La Esmeralda from DAK Coffee Roasters is a coffee that not only has an exceptional flavor but also a story that changed the world of specialty coffee. This wash-processed Geisha from the Panamanian region of Boquete will captivate you with its elegance – in both aroma and flavor, delicate floral notes blend with bright citrus acidity reminiscent of lemon zest and a light, tea-like subtle finish. Thanks to its high altitude of 1815 meters above sea level and meticulous processing, it offers a clean, sophisticated cup that will impress even the most discerning specialty coffee lovers.
Hacienda La Esmeralda farm is a legend in the world of specialty coffee. Its history dates back to 1940. In 1967, it was bought by Swedish-American banker Rudolph Peterson, but it wasn’t until the 1980s that the family decided to focus on coffee cultivation. In 1997, they purchased the Jaramillo plot, a high-altitude area on the slopes of the Barú volcano. Due to the high altitude, they expected better coffee quality, but they had no idea what discovery awaited them. After a coffee rust epidemic devastated their plantations, Daniel Peterson noticed that the Geisha variety was much more resistant than the other coffee varieties. He decided to plant it at higher altitudes above 1650 meters, and this decision led to a revolution. In 2004, their Geisha won the prestigious Best of Panama competition, sparking a new era in specialty coffee.
The wash-processed method of processing is known for its ability to preserve the purity and precision of flavors. After hand-picking, the beans are depulped and fermented in water tanks, where enzymes break down the remaining pulp. They are then thoroughly washed and dried on raised beds or concrete patios. The result is a cup with bright acidity, a complex floral aroma, and a light body.
- Altitude: 1850 meters above sea level