Image source: Getty Images
For coffee enthusiasts looking to indulge in some of the most exclusive coffee beans, the price might be higher than expected. On August 7, the Best of Panamá 2024 Auction showcased the top coffee producers from the country, setting a new record with the Elida Geisha Natural Torre coffee from the Lamastus Family Estate selling for a staggering $10,013 per kilogram.
The sale has captured significant attention, with Saza Coffee from Japan being the highest bidder for this extraordinary lot. In addition to Saza Coffee, several other buyers like Grand Cru Coffee, OKLAO Specialty Coffee, Brew Boyy Crew, Ruber Roastery, Pebble Coffee for Simple Kaffa, Paradise Coffee Roasters, and Ruliweb also acquired portions of this remarkable coffee. The Lamastus family expressed their deep gratitude in a post-auction message on Instagram, emphasizing their pride in achieving such recognition after a century of dedication to their craft.
"We are deeply honoured and thankful to see such appreciation from across the globe," the Lamastus family said. "Achieving this milestone with a company 13,000 kilometres away in Japan is truly unbelievable. Our gratitude extends beyond words, especially after four generations of hard work."
This impressive sale reflects the growing reputation of Panamanian coffee in the global market. Manuel Barsallo, a well-regarded Panamanian coffee expert, highlighted that this year was particularly competitive. "In Panama, the focus isn't on quantity but on quality," Barsallo explained. Panama, while a smaller player compared to giants like Brazil, excels in producing exceptional coffee. Each year, Panamanian producers push the boundaries of quality, particularly with the high-demand Geisha bean.
The Geisha coffee is renowned for its distinct floral notes, including hints of lemongrass and stone fruits. Its unique flavour profile and challenging cultivation requirements make it highly sought after, especially in Asian markets such as Japan, China, and South Korea. "The Asian market appreciates high-quality craftsmanship, and this generation values luxury and exceptional experiences," Barsallo noted.
Panama’s tourism board is also promoting its coffee culture, inviting travellers to explore the Chiriquí province, home to the Geisha coffee farms. The official Coffee Circuit route offers guided tours through coffee regions in Tierras Altas and Boquete, where visitors can stay overnight and savour the coffee firsthand.
For those unable to visit Panama, there are options in the U.S. to experience this luxury coffee. Some U.S. coffee shops and roasters, such as Klatch Coffee, Willoughby's Coffee and Tea, and Proud Mary, participate in the Best of Panama auction and offer beans from these esteemed farms. Although availability might be limited, enthusiasts can check these suppliers for future opportunities to enjoy a taste of Panamanian luxury.
