Description
MEET THE PRODUCERS | In 1967, Rudolph Peterson originally purchased Hacienda La Esmeralda as a retirement venture. Comprised of three farms, the land was first allocated as pasture for beef cattle, but the Peterson family later transitioned it to pasture for dairy cattle and eventually, coffee. 2004 marked a pivotal turning point for both the Peterson family and the Panamanian coffee industry, when the first Gesha seeds were planted on Finca Jaramillo, one of Esmeralda’s three farms. In their own words, the Petersons acknowledge they are grateful and proud to call Hacienda La Esmeralda the “true origin of the wonders of Panama Gesha.” It only seemed fitting, then, that we feature one of their storied microlots as our own expression of love for this special variety which is so near and dear to all of our hearts.
TRUST THE PROCESS | After being picked at peak ripeness, whole coffee cherries are placed in a receiving tank and floated to remove unripe, overripe, and lower-density beans. After a period of underwater fermentation, the pulp and mucilage are mechanically removed, and the cherries rinsed. The coffee is then mechanically dried until optimal moisture content (10-12%) is achieved.
TAKE A SIP | When hot, this coffee is the poster child for a Panamanian Gesha. It's intensely floral, like jasmine, and features a vibrant acidity that reminds us of lemon verbena. The stone fruit here is delicate, like white peaches. At this temperature, the coffee sips quite like white tea sweetened with wildflower honey.
As the coffee approaches a pleasantly warm temperature, acidity ticks up and tropical fruit flavors emerge, like mango, lychee, and pineapple. White peach persists as does the tea-like drinking experience - but at this temperature, it reminds us more of oolong.
When cool, the coffee remains floral while acidity peaks, and tropical fruits take on a bigger presence. Like the fruits themselves, the coffee is juicy at this temperature. From top to bottom, this cup is a masterpiece in everything we love about Gesha as a variety.
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Origin | Jaramillo, Boquete, Panama
Producer | The Peterson Family
Farm | Hacienda La Esmeralda
Process | Washed
Variety | Gesha
Elevation | 1600-1700 masl
BLACK LABEL ARCHIVE
All of our Black Label releases this year in one location.
So go ahead, pull that coffee from the freezer and get brewing.
