When discussing global coffee excellence, few names command as much respect as the Lamastus Family. With over a century of heritage in Boquete, Panama, their estates -Elida Estate, Luito Estate, and El Burro Estate- are world-renowned for producing some of the highest-scoring, record-breaking Geisha micro-lots in history.

The Story: Four Generations of Heritage and World Records

The Lamastus Family’s coffee legacy began in 1918 when Robert Lamastus founded Elida Estate. Today, across four generations and led by Wilford Lamastus Sr. and Wilford Lamastus Jr., the family has transformed their family passion into a benchmark for global luxury coffee.

Their relentless pursuit of perfection has repeatedly earned them top spots at the prestigious Best of Panama competitions, setting multiple world auction records for their ultra-rare Natural and Anaerobic Geishas. By balancing deep agricultural tradition with pioneering post-harvest innovations, the Lamastus Family continues to define what elite specialty coffee can achieve.

Terroir & High-Altitude Cultivation

The Lamastus Family’s farms sit within the ecological jewel of Chiriquí, bordering the Volcán Barú National Park.

The terroir is defined by:

• Extreme Elevation: Fields reaching up to 2,000+ meters above sea level, representing some of the highest coffee planting elevations in all of Panama.
• Volcanic Microclimate:  Rich, dark volcanic soils paired with low temperatures, dense tropical cloud cover, and cool mountain breezes that dramatically delay cherry maturation.
• Biodiverse Canopy:  Native primary forest shade preserving natural ecosystem balances, allowing coffee plants to draw deep, complex soil nutrients.

Agronomy Meets Precision Fermentation

While famous for their historic high-altitude terroir, the Lamastus Family treats post-harvest processing with scientific discipline.

Their signature approach combines:

• Slow Natural Drying (ASD & Traditional):  Utilizing custom-built shaded drying beds and controlled temperature structures to slowly dehydrate intact cherries over extended weeks.
• Anaerobic & Carbonic Fermentations:  Carefully monitoring ambient temperature, ambient humidity, and tank pressures to lock in wild floral esters without obscuring terroir purity.
• Meticulous Plot Isolation:  Harvesting and processing strictly by specific farm plots (Elida, Luito, El Burro), ensuring total micro-climate traceability for every lot.

Sensory Profile & Cup Expectations

Coffees produced by the Lamastus Family, particularly their flagship Geishas, are legendary for their ethereal floral complexity and pristine clarity.

Depending on the specific lot and process, expect cup profiles characterized by intense aromas of fresh jasmine, bergamot, orange blossom, and wild orchids. Very bright white peach, juicy papaya, wild strawberry, red currant, and refined sweet Earl Grey tea notes. With a silky mouthfeel, tea-like elegance backed by bright, crystalline acidity and an endless, sweet floral finish.

Experience the Lamastus Family’s Coffees at Brewing Dealers

Our connection to these coffees goes far beyond the cupping table. Our team traveled directly to Panama to visit the Lamastus Family, walking their high-elevation plots at Elida Estate and experiencing their processing craft firsthand. Seeing their dedication at origin made bringing these world-class micro-lots back to our community even more special.

Explore our current menu to experience these extraordinary Panamanian releases.