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
29
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
🇪🇹 Ethiopia
The birthplace of Arabica — floral, tea-like, endlessly complex.
Shares 3 flavours
🇺🇸 United States
A niche domestic origin spanning Hawaii's volcanic slopes and California's coastal foothills.
Shares 3 flavours
🇵🇪 Peru
Andean altitude and organic smallholders — a quiet giant getting loud.
Shares 2 flavours
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Tiny volumes, huge altitude — the Andes' boutique origin.
Shares 2 flavours