Panama – La Esmeralda El Velo Geisha Washed

Origin: Panama
Region: Boquete
Farm: Hacienda La Esmeralda – El Velo
Owner: Rachel Peterson
Variety: Geisha
Process: Washed
Altitude: 1,650–1,900 MASL
Lot: Private Collection
Harvest: Picked February 2025 / Arrived August 2025
Roasted for: Filter

Tastes Like
🍊 Mandarin Zest – bright, sweet citrus with refreshing clarity
🌸 Jasmine – delicate, elegant florals typical of Esmeralda’s finest Geishas
🍯 Honeydew – silky and smooth, balancing sweetness and texture
🍋 Lime Blossom – crisp and aromatic finish with gentle acidity

In the Cup
This washed Geisha from Hacienda La Esmeralda’s El Velo farm is a study in refinement — vibrant, clean, and endlessly elegant. The cup opens with delicate florals and citrus brightness, before soft stone fruit and honey-like sweetness emerge. It’s quintessentially Esmeralda: structured, transparent, and perfectly balanced, with that unmistakable Geisha perfume that lingers beautifully as it cools.

About the Farm
El Velo is one of Hacienda La Esmeralda’s newest farms, acquired in 2012 and now one of its most exciting. Spanning 50 hectares of coffee production in Boquete, Panama, the farm sits between 1,650 and 1,900 MASL on gently rolling terrain — a rarity in this mountainous region. This flat landscape allows the Peterson family to implement precise planting patterns and consistent management, contributing to the uniformity and quality of the harvest.

The farm is primarily planted with Geisha and Catuai, with smaller plots dedicated to Laurina, Pacamara, and SL-34, as well as 400+ experimental accessions sourced from CATIE for Esmeralda’s ongoing research and variety trials.

Beyond its coffee plots, El Velo borders a protected nature reserve that extends up to 2,900 MASL, home to rare species such as the Resplendent Quetzal. The Peterson family’s dedication to environmental preservation and biodiversity ensures that each harvest reflects not only their precision but also their deep respect for the surrounding ecosystem.

Why We Love It
A shining example of Esmeralda’s approach to cultivation and processing, this Geisha is pure, aromatic, and profoundly expressive. Every cup captures the essence of Boquete’s terroir — high elevation, volcanic soil, and cool mountain air — all translated into a symphony of florals, fruit, and finesse.

An extraordinary lot from one of Panama’s most celebrated and revered estates, a perfect expression of what makes Geisha so timeless.

What is the roast recency?

We recommend brewing with beans that are at least two weeks off roast. All beans are roasted to peak flavour at around 8-12 weeks. We have the option to either purchase standard beans (at least 2 weeks but no longer than 6 weeks off roast), or rested beans (at least 7 weeks off roast, no longer than 12). For peak flavour, if you are looking to use immediately, we recommend purchasing the rested beans. If you are adding to your rotation of beans, we recommend purchasing the standard and allowing the beans to naturally rest and mature whilst you rotate through other beans.