Panama Bambito Estate Geisha: A 96-Point Gem in the Top 30 Coffees of 2023
Close your eyes and imagine the tantalizing aroma of sun-ripened pineapple mingling with the exotic fragrance of passionfruit, intertwined with the delicate notes of star jasmine and the rich, creamy scent of chocolate fudge. As you sip, your tastebuds are transported to a realm of vibrant flavors, where the tangy notes of a bright acidity perfectly balance the sweetness of tropical fruits. The finish is smooth and syrupy, leaving a pleasant aftertaste that lingers on the tongue. This isn't just any coffee; it's Mostra Coffee's Panama Bambito Estate Geisha, a masterpiece that transcends taste and embodies a mission to deliver an unparalleled coffee experience.
Before we dive into the qualities of this brew, it's essential to acknowledge the significance of this coffee. The 96-point rating awarded by Coffee Review is a testament to the exceptional quality and flavor profile of the Panama Bambito Estate Geisha, placing it amongst an extrraordinary coffee group. This coffee, masterfully crafted by the renowned Priscilla Sitton, was selected as the No. 16 coffee on Coffee Review's prestigious list of the Top 30 Coffees of 2023. Produced entirely of the Geisha variety of Arabica and processed by the innovative anaerobic natural method, this coffee embodies the artistry and expertise that Priscilla pours into every bean. Priscilla called this lot "Trailblazing" because they believe that this innovative process done by Bambito Estate is the beginning of a new era for their natural anaerobic coffees.
Bambito Estate won 1st place for their 2021 submission "Avalanche Of Flavor" in the coveted Best Of Panama competition, selling for an astonishing $1,502 per pound at auction! Each year, Bambito Estate Geisha is one of the coffees we look forward to tasting the most because they produce Geisha like few places on Earth can. This coffee is a sibling to the "Avalanche of Flavor" lot, which was crowned the champion in the 2021 competition for its exceptional taste and quality. As the sole roaster in the United States to have obtained this exclusive lot of coffee, we were so honored to offer our customers a truly rare and incredible product.
From Crop to Cup:
"Our production is very small. We pay very strict attention to the harvesting process. Only expert pickers harvest our geisha plantations, permanent workers that have been on the farm for many years. Our lots No. 4 and No. 5 are Geisha; any other Geisha tree in the other lots is marked with a red ribbon," says Priscilla.
"We give harvesters weekly seminars about the picking process and the color of the correct bean to be harvested, Brix grades are taken randomly during the day. We even have a weekly reward for the best picker. Even though Bambito Estate is a small farm, we do our best to be an example for other farms. We recycle, we have a Summer school for our worker's children, and we sponsor our local primary school with breakfast all year around, to name a few things. Every Friday, we have our plantation Foreman talking about different subjects of interest. We are a small team, but I feel very blessed and grateful for each one of them."
Alberto Sitton Rios acquired his family farm in the mountains of Bambito, Chiriqui Province, Panama from his father in 1945. The farm was Alberto's passion, and he wanted to continue the family tradition. Today, the farm is still a family business, now in its fourth and fifth generations, with Priscilla as the producer. The coffee plantation is located at an altitude between 1,660 and 1,800 meters, between two national forest parks. It is crossed by two mountain ridges from east to west, which creates two natural microclimates. These ridges protect the coffee trees from the summer's north winds. The farm also has two water springs, which are the main sources of water for the wet mill. Bambito has its own greenhouse and cupping room. The greenhouse is used to preserve coffee tree genetics and maintain a young plantation. The coffee process byproducts such as the pulp (skin) are used as a source of organic fertilizer. The cupping room is used for quality control. Much of what makes Bambito Estates one of the best coffee producers in Panama is its near-perfect climate for coffee cultivation. Located near Volcan Baru (an inactive volcano and Panama's highest point) and in between two national forest parks in Chiquiri Province, Bambito Estate's coffee is comprised of three coffee varietals (50% catuai, 45% caturra, and 5% typica) and is grown at an elevation that ranges between 5,350 and 6,000 feet (1600-1800 meters) above sea level. The combination of varietals gives this coffee the rich, full body associated with Central American coffees.
Bambito is committed to providing a healthy and social work environment that is respectful of the land and the source of its outstanding coffee. They have incorporated the community into a Social Responsibility Program, providing breakfast to nearby elementary school students during the school year. Bambito also organizes a Christmas gathering during the holidays, where they provide food and gifts to the whole community.
Top 30 Coffees of 2023:
For more than 25 years, Coffee Review has been an essential pillar in the specialty coffee industry. Their unwavering dedication to providing reliable and unbiased guidance to coffee enthusiasts looking to experience the best the world has to offer is unparalleled. Through their meticulous blind cuppings and insightful reviews, they have set the bar high for coffee quality standards worldwide. Achieving a remarkable 96-point rating from Coffee Review is a testament to the exceptional quality of the coffee being evaluated.
This recognition goes beyond mere numbers. Imagine the awe of receiving a Michelin star for your restaurant, or an Oscar for your film. Now, translate that same level of recognition to the world of coffee. This coffee was also selected as the No. 16 coffee on Coffee Review's prestigious list of the Top 30 Coffees of 2023. Earning a 96-point rating from Coffee Review isn't just a number; it's an accolade reserved for an elite few, a badge of honor proclaiming your coffee amongst the pinnacle of taste and quality. It's the culmination of meticulous sourcing, masterful roasting, and unwavering commitment to excellence. In every sip, you experience the virtuosic craftsmanship, the harmonious blend of terroir and artistry, and the sheer delight that comes from a coffee truly deserving of such prestigious recognition. It's more than just a cup; it's a sensory masterpiece, a testament to dedication, and a sip of pure, unadulterated magic. It underscores Mostra's unwavering commitment to excellence, aligning perfectly with our mission: to source, roast, and serve the highest quality coffee while positively impacting the world. And that's precisely what the Panama Bambito Estate Geisha represents – a cup brimming with not just exquisite flavor but also with ethical sourcing, sustainable practices, and a dedication to empowering communities.
Beyond Fair Trade: Building Generational Wealth
Mostra takes pride in going beyond fair trade practices. We firmly believe in establishing direct trade relationships with farmers to eliminate middlemen and ensure a more significant portion of the profits reaches the communities that cultivate these exceptional beans. With this approach, we empower farmers to invest in their land, infrastructure, and families, thus fostering long-term sustainability and building generational wealth.
Our journey with this coffee begins in the sun-drenched highlands of Panama, where the Bambito Estate thrives in near-perfect coffee-growing conditions. Just imagine volcanic slopes basking in warm sunshine, where the fertile soil and cool mountain breezes create an ideal microclimate for coffee cultivation. Amidst this breathtaking setting, meticulous farmers engage in the time-honored tradition of hand-selecting each precious bean, ensuring only the ripest and most flawless cut.
The Geisha Legacy:
Geisha coffee is a rare variety that has taken the specialty coffee world by storm. Its popularity can be attributed to the meticulous cultivation methods practiced on estates like Bambito in Panama. The Geisha variety is renowned for its intense and intricate flavor profile, which provides a unique and unforgettable experience for coffee enthusiasts. As soon as you take a sip, your senses will be enveloped in a complex bouquet of flowers, followed by a rich sandalwood aroma. The crisp cocoa base is perfectly balanced, leaving you craving for more, while the hints of citrus, ranging from bergamot to tangerine, and the subtle undertones of stone fruits like apricot and mango, will dance on your palate, creating an explosion of flavors. Panama has become a coffee powerhouse, defying all expectations to become the "Napa Valley of coffee." Its success is not only due to its favorable geography, but also the passion and dedication of family-run farms that have been experimenting with sophisticated techniques and rare varietals. Although the iconic Geisha variety takes center stage with its floral and citrus notes, Panamanian coffees offer a spectrum of flavors to suit every taste. From the traditional, clean, and balanced cups to the complex and intensely aromatic Geisha expressions, each sip reveals the meticulous care and innovation that defines Panamanian coffee. Whether it's the classic wet-processed coffees boasting hints of nut, wood, and stone fruit, or the dry-processed Geishas with their lush fruit and dark chocolate notes, every cup of Panamanian coffee is a testament to terroir, artistry, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. If you're looking for a coffee experience that goes beyond the ordinary, explore the diverse world of Panamanian coffee, where every cup is a journey of discovery.
More Than Just a Cup:
Indulging in a cup of coffee is often considered a small pleasure in life, but did you know that it can also significantly impact the environment and the people involved in its production? That's where our dedication comes in. We're passionate about delivering a delicious cup of coffee and prioritize sustainability and ethical practices every step of the way.
We take pride in collaborating with our esteemed partners, such as Priscilla Sitton, whose farmers share our unwavering commitment to sustainability. We meticulously manage our supply chain to ensure that our practices align with our environmentally-conscious approach. From responsible water usage to minimizing waste production, we strive to maintain eco-friendly practices at every step of the way. Additionally, we remain steadfast in our goal to harness renewable energy sources and support reforestation in the coffee-growing regions. These practices not only help us to deliver high-quality coffee but also contribute to a greener and healthier planet.
Our Panama Bambito Estate Geisha isn't just any cup of coffee; it represents a conscious choice to support sustainable practices, empower farmers to build generational wealth, and savor a taste crafted with passion and purpose. Our team is diverse, with women, minorities, veterans, and immigrants, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences to the table. We actively support veteran-owned businesses and partner with local charities, extending our impact beyond the coffee cup. When you choose our coffee, you're not just getting a delicious beverage but also making a positive impact on the world.
Joining a Movement for Change:
By selecting Mostra Coffee, you are not just treating yourself to a momentary delight, you are becoming a part of a bigger cause. You are making a conscious decision to prioritize excellence, ecological responsibility, ethical accountability, and contributing to the advancement of coffee-producing communities. And your decision aligns with the esteemed validation of Coffee Review, a reliable authority in the specialty coffee industry.
At Mostra, we are dedicated to bringing positive change not only to your taste buds but also to the world around us. We are committed to creating a ripple effect of goodness that starts with the farmers who grow the beans we use to make our delicious coffee. Our living wage program ensures that farmers get a fair price for their beans, which they can use to invest in their farms, families, and communities. This, in turn, creates a sustainable cycle of growth and prosperity that benefits everyone involved.
Innovation is the driving force behind everything we do at Mostra. We are continually pushing the boundaries of coffee roasting and brewing to create new and exciting flavors that delight our customers. Our spirit of innovation fuels our commitment to sustainability, inspiring us to explore eco-friendly packaging, compostable coffee pods, and partnerships with organizations that are tackling climate change issues in coffee-growing regions. We believe that by working together, we can create a better world for everyone.
Join the Movement:
Every cup of Mostra Coffee is an invitation to join a movement for positive change. Whether you're savoring the intricate flavors of the Panama Bambito Estate Geisha or enjoying a comforting cup of our daily roast, you're contributing to a ripple effect of impact. You're supporting sustainable practices, empowering farmers, investing in communities, and inspiring a future where coffee is not only a delicious beverage but also a force for good.
Words can only tell part of the story. That's why we invite you to experience the Mostra difference firsthand. Visit our San Diego cafes, savor a cup that reflects our values, and engage with our passionate team. Join our online community, discover the stories behind our coffee, and learn how you can contribute to a more sustainable and equitable coffee future. Remember, every sip has the power to make a difference. Choose Mostra Coffee and join us on a journey where exceptional flavor meets a meaningful purpose.
