SINGLE ORIGIN PANAMA

Overview

Single Origin Panama from Noord Coffee Roasters is a 100% Arabica coffee with a cupping score of 83+. Award-winning sustainability strategy, freshly roasted every workday, and an attractive promotion: buy 5 kg, get 1 kg free.

Origin and farm

– Imported as single-origin Arabica from Panama, likely from regions like Boquete, known for high-quality coffee.
– Arabica makes up about 82% of Panama's coffee production; mainly grown at altitudes between 2300 and 1500 meters.
– Coffee plantations are often part of long-established estates like Café Ruiz or La Torcaza, which apply organic management.
– Boquete in the west is considered the most important coffee region in Panama.
– The Geisha variety, although possibly not the one here, fetched as much as $1,029 per pound in an auction in 2019.

Roast profile

– Freshly roasted every workday, indicating a focus on maximum freshness.
– Likely a medium-light profile to preserve fruity and caramel flavors. (speculative, based on taste notes of fruity, caramel, almond)
– No details on the exact roast curve, but sustainability and freshness are central.
- As a specialty with a score of 83+, it is likely a controlled, balanced roasting process.
- No information on roast date labeling, but daily roasting supports traceability.

Flavor and aroma

- Labeled as “specialty coffee – fruity, caramel & almond.”
- Light acidity with sweet notes of caramel and almond nutty hints.
- “Fruity” may suggest tones like citrus, red berries, or stone fruit.
- 100% Arabica base contributes to complexity and a rounded flavor.
- Cupping score ≥ 83 indicates a balanced body and aromatic character.

Processing Method

- Website does not specify the method (washed, natural, honey).
- Typical of Panama are washed methods that enhance clarity and fruitiness.
- Given the fruity and caramel flavor, likely washed with neat, controlled fermentation.
- High elevation and Arabica indicate good drying and quality aftercare.
- Emphasize that good processing is essential for consistency and quality at an 83+ score.

Variety

- Specific variety is not mentioned on the product page.
- Panama is known for Geisha, but there is no confirmation that this is the case here.
- Mostly Arabica; 82% of Panama's production is Arabica.
- Possibly a commercial Arabica variety (Catuai or other), given the fresh heavy notes; Catuai is common.
- No information for preciseness; but clearly specialty-grade Arabica.

Sustainability and ethics

- Mentions 'award-winning in sustainability'; recognized for environmentally friendly practices.
- Daily fresh roasting reduces shelf life and possibly packaging impact.
- Commercial promotion 5 + 1 kg encourages larger purchases, possibly reducing packaging waste.
- Noord Coffee Roasters has been a JURA dealer for 11 years; this indicates long-term relationships and reliability.
- Cleanliness and traceability imply attention to ethical sourcing, although no certifications are mentioned.

Brewing suggestions

- No specific recommendations on the site.
- Fruity and caramel tones are well suited for filter methods like pour-over or Chemex.
- Medium roasting also works well with a light espresso extraction.
- Freshly roasted works best with manual methods where aroma and nuance count.
- For almond and caramel notes, French press can enhance the body.

Prices and reviews

- Cupping score of 83+ as an indicator of specialty level.
- No awards mentioned, except “award-winning in sustainability.”
- No mentions of external scores (such as SCA), but the own score is 83+.
- No data on consumer reviews or prices in external media.
- Clear performance within own sustainability program as certification.

Packaging design

- Product page shows only text, no visual description.
- Terms like “award-winning,” “freshly roasted” are prominently featured in the text.
- Expected minimalist, functional design focused on freshness and sustainability.
- Packaging likely contains branding from Noord Coffee Roasters and promotional information.
- Likely pocket-size aimed at reuse or bulk (5 kg + 1 kg free).

Availability and price

- Promotion: purchase 5 kg and get 1 kg free.
- Sold through own webshop and physical roastery (such as Veghel).
- Available as long as the promotion runs; possible high demand due to sustainability award and new branding.
- As 100% Arabica single-origin, price likely around €19.69 per kg (comparable to other single origins).
- Customers can order by phone or online via Noord Coffee Pakhuis.

Final Thoughts

This Single Origin Panama radiates freshness, sustainability, and a 'special and accessible' character. With fruity, caramel, and almond tones and a clear cupping score of 83+, it forms an interesting choice. The combination of an attractive promotion, sustainable branding strategy, and a clear single-origin profile makes it relevant for both enthusiasts and professionals in the coffee industry.