The Lamastus Family has been producing coffee for four generations, dating back to 1918. Nestled within Panama’s Volcán Barú National Park, the estate is surrounded by pristine cloud forests and benefits from a uniquely cool, high-altitude microclimate. Lamastus Estate coffees are shade-grown and bird-friendly, cultivated under ecologically rich and biodiverse conditions that contribute significantly to their exceptional quality. The estate has become a global benchmark in specialty coffee, consistently winning top accolades at the prestigious Best of Panama (BOP) auctions and setting record-breaking prices for its Geisha lots.
Positioned at altitudes ranging from 1,700 to 2,060 meters above sea level, Elida is among the highest coffee farms in Panama. Of its 65 hectares, 40 are planted with Geisha and Catuai, while the remaining area is maintained as a protected forest reserve. The farm’s ultra-high elevation and cool climate dramatically slow down the growth and maturation of coffee trees, resulting in dense, uniform beans. Geisha trees at Lamastus take about six and a half years to bear fruit—much longer than the average—and require 6 to 7 months for cherries to ripen, which further enhances cup complexity.
In this special release, we showcase three Geisha coffees from two of the Lamastus Family’s renowned estates: Elida Estate and El Burro Estate, both located in Chiriquí Province and separated by roughly 50 kilometers. These coffees were selected to highlight the unique terroirs and processing techniques used by the Lamastus Family to express the full potential of Geisha. The three lots include:
a. Lamastus El Burro Geisha Lot 17 #260125 Honey Process
b. Lamastus Elida Mina Geisha #100225 Honey Process
c. Lamastus Elida Aguacate 0502 EGW DRD
Two of these lots are honey-processed—an approach that has proven exceptional at past Lamastus Private Auctions in 2022, 2023, and 2024, where top-scoring lots were consistently honey-processed. In this method, cherries are hand-harvested and depulped, leaving a thick layer of mucilage intact. The coffee is then dried for 10 days on bastidores (perforated screens), followed by 2–3 days in mechanical dryers (guardiolas) to ensure consistency and prevent over-fermentation. This 12-day hybrid process preserves sweetness and structure while maintaining stability.
The third coffee in this selection is from the highly regarded Aguacate Lot at Elida Estate, labeled as EGW DRD—Elida Geisha Washed with Dark Room Drying. This lot fetched USD 484/kg at the 2024 Lamastus Private Auction. After harvesting, the coffee is depulped and fully washed, then dried in an advanced dark-room facility without any direct sunlight. Humidity is precisely controlled using dehumidifiers, creating a stable environment for a slow and even drying process. This technique is reserved exclusively for Lamastus Estate’s finest coffees, preserving delicate floral notes, sweetness, and pristine clarity in the cup.
Lamastus El Burro Geisha Lot 17 #260125 Honey Process
"A delicate and refined cup, opening with the zesty brightness of yuzu and the tart-sweet elegance of Japanese ume plum. Gentle chamomile florals lend a soft, soothing character, while the finish is rounded by the aromatic depth of oolong tea, offering a tranquil and contemplative experience."
Varietal : Geisha
Altitude : 1800 masl
Process : Honey & Hybrid Drying
Origin : Portrerillos, Dolega
Lamastus Elida El Mina Geisha #100225 Honey Process
"A clean and elegant profile with white peach sweetness and juicy red cherry, brightened by sweet orange citrus. The finish is lifted by the floral-citrus aroma of Earl Grey tea, adding a refined, tea-like elegance to the cup."
Varietal : Geisha
Altitude : 1850 masl
Process : Honey & Hybrid Drying
Origin : Alto Quiel, Boquete
Lamastus Elida Aguacate 0502 EGW DRD
"A vibrant yet silky cup with citrusy layers of blood orange and juicy nectarine, softened by the creamy sweetness of lactic soft candy. Pear juice adds a smooth, mellow juiciness, while fresh jasmine offers a delicate floral lift, rounding out a bright yet gentle profile."
Varietal : Geisha
Altitude : 1900masl
Process : Washed & DRD
Origin : Alto Quiel, Boquete