Introduction:After the conclusion of the 2022 Best of Panama (BOP) competition, the Geisha from Elida Estate under the Lamastus family once again stunned the market. A mere 7-pound lot of honey-processed beans was sold for an astronomical $6,034 per pound, totaling over $42,000 and setting a new global record for the most expensive coffee. This article delves into the origins, processing method, and auction details of this top-tier Geisha, while also sharing expert recommendations on how to fully showcase its unique flavors using the appropriate pour over parameters.
Shortly after the 2022 Best of Panama (BOP) results were announced, a private auction hosted by the Lamastus family garnered global attention once more. The honey-processed Geisha from their Aguacatillo plot at Elida Estate — just 7 pounds in total — was sold at an astonishing $6,034 per pound, with a total price exceeding $42,000, successfully breaking the world record for the most expensive green coffee beans.
The Lamastus family’s private auction, organized by Sensible Coffee auction house, took place on September 6th Panama time, featuring 24 lots originating from three of their renowned estates: Elida, El Burro, and Luito. According to official data, a total of 1,762 pounds of Geisha were sold during the auction, generating a revenue of $601,000, with an average price of $341.24 per pound.
Among them, the star of the show was undoubtedly the honey-processed Geisha from Elida Estate’s Aguacatillo plot. These beans are grown at altitudes exceeding 2,000 meters, representing extremely high-altitude cultivation. Not only is the yield exceptionally scarce — just 7 pounds — but the honey process also imparts rich sweetness and complex layers. The lot was jointly won by Oklao Specialty Coffee, Clay Coffee Collective, The Espresso Lab, and Black Gold Specialty Coffee, who successfully bid a total of $42,238.
Sensible Coffee, the auction organizer, stated that the bidding lasted over seven hours, not only marking a new milestone in price per pound for coffee, but also highlighting the extreme demand and rare value of top-tier Geisha in the global market.
In a post-auction social media post, the Lamastus family said: “We thank all participants and industry colleagues for helping us achieve this historic milestone. This is not only an honor for Panamanian Geisha, but also further elevates the status of this variety in the global specialty coffee scene.”
Looking back, the record for the most expensive coffee in 2021 was held by Nuguo Estate in Panama. At that time, an anaerobically processed Geisha, scoring 94.75 points, was sold for $2,568 per pound, totaling 100 pounds and a sum of $256,800. In 2022, that record was vastly surpassed by the Lamastus family with a unit price nearly double.
The official results of the 2022 BOP were announced in early August, while the championship auction was scheduled for October 7th at 7:00 AM Beijing time. It remains to be seen whether this year’s winner will set yet another record-breaking price.
For coffee enthusiasts, understanding the origins and processing methods of such top-tier Geisha can help better bring out their potential during daily brewing. It is generally recommended to use medium-light roasted Geisha and brew it via pour over. The grind size should be slightly coarser than superfine sugar, with water temperature controlled between 90–93°C. A step extraction method is advised — for example, pouring 30% of the hot water for a 30-second bloom, followed by subsequent pours of the remaining water. The total extraction time is recommended to be around 2 minutes 30 seconds to 3 minutes, which helps highlight the distinctive citrus, floral, and tea-like notes of Geisha.
Whether for tasting or collecting, Panamanian Geisha represents the pinnacle of specialty coffee pursuit. From the auction market to daily brewing, this gift from high-altitude mountain regions remains the dream bean for coffee lovers.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
