Panamanian coffee, one of the most lauded and exclusive blends in the world, boasts a particularly hefty price-tag. During the Best of Panama 2024 Auction which took place on August 7, one of the event’s highlighted lots, the Elida Geisha Natural Torre coffee, fetched an astonishing $10,013 per kilogram. This record-breaking event celebrated the nation's top-notch coffee producers and their beans.

Sold by the distinguished Lamastus Family Estate, the winner of this expensive lot was Japan's Saza Coffee. “We are beyond grateful and honored," the family-owned estate announced on social media. “We have dedicated four generations over 100 years to perfecting our product. The recognition from a buyer 13,000km away in Japan feels incredible."

But for those familiar with the world of premium Panamanian coffee, this high price may not come as a shock. As stressed by Manuel Barsallo, quality control, processing and sales head for Café Don Benjie and known Panamanian coffee aficionado, Panamanian coffee isn’t about scale, it's all about quality.

The country’s focus on quality rather than quantity distinguishes it from larger coffee powerhouse nations. This focus is indicated by data from the International Trade Administration showing Panama exporting only around 50,000 60-kilograms sacks of coffee annually, while countries like Brazil are estimated to produce millions.

Barsallo also highlighted that attention to quality has pushed the limits of the country's coffee production, especially with the renowned Geisha bean. The unique strains of Geisha grown in Panama are known for their intense floral and fruity flavours, akin to a strong cup of tea - making it a coveted luxury for affluent consumers, especially in Asian markets such as Japan, China and South Korea.

Aside from the coffee producers, Panama’s tourism board is also encouraging individuals to enjoy the luxuriant taste of their coffee at the source, particularly from Chiriquí province, the main producer of Geisha coffee beans. The Coffee Circuit route, a path guiding tourists through coffee farms in areas like Tierras Altas and Boquete, allows visitors first hand experience of the coffee-making process.

However, if travelling to Panama is not on the cards, coffee lovers can still relish this delicacy in the U.S. Several American coffee shops, including Klatch Coffee and Willoughby's Coffee and Tea, regularly purchase kilograms of the esteemed beans from the annual Best of Panama auction. For those wishing to enjoy this exquisite coffee, it is advisable to keep an eye on their stock levels.