Finca El Pergamino: The Farm That Shook Best of Panama
Share
By Juan Carlos Sosa (@thecoffeejuan) | Boquete Coffee Traders
Every few years, Best of Panama produces a result nobody saw coming. In 2026 it had a name: Finca El Pergamino. A small family farm from the Tierras Altas highlands — one that most coffee people had never heard of — placed 2nd in the Geisha Washed category with 96.00 points, finishing ahead of the legendary Hacienda La Esmeralda in a blind cupping judged by 95 professionals.
This is the story of the farm, the producer behind it, and what her coffee actually tastes like in the cup.
A 96-Point Shock at Best of Panama
The 2026 competition was the 30th edition of Best of Panama, with 102 finalist lots evaluated blind by 95 official and invited judges. In the flagship Geisha Washed category, the podium came down to the tightest finish in years: Elida Estate of Lamastus Family Estates won with 96.25 points, Finca El Pergamino took 2nd with 96.00, and Hacienda La Esmeralda — the farm that made Geisha famous — finished 3rd at 95.25.
Read that again. A quarter of a point separated a newer family farm from the most decorated producer dynasty in specialty coffee — and El Pergamino cupped above Esmeralda. Because Best of Panama is judged completely blind, there is no brand halo, no reputation bonus. The judges simply scored what was in the cup.
The 2026 Best of Panama auction takes place on September 23, when these podium lots go under the hammer to buyers around the world.
Where Is Finca El Pergamino?
Finca El Pergamino sits in Alto Guerra, near Bambito, in the Tierras Altas district of Chiriquí — the cool, misty stretch of highlands between Volcán and Cerro Punta on the western flank of the Barú volcano. While Boquete gets most of the headlines, this side of the mountain quietly grows some of the finest coffee in Panama, and El Pergamino is planted at roughly 1,800 to 2,000 meters above sea level — serious altitude even by Panamanian standards.
The recipe here is classic Tierras Altas: deep volcanic soil, surrounding forest, and a cold, humid cloud-forest microclimate that slows cherry maturation to a crawl. That long, slow ripening is exactly what a delicate variety like Geisha needs to build the sugars, acids, and aromatics that show up later as florals and citrus in your cup.
Yaneth de Lucich: From Potatoes to the Podium
What makes the result even more remarkable is who grew it. Finca El Pergamino is owned and run by Yaneth de Lucich and her family — farmers from Tierras Altas, a region better known internationally for its vegetables than its coffee. The family grew potatoes for years before turning part of their land over to specialty coffee, and only began producing coffee commercially in recent years.
In other words: within just a few harvests, a first-generation coffee producer went from planting Geisha to out-cupping century-old estates on Panama's biggest stage. Green buyers who discovered the farm early have described it as one of the best-kept secrets in the country. After 2026, the secret is out.
What Finca El Pergamino Geisha Tastes Like
The award-winning lot is a washed Geisha, and the processing is meticulous: only the ripest cherries are handpicked, fermented and washed clean with mountain water, then dried slowly in the cool highland air. The washed process suits Geisha perfectly — it keeps the cup transparent so the variety and the terroir do the talking.
In the cup, expect lifted white florals and jasmine, bergamot and bright citrus, stone fruit like pear and nectarine, and a silky, tea-like body reminiscent of fine Earl Grey. It is elegant rather than heavy — a coffee you slow down for.
To get all of that out of the bag, brew it as a pour-over and drink it black. A V60 or Chemex with a gentle pour brings out the florals and clarity; milk or espresso would bury exactly what you paid for. If Geisha is new to you, start with our guide to what makes Panama Geisha special.
How to Buy Finca El Pergamino Coffee
We are proud to carry the farm at Boquete Coffee Traders. Our Finca El Pergamino Geisha Washed 250g is sourced fresh directly from the producer in Panama and delivered worldwide in 5 days via FedEx or DHL, with free shipping on orders over $70 to the Americas and over $150 to the rest of the world.
Taste the 96-Point Geisha
Finca El Pergamino Geisha Washed — white florals, bergamot and a silky tea-like body — is sourced fresh directly from the producer in Panama and delivered worldwide in 5 days.
Shop Finca El Pergamino →Want to go deeper into Panamanian coffee? Read the full Best of Panama guide with every 2026 podium, see how the winner tasted with the Elida Estate Geisha Washed that edged El Pergamino by a quarter point, or start from the top with our complete guide to coffee from Panama.
Finca El Pergamino FAQ
Where is Finca El Pergamino located?
Finca El Pergamino is in Alto Guerra, near Bambito, in the Tierras Altas district of western Panama, between the towns of Volcan and Cerro Punta. The farm sits at roughly 1,800 to 2,000 meters above sea level on rich volcanic soil.
Who owns Finca El Pergamino?
The farm is owned and run by producer Yaneth de Lucich and her family. They farmed potatoes for years before turning to specialty coffee, and within just a few harvests their Geisha reached the Best of Panama podium.
What did Finca El Pergamino win at Best of Panama?
At Best of Panama 2026, Finca El Pergamino took 2nd place in the Geisha Washed category with 96.00 points, a quarter of a point behind the winner and ahead of Hacienda La Esmeralda.
How should I brew Finca El Pergamino Geisha?
Brew it as a pour-over and drink it black. Gentle filter methods like the V60 or Chemex bring out the florals, bergamot, and tea-like body that make this Geisha special. It is not a coffee for espresso or milk drinks.
Where can I buy Finca El Pergamino coffee online?
Boquete Coffee Traders ships Finca El Pergamino Geisha Washed worldwide. Every bag is sourced fresh directly from the producer in Panama and delivered worldwide in 5 days.