Altieri Specialty Coffee — Best of Panama Winners from Boquete
Altieri Specialty Coffee is a family-owned estate in Boquete, Panama, and one of the country's most consistent competition producers. The story starts in an unlikely place: Eugene Altieri moved from the United States to Panama in 1973 and spent years manufacturing ice. In 2005 he was offered two farms in Boquete and bought them without knowing what they were capable of. He replanted them with Geisha, Typica, Catuai and Caturra, converted the old ice plant into a coffee mill, and within a decade the family was placing at the Best of Panama. Today the second generation runs the estates.
The detail serious coffee drinkers care about: Eugene bought his original Geisha seeds directly from the Peterson family of Hacienda La Esmeralda — the estate that introduced Geisha to the world in 2004. An Altieri Geisha is a direct descendant of the most celebrated lineage in coffee.
Best of Panama Placements
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Best of Panama 2014 — 3rd Place, Washed Geisha
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Best of Panama 2015 — 5th Place, Exotic Washed Geisha
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Best of Panama 2017 — 2nd Place, Natural Geisha
The family grows on two estates on the eastern slopes of Volcán Barú, beside the cloud forests of the national park. Mima Estates, in Callejón Seco and Alto Quiel, sits between roughly 1,700 and 2,200 meters and grows the Geisha, Typica and Catuai. Pipim Estates, in Alto Lino, grows Caturra at lower elevation. The farms are divided into eleven plots, each named after one of Eugene's grandchildren.
The Altieri Coffee Range
Three coffees, three completely different cups:
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Geisha Washed — 250g — the flagship. Strawberry, melon, jasmine and lemongrass from extreme-altitude plots in Callejón Seco. Brew it as pour-over and drink it black.
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Typica Washed — 340g — the everyday one, and the value pick. Caramel, black tea and dark chocolate from Mima Estate in Alto Quiel. Typica is the heirloom Arabica that every other Arabica descends from, and this is the only Altieri that holds up against milk.
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Catuai Natural — 340g — for fruit lovers. Dried in the whole cherry for stone fruit, berry and tropical aromatics. Bright, expressive and a little wild.
For the full family history, read my guide to Altieri Specialty Coffee, or see how they compare in the best Panama coffee brands.
Which Altieri Coffee Should You Buy?
If it is your first ultra-premium Panama Geisha, take the Geisha Washed — the Esmeralda lineage is right there in the cup. If you want an everyday coffee with real pedigree behind it, take the Typica Washed; it is the best value of the three. If you like fruit-forward, expressive coffees, take the Catuai Natural.
Delivered Worldwide from Panama
We source Altieri coffee directly from the family in Boquete and deliver worldwide via FedEx or DHL in 5 days. Free shipping on orders over $70. Explore the full Panama coffee collection, or learn how to brew Panama Geisha at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Altieri Specialty Coffee?
Altieri Specialty Coffee is a family-owned coffee estate in Boquete, Panama, founded in 2005 by Eugene Altieri. The family converted their old ice factory into a coffee mill and have been placing at the Best of Panama competition since 2014.
Where does Altieri coffee grow?
On two estates on the eastern slopes of Volcán Barú: Mima Estates in Callejón Seco and Alto Quiel, between roughly 1,700 and 2,200 meters, and Pipim Estates in Alto Lino.
Which Altieri coffee is the best value?
The Typica Washed 340g. It is an heirloom Arabica from a Best of Panama estate, with caramel, black tea and dark chocolate, at a fraction of the Geisha price.
Is Altieri Geisha related to Hacienda La Esmeralda?
Yes. Eugene Altieri bought his original Geisha seeds directly from the Peterson family of Hacienda La Esmeralda, the estate that made Panama Geisha world famous in 2004.
How long does delivery take?
Delivered worldwide from Panama in 5 days via FedEx or DHL. Free shipping on orders over $70.
