Panama | Finca Lerida | Catuai Washed - FILTER

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Tasting Notes/Sensory: Molasses, maple syrup sweetness, juicy, dark chocolate, bit of raisin and prune like notes
SCA Score: N/A
Suitable with Milk? NO
Roast Level: Light
AGTRON: 72

Roasted Level Suits: Filter

PROCESSING: Washed

VARIETAL: Catuai

FARM/COOP/STATION: Finca Lerida
ALTITUDE: 1600 to 1800 meters above sea level
HARVEST MONTHS: November to April 2024

About Finca Lerida 

Finca Lerida is one of Panama’s most iconic and historic coffee estates, renowned for producing some of the country’s finest specialty coffees. Located in the highlands of Boquete, near the Baru Volcano in the Chiriquí province, Finca Lerida sits at an elevation between 1,600 and 1,800 meters above sea level. This high altitude, combined with the region’s rich volcanic soil, cool temperatures, and misty microclimates, creates the perfect environment for growing exceptional coffee. Finca Lerida is known for producing a variety of high-quality Arabica coffees, including the famous Geisha variety, which has garnered international acclaim.

The estate was originally founded in the early 20th century by Tollef Bache Mönniche, a Norwegian engineer who settled in Panama after working on the Panama Canal. Mönniche is credited not only with establishing coffee cultivation at Finca Lerida but also with pioneering innovative processing methods, including designing a siphon system to transport coffee cherries more efficiently. His legacy of innovation continues to influence the estate, which remains a leader in Panama’s coffee industry, known for its meticulous farming and processing techniques.

Today, Finca Lerida consistently produces award-winning coffees that are sought after by specialty coffee roasters and connoisseurs worldwide. Its beans are prized for their complexity and balance, often featuring bright acidity, floral aromas, and fruity flavors with notes of berries, citrus, and tropical fruits. The estate also practices sustainable farming, with a strong commitment to environmental conservation, making it a destination not only for coffee buyers but also for eco-tourists. Finca Lerida’s history, combined with its commitment to quality and innovation, has solidified its place as one of Panama’s most prestigious coffee producers.

About Catuai Varietal

Catuai is a hybrid coffee variety that was developed in Brazil in the 1940s by crossbreeding Mundo Novo and Caturra, two well-established coffee varieties. Its name, derived from the Tupi-Guarani language, means “very good,” which speaks to its reputation among coffee farmers. Catuai is known for its compact growth, making it easier to manage and more suitable for high-density planting compared to larger varieties. This characteristic makes it highly appealing to coffee farmers in Brazil and other Latin American countries. Additionally, Catuai is available in both red and yellow variants, distinguished by the color of their cherries, and it can be grown in a wide range of altitudes, making it a versatile variety for different regions.

One of Catuai’s most important traits is its resilience. It was developed to withstand strong winds and heavy rainfall, which are common in Brazil’s coffee-growing regions. While Catuai does not have the highest disease resistance compared to more modern varieties like Ruiru 11 or Batian, its structural strength and adaptability have made it a staple in Brazil’s coffee industry. Over the years, it has become one of the most widely grown varieties in Brazil, contributing significantly to the country’s status as the world’s largest coffee producer. Its moderate resistance to diseases such as Coffee Leaf Rust and its high yield make it a practical choice for many farmers.

In terms of cup quality, Catuai has a mild, balanced flavor profile that makes it versatile for different processing methods. While it may not deliver the bright acidity or complex fruity notes of some other varieties like SL28 or Geisha, Catuai is prized for its smooth, well-rounded taste, often featuring subtle nutty and chocolate undertones. Its adaptability to various environments and reliable production levels make it a popular choice for farmers seeking a balance between quality and sustainability, particularly in regions where coffee farming is a key part of the local economy.

Coffee in Panama

Panama has earned a prominent reputation in the specialty coffee world, particularly for its production of high-quality Arabica varieties such as Geisha. Coffee cultivation in Panama began in the 19th century when coffee was introduced by European settlers, but it wasn’t until the early 2000s that the country gained international recognition for its exceptional coffee. The country’s coffee-growing regions, such as Boquete and Volcán, are situated at high altitudes near the Barú Volcano, where the volcanic soil, cool climate, and consistent rainfall provide ideal conditions for cultivating specialty coffee. Panama’s unique microclimates contribute to the development of complex flavors, setting its coffee apart from other producing nations.

Panama’s rise to fame in the coffee industry is largely attributed to the discovery of the Geisha variety in the early 2000s, which has since become one of the most coveted and expensive coffees in the world. Originally brought to Panama from Ethiopia in the 1960s, Geisha didn’t gain recognition until 2005 when a Panamanian Geisha lot won the "Best of Panama" competition, catapulting the country onto the global specialty coffee stage. Known for its delicate floral notes, jasmine, and stone fruit flavors, Geisha from Panama regularly commands record-breaking prices at auctions, cementing Panama’s place as a producer of some of the world’s finest coffee.

The coffee industry in Panama is driven by a relatively small group of dedicated producers who focus on quality over quantity. Unlike larger coffee-producing nations, Panama’s output is relatively small, but its emphasis on high standards, innovation, and experimental processing methods has made it a leader in the specialty coffee market. Many farms in Panama are family-owned, and producers work closely with agronomists and international buyers to continually refine their crops and processes. This focus on quality has enabled Panama to maintain its reputation as a premier coffee origin, attracting coffee enthusiasts and buyers from around the globe seeking rare and exclusive beans.