Introduction:Finca Santa Teresa earned third place in the Traditional Varieties category of the 2026 Best of Panama (BOP) competition with a score of 92.38, showcasing the rich potential of Panama beyond Geisha. How does this historic estate nestled at the foot of Volcán Barú produce high-quality coffee through its unique geography, meticulous management, and sustainable practices? This article takes you behind the scenes to explore the story and flavor profile behind its award-winning coffee.
The results of the 2026 BOP (Best of Panama) Traditional Varieties competition have been announced. The championship was claimed by Finca Altieri, with Finca Esmeralda taking second place, while a remarkable third-place coffee with a score of 92.38 captured attention — from Finca Santa Teresa. This historic estate, located at the base of Volcán Barú, is personally managed by owner Ezequiel Batista, who has been quietly dedicated to cultivating traditional coffee varieties for many years.
Finca Santa Teresa is situated in the Volcán region of Chiriquí Province, adjacent to Panama’s highest peak — Volcán Barú — with an overall elevation ranging between 1400 and 1800 meters. The surrounding environment is exceptionally favorable, neighboring the La Amistad International Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site co-managed by Panama and Costa Rica. This pristine forest area, rich in biodiversity, sees squirrel monkeys and hundreds of tropical bird species frequently moving between the coffee fields and woodland, exemplifying a harmonious coexistence of ecology and agriculture.
Due to the elongated geography of the Panama Isthmus, the volcanic slopes where Finca Santa Teresa is located are influenced by airflow from both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, resulting in significant microclimatic variations. Coupled with abundant annual rainfall, fertile black volcanic soils, and the marked diurnal temperature variation brought by high altitude, these natural conditions collectively shape the unique character of the estate’s coffee — and were key factors behind the high score of this traditional variety.
In addition to outstanding natural conditions, Finca Santa Teresa also invests significantly in sustainability and social responsibility. The farm implements strict resource management, including recycling production waste into organic fertilizer or fuel, while water usage and recycling are all approved and monitored by local environmental agencies. Moreover, the estate provides employees with free accommodation, basic medical services, and educational opportunities, even operating a school specifically for workers’ children, reflecting a strong commitment to human resources and community development. This long-term and comprehensive investment is also reflected in the stability and consistency of its coffee quality.
In fact, Finca Santa Teresa is no stranger to the BOP stage. As early as 2011, its washed Geisha won third place in its category; in 2013, its natural Geisha once again made it into the top three. By 2026, this volcanic-slope estate, with a non-Geisha traditional variety, once again proved its exceptional strength, securing third place in the Traditional Varieties category with an impressive score of 92.38. This not only affirms the diversity of coffee varieties but also showcases the multifaceted charm of Panamanian coffee to enthusiasts worldwide.
The region where Finca Santa Teresa is located features a landscape of interlocking valleys and ridges, creating numerous microclimate zones. This results in each plot of land producing coffee batches with distinct individual characteristics. Such microclimatic diversity is also one of the important reasons why the estate can consistently offer high-quality coffees with rich and layered flavors.
This award-winning traditional variety typically exhibits a rich berry profile, moderate acidity, and a full body, with a chocolatey and spicy finish. It is an excellent single-origin choice for pour over brewing. For coffee lovers interested in exploring non-Geisha varieties, this coffee from Finca Santa Teresa is a perfect entry point for understanding the diversity of Panamanian coffee.
In summary, Finca Santa Teresa, through decades of dedication and investment in both the environment and its people, has produced this traditional variety coffee that scored 92.38. It stands not only as a strong representative of the 2026 BOP third-place winner but also reminds us that great coffee in Panama is never limited to just Geisha. For enthusiasts seeking new flavors, researching brewing parameters, or expanding their coffee bean selection, this coffee from the foothills of Volcán Barú is well worth adding to your tasting list.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
