Elida Estate

Elida Estate is a cornerstone of Panamanian specialty coffee, located in the Alto Quiel region of Boquete. Founded in 1918 by Robert Lamastus and named after his wife, the estate has remained under the stewardship of the Lamastus family for over a century. Today, the farm is managed by Wilford Lamastus and his son, Wilford Jr., representing the third and fourth generations of the family to cultivate coffee in the region's unique volcanic soil and high-altitude microclimate. A significant portion of the estate is situated within the boundaries of the Volcán Barú National Park, providing a protected, cloud-forested environment that contributes to the distinct character of their harvests.

The estate is perhaps most famous for its pioneering work with the Geisha variety, which was first planted on the farm in 2005. The Lamastus family has leveraged the farm's extreme elevation—ranging from approximately 1,700 to 1,950 meters above sea level—to produce coffees with exceptional aromatic intensity and complexity. Their commitment to quality is reflected in their rigorous processing methods, which include both traditional washed and natural processes that have been refined over decades to highlight the inherent qualities of the terroir.

Elida Estate’s reputation is cemented by its consistent performance in the Best of Panama (BOP) competition, organized by the Specialty Coffee Association of Panama. The farm has achieved top placements across multiple categories, including Geisha Natural, Geisha Washed, and traditional varieties. Their success is not limited to local recognition; the estate has frequently set global benchmarks for coffee quality and value. For instance, in 2024, a lot of Elida Geisha Natural Vuelta achieved a record-breaking auction price of US$10,013 per kilogram, underscoring the immense demand for their production among international roasters and connoisseurs.

Beyond the BOP, Elida Estate coffees have been instrumental in the success of numerous national and international barista and brewers cup champions. Competitors in markets such as Taiwan, China, and Singapore have utilized Elida Estate lots to secure titles, further validating the farm's status as a premier source for competition-grade coffee. The estate has also been recognized by the Good Food Awards, highlighting their ability to maintain excellence across diverse judging criteria.

For the drinker, Elida Estate coffee is synonymous with elegance and clarity. Tasting profiles often feature delicate, vibrant notes such as jasmine, bergamot, apricot, and nectarine, supported by a silky mouthfeel and malic acidity. These characteristics are a direct result of the family's meticulous approach to cherry selection and processing, which they treat with the precision of a craft rather than a commodity.

Today, the Lamastus family continues to operate Elida Estate alongside their other properties, El Burro and Luito. Their legacy is defined by a balance of historical tradition and modern innovation, maintaining a focus on quality-oriented farming that has made them a fixture in the global specialty coffee market. The estate remains a primary reference point for the potential of Panamanian coffee, serving as a testament to how high-elevation, volcanic-soil farming can produce some of the most sought-after beans in the world.