Hacienda La Esmeralda (Jaramillo)

Hacienda La Esmeralda is a pioneering coffee estate located in the highlands of Boquete, Chiriquí, Panama. Originally purchased by the Peterson family in 1967 as a retirement venture, the property transitioned from cattle farming to coffee production in the mid-1980s. The estate is comprised of multiple distinct farms, including Jaramillo, Cañas Verdes, and the more recently acquired El Velo, which serves as the family's research hub for variety development and experimental processing. The family's commitment to high-altitude cultivation and meticulous post-harvest techniques has established them as a cornerstone of the specialty coffee sector.

The estate's most profound contribution to coffee history occurred in 2004, when the Petersons identified the exceptional cup profile of the Geisha variety growing on their Jaramillo farm. Originally acquired from the CATIE research station in Costa Rica for its resistance to the 'ojo de gallo' fungus, the Geisha variety was found to possess intense jasmine florals and delicate stone fruit notes that were previously unknown to the modern specialty market. This discovery effectively reintroduced Geisha to the world, setting a new global benchmark for sensory quality and appraisal.

In practice, the farm operates with a focus on precision and innovation. While the Jaramillo farm is historically significant for the Geisha discovery, the newer El Velo farm allows the family to maintain a diverse research collection, testing hundreds of varieties to understand their performance at specific altitudes and soil conditions. This scientific approach to agriculture, combined with refined fermentation and drying protocols, has allowed the estate to maintain its position at the pinnacle of the industry for over two decades.

The impact of Hacienda La Esmeralda on the coffee supply chain is immense. By consistently producing record-breaking microlots, the estate has influenced global auction prices and elevated the status of Panamanian coffee. Their success has provided a roadmap for other producers to pursue high-value, quality-focused models, while simultaneously offering roasters and consumers a consistent standard of excellence that remains highly sought after in the international market.

Recognition of the estate's work is documented through consistent success at the Best of Panama (BOP) competition. In 2025, the farm achieved a historic 'triple crown,' securing first place in the Geisha Washed, Geisha Natural, and Varietal categories. During this competition, they set new world records with scores of 98.00 for a Washed Geisha and 97.00 for a Natural Geisha, marking the highest scores in the history of the event. These results underscore the estate's ongoing ability to push the boundaries of coffee quality.

Today, the legacy of the farm continues under the stewardship of the Peterson family, who balance their historical achievements with a forward-looking approach to coffee science. As they approach nearly a century of family involvement in the region, their work remains a primary reference point for the potential of the Geisha variety and the broader possibilities of high-altitude, specialty-grade coffee production.