The comeback of a classic Geisha from Carlos A. Franceschi

If you recall our popular Carmencita Geisha Washed from last year, we're excited to announce that you can once again enjoy this classic, medium-high intensity washed Geisha from Carlos Aguilera Franceschi's Private Lot.

Carlos shared with us his unique process for this lot, which he calls LPC or Long Play Coffee. After the beans are washed and the peel, or 'cáscara' in Spanish, is removed, they undergo a 48-hour anaerobic fermentation in temperature-regulated steel tanks at 25 degrees Celsius. The beans are then slowly dried on African beds over a period of six days and finish drying in a dark room.

Profile: White Flower, Yuzu, Nectarines

Origin

The 10-hectare private lot is located in an area known as "Los Pozos", named after the hot springs found there. Situated at an altitude of 1,800 meters above sea level in the valley known as Valle del Volcán. This valley is rich with black volcanic soil with a unique microclimate follows the river Chiriquí Viejo on its course from Cerro Punta to the Pacific Ocean. The cool, frost-free nights of the area coupled with dry, sun-drenched days combine to create ideal coffee growing conditions.

Carlos, a third-generation family member, preserves the legacy of the Franceschi family, who founded Finca Carmen in 1950. Efraín and Carmen Franceschi started cultivating Arabica varietals in the Panamanian Barú Volcano region in 1960. Today, Carlos successfully manages the estate for its current owners, Panama Red Carmen Cafe Trading S.A., a local company owned by the new China-based owners of Carmen Estate.

Since 2003, Finca Carmen has placed in the top ten at Best of Panama competitions. In 2020, Carmen Gran Reserva placed 1st in the Traditional Washed category, and in 2021, its Carmen Geisha Especial, Natural process earned 6th place with an SCA of 92.5.