Tasting Notes

Plum, Cognac, Dark Chocolate & Pineapples.

Roast Level

Process

Particulars

Elevation:	1,800 m
Variety:	Catuai
Process Type:	Natural ASD
Producer:	Lamastus Estates

About this Specialty Coffee

Nestled amidst the verdant slopes of the Baru Volcano in Boquete, Panama, the Lamastus Family Estates are emblematic of a coffee-producing legacy that spans over a century. From the farm's genesis in the early 1900s by the Kentucky-born Robert Lamastus, these esteemed estates - El Burro, Luito Geisha, and Elida - have been cultivating coffee beans that are celebrated the world over. Positioned at remarkable elevations, with Elida Estate being the loftiest coffee farm in Panama, these estates bask in the perfect union of rich volcanic soils and pristine, cloudy rainforest conditions, bearing testament to the Lamastus family's commitment to both quality and sustainability. The cherries, harvested with meticulous care by native Ngobe-Bugle Indians, undergo rigorous processes, be it Natural, Washed, or Honey, ensuring that every sip of their coffee is imbued with the distinct notes of their heritage.

Our founder, Ibrahim Al Mallouhi, recently had the honor of immersing himself in the world of Lamastus Family Estates, guided by none other than Wilford Senior, the visionary behind this legendary enterprise. Engaging in an intensive cupping session with a maestro such as Wilford was both enlightening and thrilling. The day unfurled with the unveiling of the freshly washed El Burro Geisha lots, poised to undergo a unique drying process in dark rooms—a method perfected in Panama to gradually reduce humidity and amplify the bean's profile. What added to our exhilaration was the revelation that a special lot, destined for the very same process, has been earmarked exclusively for The Espresso Lab Roastery.

However, the zenith of our expedition was the introduction to 'HESSA,' an avant-garde processing method exclusively devised for The Espresso Lab. This innovation harnesses cascara, the pulp, and skin of coffee cherries, intertwined with coffee leaves to craft an unparalleled flavor profile. While much of the technique remains shrouded in mystery, the excitement it evoked was palpable. Collaborating with Lamastus Family Estates, a beacon of excellence and innovation, is a source of immense pride for The Espresso Lab. We eagerly anticipate sharing more groundbreaking creations from Panama with our discerning patrons in the UAE and beyond.