Panama Geisha Kalithea Coffee Estate
Kallithea, which means "beautiful view from the mountain" in Greek, is a farm located in the highlands of Volcan at the foot of the Baru volcano. Surrounded by tropical forests where lemon and citrus trees grow naturally, Kallithea cultivates Geisha, Pacamara, and Caturra varieties. Since the Caturra variety won the Traditional Washed category at the Best of Panama 2015, Kallithea's Caturra has boasted the highest quality in Panama. The quality of its Geisha coffee is also high, and it won a high ranking in the 2019 BoP with a high score of 90+. While many farms have focused on new processes in recent years, Kallithea Geisha, which sticks to classical processes that make the most of the natural terroir, has further improved its quality and reputation, and received the highest rating of 92.38 points in the 2023 BoP, the highest ranking in the history of the farm. With its rich aroma reminiscent of the natural beauty of the Volcan highlands of Panama and its exquisite flavor, it will continue to be one of the most noteworthy farms in Panama.
The 125 acres plantation produce several high altitud speciality coffee varieties, including Geisha, pacamara and Caturra. In addition their coffee plants are surounded by natural tropical forest, Persian Lemons and other citric fruits.
Sure it’s a Geisha, so I expected it to be bright, floral and clean. Well it turns out to be a perfect complement! The acidity is delightfully vibrant – like lime zest but without any of the sharpness or sour pucker. It’s also got a veritable bouquet of florals! I was able to pick out jasmine and orange blossom in my samples, but it felt like walking into a florist’s shop. I also picked up on a mellow, warm sweetness. It’s like a bass note in this chorus, which came through for me as vanilla cake. Overall, the cup is crystal clean and harmonious, an excellent representation of the Geisha variety. As someone who usually gravitates towards loud, intense naturals, I tend to be underwhelmed by fully washed Geishas. But I was shocked at how much I enjoyed this coffee! Truly a well-structured and flavorful cup and a testament to the quality of Kalithea Coffee Estate.
Reminder! This coffee is raw, you must roast it before brewing
Arrival Date: January 2026; Harvest year: 2025
Acidity & Brightness: Vibrantly bright and gently sweet
Balance & Finish: Harmonious balance with a quick, clean finish
Body & Texture: Rich body and creamy texture
Flavors: Key lime, jasmine, orange blossom & vanilla cake
Grade: Grade 1 - Gesha, Grown at 1,500 - 1,753 masl
Processing: Fully washed, sun dried
Grower: Kalithea Coffee Estate
Region: Silla De Pando, Volcan , Chiriqui
Varieties: Gesha
Recommended Roast Range: City + to Full City + (Light-medium to medium-dark)
Start at City + (light-medium) or just about 1 minute into rolling first crack. From there, go a bit darker if desired, but find it best not to go any darker than Full City (Full Medium or after 1st crack ends but before second crack begins). Lighter roasts (less than a minute into development) will feature effervescent brightness and intense florality but with a little less body and more of a silky texture. Medium roasts will present a well-rounded cup with a bit more sweetness, though you risk losing the florality that this variety is so well known for.
De La Finca Coffee -
Kallithea, which means "beautiful view from the mountain" in Greek, is a farm located in the highlands of Volcan at the foot of the Baru volcano. Surrounded by tropical forests where lemon and citrus trees grow naturally, Kallithea cultivates Geisha, Pacamara, and Caturra varieties. Since the Caturra variety won the Traditional Washed category at the Best of Panama 2015, Kallithea's Caturra has boasted the highest quality in Panama. The quality of its Geisha coffee is also high, and it won a high ranking in the 2019 BoP with a high score of 90+. While many farms have focused on new processes in recent years, Kallithea Geisha, which sticks to classical processes that make the most of the natural terroir, has further improved its quality and reputation, and received the highest rating of 92.38 points in the 2023 BoP, the highest ranking in the history of the farm. With its rich aroma reminiscent of the natural beauty of the Volcan highlands of Panama and its exquisite flavor, it will continue to be one of the most noteworthy farms in Panama.
The 125 acres plantation produce several high altitud speciality coffee varieties, including Geisha, pacamara and Caturra. In addition their coffee plants are surounded by natural tropical forest, Persian Lemons and other citric fruits.
