Finca Alto Quiel – Mima Estates, Rola parcel

The Altieri family, led by Eugene 'Don Gene' Altieri, established their coffee operations in the Boquete region of Panama over two decades ago. Recognizing the unique potential of the Chiriquí highlands, the family developed two primary estates: Mima Estate, located in the high-altitude microclimate of Alto Quiel, and Pipim Estate, situated in Alto Lino. These farms are strategically divided into eleven distinct plots, each named after one of Eugene’s grandchildren, to allow for precise agricultural management tailored to the specific terroir of each parcel.

The Rola parcel is a notable section within the Mima Estate, distinguished by its proximity to the woods of the Baru Volcano National Park. This location provides a unique environment that influences the development of the coffee cherries. The Altieri family manages these lands with a focus on capturing the finest qualities of the region, utilizing a variety of cultivars including Geisha, Catuai, Typica, and Caturra, each assigned to specific plots based on their potential to thrive in the local microclimate.

While the Geisha variety is often the focus of Panamanian coffee, the Altieri family has gained significant recognition for their mastery of other varieties. A testament to this occurred in 2026, when Altieri Specialty Coffee secured 1st Place in the 'Varietals' category at the Best of Panama competition with a score of 93.63 points. This victory, achieved with a non-Geisha lot, underscored the family's ability to produce world-class coffee using traditional Latin American varieties like Catuai, effectively competing against and surpassing renowned estates.

The processing methods at Mima Estate are as deliberate as their cultivation. The farm produces both washed and natural processed coffees, with the Rola parcel specifically known for producing high-quality Catuai lots that exhibit distinct body and acidity. By sectioning their farms by elevation and microclimate, the Altieris ensure that each harvest is processed to highlight the specific characteristics of the parcel, whether it is the floral complexity of their Geisha or the balanced, sweet profile of their Catuai.

Beyond their competition success, the Altieri family has become a fixture in the specialty coffee landscape. Mima Estate in Alto Quiel has received international attention, including being featured by the New York Times as a must-visit destination. This recognition highlights the intersection of high-end agricultural production and the growing interest in coffee tourism within the Boquete region.

For the roaster and the consumer, the 'Rola' tag represents a commitment to traceability and terroir-focused production. It signifies a coffee that has been grown in a protected, high-altitude environment and handled by producers who have demonstrated a consistent ability to elevate standard varieties to an elite level. The Altieri family’s approach serves as a model for how family-run estates can maintain quality and innovation while honoring the specific geography of their land.