Hacienda Barbara has been producing high-quality specialty coffee in Boquete, Panama for over 20 years. Nestled in one of the country’s most celebrated coffee-growing regions, the estate cultivates a diverse range of varieties, including Caturra, Catuai, Pacamara, Typica, Bourbon, Gesha, and other heirloom cultivars. Originally established as a conventional farm, Hacienda Barbara transitioned to certified organic coffee production more than a decade ago and has most recently evolved its practices to Regenerative Agriculture, prioritizing soil health, biodiversity, and long-term ecological resilience. In addition to its Boquete estate, Hacienda Barbara Estates operates farms in Potrerillos and Renacimiento, further expanding its regional footprint. These farms have earned international recognition, winning Best of Panama awards in the Traditional Washed category in 2016 and 2019. Across the estates, approximately 50% of the land is preserved as natural forest, creating a shaded growing environment where coffee cherries ripen slowly beneath the cloud cover of the Bajareque mist, an important factor in developing complexity and sweetness in the cup. During our visit in late April, timed with peak flowering, the farm was filled with the aromatic fragrance of honeysuckle and jasmine, an early indicator of the expressive cup profiles Hacienda Barbara is known for. This lot is a Pacamara varietal coffee, a cross between Pacas and Maragogype, recognized for its large bean size and full-bodied structure. The coffee undergoes anaerobic fermentation, in which whole cherries are sealed in oxygen-free tanks to slow fermentation and allow precise control. Throughout the process, temperature, pH levels, and CO₂ pressure are closely monitored, with excess gas released through a one-way valve. Following fermentation, the coffee is naturally processed, resulting in a cup that is fruit-forward, naturally sweet, richly textured, and layered with complexity. Hacienda Barbara’s Pacamara exemplifies the innovation, sustainability, and craftsmanship that have positioned Panama as a global leader in specialty coffee. We have worked with Hacienda Barbara Estates since 2024 and look forward to this year's offering.
