Introduction:At the 28th Best of Panama (BOP) competition in 2024, the Chiroso variety from Finca Black Moon took home the championship in the Multi-Origin category with an impressive score of 94.1. This coffee, grown in the Boquete region, transformed from a former vegetable field into a biologically friendly farm, reaching the world stage in just six years. This article delves into the transformation journey of Finca Black Moon, the advantages of coffee cultivation in Boquete, and the unique charm of the Chiroso variety, offering insight into the agronomic wisdom behind specialty coffee.
At the 28th Best of Panama (BOP) international competition held in 2024, the gold medal in the Multi-Origin category was awarded to the Chiroso variety grown by Finca Black Moon, scoring an outstanding 94.1. This coffee from Panama’s Boquete region not only showcases exceptional flavor potential but also marks the remarkable transformation of once-barren vegetable farmland into a globally recognized specialty coffee estate in just six years.
Finca Black Moon is located in Boquete, within the province of Chiriquí, one of Panama’s most renowned coffee-growing regions. The area sits at an altitude between 1,200 and 2,000 meters, with year-round temperatures ranging from 11°C to 27°C. The significant day-night temperature variation helps coffee cherries ripen slowly, accumulating richer flavor compounds. Coupled with fertile volcanic soils, moderate rainfall, and ample sunlight, the region provides an ideal environment for consistently producing high-quality coffee.
It’s worth noting that Boquete is not only the stage for Chiroso but also home to many well-known estates, including Finca Esmeralda, Finca Duncan, and Finca Elida—names that hold significant prestige among specialty coffee enthusiasts.
However, Finca Black Moon had no prior connection to specialty coffee. Before its transformation, this land was long used for vegetable farming, and years of over-cultivation led to severe soil nutrient depletion and ecological imbalance. It wasn’t until Hunter Tedman, the current president of the Panama Specialty Coffee Association (SCAP), took over that the estate was given a new lease on life.
With the goal of restoring the land’s ecology, Hunter began planting the first coffee trees in 2018 and simultaneously cultivated over 4,000 plants of various functional species. Some were planted as shade trees for the coffee, helping to regulate the microclimate and reduce direct sunlight, while others were native vegetation aimed at improving soil structure, increasing organic matter, and attracting beneficial insects for pollination—forming a complete biocyclic system. These agronomic practices not only improved soil health but also significantly reduced reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Although Finca Black Moon has only been growing coffee for a few short years, its performance at the BOP competition has been remarkable. In 2022, during its first participation, the Geisha variety planted that year earned 9th place in the Natural category and 11th in the Washed category, while the Chiroso variety took second place in the Multi-Origin category. Just one year later, Chiroso returned with more mature flavors and refined processing, claiming the championship title in the 2024 competition.
Chiroso is a relatively niche coffee variety, originating from Colombia. It is characterized by uniquely shaped leaves and relatively low yields, but it often exhibits distinctive aromatic layers and complex flavor structures. With careful cultivation and processing by Finca Black Moon, this variety not only showcases bright acidity and delicate floral notes but also delivers rich tropical fruit and honey-like sweetness, earning high praise from the judges.
Since its inception in 1996, the BOP competition has become a flagship event in the global specialty coffee industry, attracting top estates from across Panama each year. The competition is divided into three main categories: Washed Geisha, Natural Geisha, and Multi-Origin. In addition to awarding honors, it also features an auction that brings winning coffees to the international market, often achieving astonishing prices. Since the Geisha variety made a sensational debut in 2005, it has become synonymous with Panamanian specialty coffee, but the establishment of the Multi-Origin category has also allowed other potential varieties like Chiroso to shine.
Overall, Finca Black Moon’s victory with Chiroso is not just a triumph for a single variety but also symbolizes the diversity and sustainable potential of Panama’s coffee agriculture. The transformation from a lifeless vegetable field to an ecological haven producing world-class coffee offers valuable agronomic practices and innovative thinking for the global coffee industry.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
