seasons throughout the year, and average annual rainfall between 1500-2500 millimeters. Panama is rich in forest resources, with forests and woodlands covering 43% of its territory. Coffee is primarily cultivated in the volcanic areas near the Chiriquí province in western Panama, benefiting from fertile volcanic soil, high altitudes, moderate rainfall, and microclimates that make this an excellent coffee-producing region.

Boquete

The main coffee-producing regions are Boquete, Volcán-Candela, and Renacimiento. These regions are all located around three of the country's volcanoes: Volcán Barú, El Valle, and La Yeguada.

On the eastern slope of Volcán Barú in the Boquete region, coffee is cultivated at altitudes between 1200-2000 meters. The higher elevation, temperatures ranging from 11-27°C, and the microclimate created by the special topography have earned Boquete the reputation of being a "coffee paradise." Therefore, the Boquete region hosts numerous outstanding estates, such as Hacienda La Esmeralda, Elida Estate, and Duncan Estate.

Hacienda La Esmeralda

In 1964, American banker Rudolph A. Peterson retired, moved to Panama, and purchased Hacienda La Esmeralda in Boquete. Later, he entrusted it to his son and grandchildren for management. Through the descendants' improvements in coffee cultivation techniques and standards, research on the impact of local microclimates on planting, harvesting, and processing, and the acquisition of advanced machinery for coffee processing, the estate flourished. Additionally, by separating different plots and harvest batches for batch cupping, they discovered the Gesha variety, which brought them fame through its victory in the BOP competition.

Currently, Hacienda La Esmeralda comprises four farms: Cañas Verdes, El Velo, Palmira, and Jaramillo. Among these four farms, three—Jaramillo, Cañas Verdes, and El Velo—cultivate the Gesha variety, with each farm further divided into different small plots.

Diamond Mountain Series

Currently, according to Hacienda La Esmeralda's official website, the estate divides its Gesha into three brands: Esmeralda Auction, Esmeralda Special (Red Label), and Private Collection (Green Label). Additionally, the Caturra and Catuaí varieties grown on the estate are classified under the Diamond Mountain brand.

The Diamond Mountain brand comes from the Cañas Verdes and Cañas Verdes farms of Hacienda La Esmeralda, cultivated at altitudes between 1400 to 1600 meters. These two independent farms feature volcanic soil and pristine forests that provide sufficient shade for coffee trees, resulting in green coffee beans with rich and complex fruit aromas, chocolate, spice flavors, and sweetness. The processing methods include both washed and natural.

FrontStreet Coffee Panama Hacienda La Esmeralda Diamond Mountain Coffee Beans Region: Boquete Region Estate/Processing Plant: Hacienda La Esmeralda Altitude: 1400-1700 meters Varieties: Caturra, Catuaí Processing Method: Natural Flavors: Citrus, Nuts, Honey, Slight fermentation, Cocoa

FrontStreet Coffee currently sources Diamond Mountain coffee from Hacienda La Esmeralda, using Caturra and Catuaí varieties processed with the natural method and medium roasted. FrontStreet Coffee uses V60 with a 1:15 ratio at 92°C water temperature for brewing. After brewing, you'll notice the slight fermentation note brought by the natural processing. The first sip reveals bright acidity with citrus, nut, and honey flavors, a smooth mouthfeel, and finally a cocoa aftertaste.

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