Geisha coffee beans from Hartmann Estate, Volcan Region, PanamaCoffee Bean Intro:

Front Street Coffee: Geisha Coffee Beans from Hartmann Estate, Panama

Country: Panama

Grade: SHG

Region: Volcan Region

Estate: Hartmann Estate

Altitude: 2100 meters Processing Method: Anaerobic Natural

Variety: Geisha

Flavors: Bergamot, pineapple juice, passion fruit, Earl Grey tea, blueberry, apricot

Volcan Region, Panama

When it comes to coffee regions in Panama, many people may first think of Boquete. But in recent years, the Volcan region, also near the Baru Volcano, has seen many excellent estates frequently competing in the BOP (Best of Panama) green coffee competition.

The Volcan area is located around the Baru Volcano. The region benefits from ocean breezes entering through geographical gaps from the Atlantic Ocean, and its varied terrain creates a rich and diverse microclimate. It’s common to see sunshine on one side while rain and rainbows appear on the other; calm on one end and gusty winds on the other. Hartmann Estate sits at an altitude of 1300-2000 meters, with a tropical jungle nature reserve on one side and the border with Costa Rica on the other. This unique high-mountain microclimate is very suitable for coffee cultivation.

In the early days, the Volcan region was mostly planted with economic crops like fruits and vegetables, with only a very small number of farmers growing coffee. The pioneers of coffee cultivation in Volcan were the renowned Hartmann family of Panama. The Volcan region has less annual rainfall than Boquete, and its location on the western side of the Baru Volcano, along with being intercropped with various fruits, gives the coffee a stronger fruit flavor, sweetness, and aroma.

The Hartmann Family

Hartmann Estate (Finca Hartmann) was established in 1940, and has a history of over a hundred years. The current owner of Hartmann Estate, Ratibor Hartmann, is already the third-generation leader. The first-generation ancestor of the Hartmann family, Alois Strasil Hartmann, initially started developing coffee-growing areas in the Volcan region of Panama. Later, the second generation, Hartmann Troetsch, moved coffee cultivation to the Santa Clara region and officially founded Hartmann Estate.

The Hartmann family is not only well-known in the coffee industry but also holds a certain status in the scientific community. They have published books on topics such as birds and shaded cultivation, and have more than ten papers published in scientific journals. Out of respect and protection for nature, the Hartmann family has strived to preserve most of the trees within the estate. As the area expanded, they planted a large number of native tree species and banana plants as shade trees. Thanks to the success of forest conservation, the estate is home to a significant number of native bird species, and the locally famous toucan has naturally become the estate’s iconic logo.

The Hartmann Estate brand includes two farms: Santa Clara and Agua Azul. The farms are world-renowned for their sustainable farming practices and biodiversity. The planting soil here is nutrient-rich volcanic soil, and the towering original rainforest trees provide excellent shade for the coffee plants. Currently, the five children of Hartmann Troetsch manage the various affairs of the estate. The eldest, Ratibor, and Kelly are responsible for planting, breeding, fertilization, and other key tasks related to coffee quality, making them the soul of Hartmann Estate. In addition to their own estate, the Hartmann family also provides management services for nearby estates in Volcan. For example, the Ninety Plus (90+) estate in Panama and Finca La Mula are both managed by the Hartmann family.

Geisha Variety

Originally, the Geisha variety was introduced to Panama as an improved breed. Due to its low yield and average flavor performance at lower altitudes, it was not popular among farmers. It wasn’t until Hacienda Esmeralda discovered its charm and entered it into the 2004 Best of Panama competition that it showcased rich floral and fruity aromas of berries, citrus, and bergamot, forming the very typical Panamanian Geisha flavor profile.

The Geisha coffee from Hartmann Estate acquired by Front Street uses the anaerobic natural processing method. To highlight the complex floral and fruity notes of Geisha, Front Street Coffee chose a medium-light roast. Unlike other anaerobic natural beans, although this Hartmann Geisha also has a pronounced sweetness, the fermentation sensation is not heavy. Instead, it presents a fresh and bright juice-like character. It has very high clarity, and the aroma is somewhat reminiscent of pineapple and dried apricots.

Front Street Coffee’s Brewing Recommendation

Brewer: V60

Water Temperature: 92°C

Coffee Dose: 15g

Coffee-to-Water Ratio: 1:15

Grind Size: Granulated sugar size (sieve to 80% through a #20 sieve)

Fold the filter paper and place it snugly into the V60. Wet the filter paper with a small amount of water to help it adhere better to the brewer, then discard the rinse water. Next, add the coffee grounds and gently tap to level the bed. Start with a gentle bloom phase by pouring 30g of water and let it sit for 30 seconds. Then pour up to about 125g of water, circling steadily and evenly. Wait for the coffee to drain down to about half, then pour the final 225g. Once all the coffee has dripped through, the total brew time is usually around 2 minutes.

Brewed Flavor: The cup opens with elegant white floral notes, followed by layered, dynamic fruit acidity reminiscent of bergamot, pineapple, and blueberry. As it cools slightly, the overall profile presents an Earl Grey-like mouthfeel with a long-lasting aftertaste.