FINCA SOPHIA GESHA

In this lot, anaerobic fermentation brings an intense, aromatic quality to the Gesha varietal. Delicate floral and fresh strawberry aromas arrive first.

Raspberry, plum, and juicy pomegranate follow as the cup unfolds. The juicy acidity is reminiscent of fruit sorbet. Finally, the cooling brings hibiscus and elegant jasmine.

Founded in 2008, Finca Sophia is located in the highlands of Panama, near the settlement of Nueva Suiza, just up the road from Volcan. At an altitude that tops 2,100 meters, Finca Sophia is one of the highest coffee farms in Panama, and is planted almost exclusively with Gesha. Pairing this legendary coffee variety with the extreme altitude of the farm results in a one of a kind coffee. In 2020 Finca Sophia achieved first and second place at the annual Best Of Panama Auction and claimied the Panama Cup. Despite its recent arrival on the scene, these awards saw Finca Sophia establish itself as one of the finest producers in the world.

Finca Sophia is an experimental farm and it was established to test the limits of coffee cultivation in Panama. While higher elevation promotes slow fruit maturation and high quality, it also presents a myriad of challenges, stressing the coffee trees to an extreme not seen on farms just a couple hundred meters lower in elevation. Establishing coffee production on Sophia has been an epic adventure to say the least, with successes often followed by setbacks. Yet, the determination to produce a world class coffee has led the producers to respond to challenges with innovation and creativity, learning to grow coffee better with each harvest.

At Finca Sophia, the harvest is carefully judged to ensure cherries are hand picked at peak ripeness. This lot was first anaerobically fermented, then dried on raised beds, before a final period of dark room drying. Once dry, the beans are rested in a temperature controlled room. Every coffee is finally hand sorted to guarantee a superior, consistent profile.