021 - Illumination Gesha

Origin

• 🇵🇦 Panama· Volcán

Tasting notes

Character

• Experimental
  50
• Funky
  40

Delicate florals and botanical aromatics combine with wineyFunky / lacticTasting language for deliberate fermentation flavor: yogurt-like tang (lactic), winey or boozy notes, overripe fruit. A feature in experimental lots, a defect in classic ones. acidityAcidityThe bright, lively, fruit-like sensation in coffee — praise, not a flaw. Citric sparkle, malic apple-crispness, tartaric wine notes; light roasts preserve more of it. and a syrupy, clean texture, creating an elegant and remarkably vibrant cup. High in the clouded peaks of Volcán, Panama, lies Finca Deborah, a farm that has steadily built a reputation for producing some of the most sought-after coffees in the world. The landscape is striking—a combination of nutrient-rich volcanic soil, steady rainfall, and cool, high-altitude temperatures. This confluence of conditions creates an environment where GeshaGesha (Geisha)A rare, jasmine-and-bergamot scented variety originally from Ethiopia's Gesha forest, made famous by Panama's Hacienda La Esmeralda. Routinely the most expensive coffee at auction. trees not only grow but thrive, slowly developing cherries that are exceptionally sweet and complex. At the helm of this pioneering venture is Jamison Savage, a producer whose innovative approach has won him countless competitions over the years. Among his many achievements is the early adoption of Carbonic MacerationAnaerobic fermentationCherries or depulped seeds ferment in sealed, oxygen-free tanks. Produces intense, unusual flavors — cinnamon, bubblegum, boozy fruit — that divide opinion. in coffee. Borrowing techniques from the wine world, this method involves fermenting pulped cherries in CO₂-rich tanks, carefully monitoring variables such as temperature and pH. We’ve spoken with Jamison at various coffee events and have always wanted to feature one of his coffees as a result of our conversations. Knowing our preference for clean, aromatic and complex coffees, Jamison suggested we try the Illumination Gesha and it exceeded our expectations. Finca Deborah’s achievements would not be possible without the Ngöbe-Buglé community, who bring generations of knowledge and skill to the farm. During harvest, their work begins with selecting only the ripest cherries, a task requiring an eye for detail and an understanding of the trees’ rhythms. Beyond this essential role, they contribute to the farm’s holistic ecosystem, tending the land with care. In return, the farm ensures the community is supported—not just with fair wages, but with housing, healthcare, and resources to sustain their families. It is a relationship built on mutual respect, one that reflects the values at the heart of Finca Deborah.