Farm Info
Producer: Rogers Family/Hunter Tedman
Region: Jaramillo, Boquete
Altitude: 1,450 - 1,650m above sea level
Varietals: Geisha
Hacienda Barbara, managed by agronomist Hunter Tedman and Linda Arauz, is a respected name in the Panamanian coffee community, known for its sustainable practices and high-quality beans that consistently perform well in the "Best of Panama" competitions. The La Huaca farm specifically has earned recognition, including a Second Place award in 2018 for a different coffee variety. The focus on meticulous cultivation and innovative processing techniques helps produce coffees with vibrant characters and delicate sweetness.
This specific Geisha variety coffee is cultivated at the La Huaca farm, which means "treasure" in Spanish, and is part of the larger Hacienda Barbara estate.
Origin
Panama’s coffee history began in the late 19th century when European settlers introduced plants to the high-altitude Chiriquí province, specifically Boquete. Initially, production was small-scale and overshadowed by neighbors. The industry shifted to high-end specialty, propelled by the 2004 discovery of the Geisha variety's unique, tea-like profile, making it one of the world's most expensive and celebrated coffees.
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Late 19th Century (Origin): Coffee cultivation began, with early farms starting near the coast before moving to the high-altitude, volcanic, and shade-grown conditions of Chiriquí (Boquete, Volcán, and Renacimiento).
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1960s-70s (The Geisha Arrival): The rare Geisha variety, originating from Ethiopia via Costa Rica, was brought to Panama, initially for its disease resistance.
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1990s (Specialty Focus): The Specialty Coffee Association of Panama (SCAP) was established, focusing on quality over quantity.
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2004 (The Turning Point): Hacienda La Esmeralda showcased a washed Geisha in the "Best of Panama" competition, breaking records and revolutionizing the specialty market with its distinct floral and fruit notes.
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Present (Global Recognition): Panama is now known as a premier producer of specialty coffee, with Geisha beans frequently setting auction records in the "Best of Panama" competition.
Key Aspects of Panamanian Coffee
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Climate and geography High altitudes (1,000 to 2,100 meters), nutrient-rich volcanic soil, and a unique microclimate in Chiriquí contribute to its distinct flavor.
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Indigenous Involvement: The Ngöbe and Buglé tribes play a significant role in the production and harvesting of coffee in the Chiriquí and Bocas del Toro regions.
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Sustainability and Innovation: Many producers focus on bird-friendly, sustainable shade-grown methods and advanced techniques like anaerobic fermentation.
