Panama grows a fraction of a percent of the world's coffee and sets its price ceiling. The volcanic highlands around Boquete and Volcán, in the shadow of Volcán Barú, catch cool Pacific-Atlantic crosswinds that stretch ripening — and since a 2004 Hacienda La Esmeralda lot stunned judges, the country has been synonymous with Geisha: jasmine, bergamot, tropical fruit, tea-like grace. The annual Best of Panama auction is where the world's most expensive coffees are crowned, but the same farms also quietly produce excellent Caturra and Catuaí.
Coffeesfrom Panama
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Top Best of Panama auction lots have sold for more than US $10,000 per kilogram — for green, unroasted beans.
If you like Panama, try
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