Panama Esmeralda Special Geisha Natural Aguila

SORRY, SOLD OUT.

Arrived by air in August 2025 in vacuum sealed boxes, this is a Direct Trade coffee. This is one of the top lots from Esmeralda this year and a personal selection.

Esmeralda Special Geisha is a collection of high elevation Geisha (1,850 meters above sea level and higher) with cupping scores of over 91 points. Coming from their Jaramillo, Cañas Verdes and El Velo farms, Esmeralda Special Geisha lots are invariably the highest quality Geishas they sell. Though altitude presents challenges for growing and harvesting, it is up in the mountains of Boquete that the unique floral and citrus aromatics of geisha coffee sing brightest.

Each microlot is unique in nature, exceptional in character and thoroughly pleasing to the palate. Classic jasmine, bergamot, stonefruits and berries are some of the singular floral and fruit notes that make up the Esmeralda Special signature taste. While Esmeralda Special Geisha lots are available both washed and natural processed, this is a 

Aguila 5 BANC was harvested on March 16th, 2025 from the Aguila lot in Hacienda La Esmeralda’s El Velo Farm. After harvest, the coffee cherries were pre-dried for 3 days outside on raised beds and then fermented for 5 days in a stainless steel anaerobic tank in our cold fermentation room. Finally, the drying phase was completed in our climate - controlled drying room for 38 days. An indoor facility with constant airflow and precise temperature and humidity control. Aguila 5 BANC has notes of dark berries, chocolate, tangerine, and violet. 

BANC is the abbreviation for:

B- predried on raised beds
A - anaerobic fermentation 
N - Natural
C - climate control dried

If you had not already heard, this past June, Hacienda Esmeralda took 1st place in all 3 categories in the 2025 Best of Panama competition. This is an unheard of achievement considering the sheer number of coffees entered in each category. Each entry was cupped blindly multiple times, first by a National jury of roughly 20 judges, who narrowed down and refined the groups of 24 coffees in preparation for the International jury to take it the rest of the way. Barry Levine, the principal from Roastmasters, was one of the judges in the international group.  The 3 categories are Geisha Washed, Geisha Natural and Varieties, essentially everything other than Geisha. Let's also add that the Esmeralda Geisha Natural set a world record score of 97 points, the average score of 22 international judges. That record lasted for 2 hours because that same day, Esmeralda Geisha Washed set yet another new world record of 98 points.  At that point, no one knew who produced these coffees. When the accountants were done with the tabulations, and the countdown of the Varietals category happened, the Peterson family of Esmeralda were thrilled to take first place for wonderful Laurina. Then, on to Geisha Washed and once again - drum roll - Esmeralda won again and the family was dancing in the aisles with happiness.  Lastly, the top 8 winners were announced for Geisha Natural. When their name was announced, they were over the moon with excitement and the entire audience was on their feet.  It was almost a miracle!

Details regarding this lot:

• Lot Name: Aguila
• Varietal: Geisha
• Farm: El Velo
• Region: Quiel
• Lot Altitude: 1,870 meters
• Process: Natural
• Harvest Date: March 16, 2025
• GPS (Lot): 8°49'28"N 82°29'18"W
• Average Coffee Tree Age in Lot: 8 years
• Total hectare in production for this lot: 4.6

This coffee is in extremely limited supply.

Naturally, every detail of growing and processing has been done at the farm to produce this fine coffee. The finished green beans arrived at our warehouse in vacuum packaging. 

• Farm:  Hacienda La Esmeralda
• Producer: The Peterson Family
• Country:  Panama
• Province:  Chiriqui
• City: Boquete

When the farm plots are seen from the air, the grid pattern is obvious. Each square in the grid contains geisha coffee trees. The surrounding trees control the wind, protecting the trees.

Cup Characteristics: Very floral aromas of rose and plumeria. Fruit filled and floral flavors abound. This is very complex, velvety cup with sustained jasmine and other floral notes. Moderate fruit penetration complements the florals without overpowering them. Our top pick from Esmeralda this year.