“With enough coffee, I can dress myself and use my grown-up manners.” – Barista Life
Before embarking on a volunteer journey to the Bocas del Toro region of Panama, I devoted a day to exploring Panama City. With its plethora of unique attractions, one of my primary objectives was to locate the renowned Geisha Coffee, acclaimed as the “best coffee in the world.”
Panama City
A Brief History of Geisha Coffee
The remarkable journey of Geisha Coffee began in Gesha, a region in Southwestern Ethiopia. Following its inception, the beans traversed through Kenya and Tanzania, eventually making their way to Costa Rica before reaching Panama in the 1960s. Its rising prominence, however, did not occur until 2004, when Daniel Peterson from Hacienda La Esmeralda introduced the unblended beans to a tasting panel at the Best of Panama competition. Since then, it has become a cornerstone of specialty coffee.
Growth Characteristics
Geisha plants present considerable cultivation challenges. They possess a delicate foliar system, resulting in less efficient photosynthesis and a limited root system that affects water and nutrient absorption compared to other coffee varietals. These plants thrive at high elevations, particularly above 1,700 meters, where Hacienda La Esmeralda cultivates its beans at altitudes ranging from 1,700 to 1,900 meters.
Award-Winning Quality
Since gaining recognition in 2004, Geisha Coffee has garnered numerous awards, consistently ranking among the world’s finest coffees. While it can be enjoyed in Panama for as little as $9, international prices vary significantly, sometimes soaring to $18 in New York and as much as $68 in Dubai. The prestigious nature of Geisha Coffee is also reflected in its price, with some direct sources pricing it over $600 per pound.
The coffee’s exceptional reputation is underpinned by a remarkable cupping score of 96, awarded by coffee judges who evaluate beans based on flavor, acidity, body, and aftertaste. Most coffees fall within the 60-90 range, with scores above 80 considered specialty. Notably, Panama boasts 29 coffee samples scoring over 90, placing it on top of the global leaderboard for coffee excellence.
Where to Enjoy Geisha Coffee in Panama
Unido Café, located amidst the charming Old City of Panama City, offers a delightful setting for enjoying Geisha Coffee.
Venture into the beautiful hotel where Unido Café is situated, featuring elegant vaulted ceilings and upscale finishes. Though the area has a touristy vibe, the authenticity of the coffee and the expertise of the baristas transcend these surroundings. The coffee is meticulously brewed using a funnel method, where freshly ground coffee is hand-poured with hot water, resulting in a truly exquisite cup.
My experience with Geisha Coffee was nothing short of phenomenal; it was the best cup I’ve ever tasted—smooth and honey-like, devoid of bitterness, with a hint of nuttiness. While I typically avoid additives, I opted to enhance it slightly with sugar for added sweetness.
Geisha Coffee Beyond Panama
For those unable to travel to Panama, specialty coffee shops worldwide have begun to offer Geisha Coffee, although nothing compares to enjoying this remarkable brew in its country of origin at a more palatable price. Indulge in the experience of sipping the world’s best coffee while observing the vibrant life that unfolds outside your window.
