Altieri “ALE” Geisha – Panama Natural Cold-Dry Ferment

When we first encountered this Geisha at the London Coffee Festival, it completely stopped us in our tracks. Until then, Glass had never featured a Panamanian Geisha, but from the very first sip we knew it was something special. Intrigued, we looked into Altieri Specialty Coffee — and quickly found a reputation that matched the quality in the cup: a family wholly dedicated to producing world-class coffees.

This lot comes from the ALE plot of Altieri’s MIMA Estate in Alto Quiel, Boquete. The 2.5-hectare parcel sits at 1,820 m on rich volcanic soil, shaded by native trees at the foothills of the Barú Volcano. With daytime temperatures around 18 °C and cooler nights dropping to 12 °C, the cherries ripen slowly, developing clarity and balance. Since 1973, when Eugene Altieri moved from New York to Panama, the family has poured their energy into these slopes — blending Italian heritage with Panamanian terroir.

Tasting Notes
The cup opens with a rush of orchid-like florals and jasmine, followed by vibrant strawberry jam and a creamy, floral body. As it cools, stone fruit layers unfold, leaving a clean, harmonious finish with lingering sweetness. After three weeks of rest, the profile expands even further — revealing lavender, tangerine, and pomarosa in full bloom.

Altieri Specialty Coffee is rooted in sustainability. Solar-powered drying patios, shade-grown farming, and fair practices aren’t marketing phrases here — they’re daily realities. Every sip supports a family that values both the land and the people who cultivate it.

This Natural Geisha is one of the most delicate yet creamy we’ve ever tasted — vibrant, complex, sweet and truly magical. If you’ve ever wondered why Panama sets the global standard for Geisha, this lot shows exactly why. Give it time to rest, brew it thoughtfully, and let yourself be amazed.