Panama | Altieri Estate - Alessa | Geisha | Natural

Region: Alto Quiel, Boquete, Chiriqui

Elevation: 1980 masl

About: Eugene Altieri (Don Gene) began growing coffee in Boquete over 20 years ago. Without prior experience in the industry, but with a clear business perspective, he recognised the potential for a family-run operation. The family’s two farms, Mima and Pipim, are located in Alto Quiel and Alto Lino respectively, and are planted with Caturra, Catuai, Typica, and Geisha. 

Altieri’s Geisha traces back to seeds sourced from the Peterson family of Hacienda La Esmeralda, whose 2004 Best of Panama win reintroduced the variety to global attention. Following Don Gene’s semi-retirement seven years ago, the farms are now managed by his children, including Anna Lynn and Francisco, alongside farm manager Roger Pitti. 

All Geisha is planted at Mima Estate, just south-east of Volcán Barú National Park. Individual sections are named after Eugene’s grandchildren. This lot comes from the Alessa section and was processed as a natural, with a short mosto fermentation before drying, producing a pronounced fruit profile with a refined structure.

The Altieri Estate, located in the Alto Quiel region of Boquete, Chiriqui, represents a pinnacle of Panama · Alto Quiel, Boquete, Chiriqui coffee production. This specific lot features the Geisha varietal, a plant celebrated globally for its distinct, tea-like elegance and complex aromatic profile. Cultivated at 1980 masl, these cherries undergo a natural process, a method that often imparts a heavier body and intensified fruit sweetness compared to washed counterparts.

Roasted by Proud Mary Coffee, this offering highlights the meticulous agricultural practices maintained by the Altieri family. When evaluating the nuances of such a high-altitude Geisha, enthusiasts often consult the flavor wheel to better identify the delicate interplay between the varietal’s inherent floral characteristics and the deep, fruit-forward notes developed during the drying phase. This coffee serves as a compelling example of how specific regional conditions and careful post-harvest handling converge to create a unique sensory experience.