THE FARM

Finca La Aurora sits in northwest Chiriquí, Panama, near the Costa Rican border. Owned by Roberto Brenes, the farm produces high-quality Geisha and SHB coffees across two plots: Finca Auromar and Finca Alma.

Altitude: 1,579–1,770 masl.
Size: 30 hectares (14.5 cultivated, the rest preserved forest).

Since 2006, Roberto has led extensive reforestation with native trees, building biodiversity and natural shade. Steep slopes and a stable microclimate keep temperatures steady, producing small volumes of complex, award-winning coffees.

Roberto himself brings discipline and drive from a career that spans finance (director of Panama’s Stock Exchange and Central Bank), exile during the Noriega era, an MBA, and Ironman competition. That intensity now fuels his coffee work.

THE VARIETY

The Lupao is a naturally developed hybrid from Auromar. It started with two trees, now grown to one acre at 1,600 masl. Floral, expressive, and distinct — but not a Geisha hybrid.

2020 production: ~100 kg.
The name honors Roberto’s twin granddaughters, Lucia and Paola — Lupao.

Flavour Notes: Chamomile, Red Apple, Hawthorn, Black Tea

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.