Panama | Los Lajones - Bambu | Geisha | Washed

Region: Santa Lucia, Boquete, Chiriqui

Elevation: 1600-2100 masl

About: Graciano Cruz is something of an enigma. A scientist, coffee producer, party animal, visionary, and ecologist. It is difficult to define him precisely. He is a wild operator, working across multiple disciplines with a clear sense of curiosity and intent. In addition to his two farms in Panama, Graciano also operates in El Salvador and has contributed to projects in other coffee-producing regions such as Ethiopia, Peru, Taiwan, and Brazil. Amongst this breadth of work, he continues to produce coffees at a high level, most recently placing 6th in the Best of Panama competition. 

The highest sections of Los Lajones sit at around 2,100 metres above sea level. It is in these upper elevations that Graciano’s Geisha grows within native cloud forest. This lot comes from a section known as Bambu. 

Prior to the 2024 harvest, Graciano had exclusively processed his coffees using honey or natural methods. Seeking a new direction, he began trialling washed processing. This lot reflects that shift, presenting a structured profile with florals and citrus, alongside the more developed tropical characteristics often associated with his work.

Sourced from the Santa Lucia region of Panama · Santa Lucia, Boquete, Chiriqui, this lot from producer Graciano Cruz highlights the meticulous standards of Proud Mary Coffee. The coffee features the Geisha varietal, a plant celebrated globally for its distinct, tea-like elegance and complex aromatic profile. Grown at elevations between 1600 and 2100 masl, the cherries undergo a washed processing method, which typically emphasizes a clean cup profile and vibrant acidity.

In the cup, this selection showcases the hallmark characteristics of the varietal, presenting a refined balance of florals, citrus, and tropical notes. When evaluating such nuanced profiles, enthusiasts often consult the flavor wheel to better identify the specific layers of fruit and botanical aromatics present. By combining high-altitude cultivation with precise post-harvest techniques, this offering serves as a quintessential example of the quality achievable within the Chiriqui province.