Kotowa Las Brujas

Country/Region: Panama/Boquete, Chiriqui

Varietal: Typica

Processing: Anaerobic Natural

Elevation: 1750 m.a.s.l.

We Taste: Cherry, Mangosteen, Winey

Situated between Boquete and Volcán, Las Brujas is part of the Kotowa Coffee farms, winners of multiple national and international awards. Sitting on the rich volcanic soil of Volcán Barú, its unique microclimate receives a cool dry breeze from the Atlantic Ocean and moisture from the Pacific Ocean. The wide temperatures fluctuations — from 25°C in the day to 12°C at night — makes for sweeter coffee cherries and a more complex cup. 

This lot was processed with a 48-hour anaerobic fermentation in sealed tanks. Then, cherries are laid on raised beds and covered with a dark cloth to dry for three days. Following that, the coffee is placed in sealed containers for five more days before being laid to dry on raised beds once again, but this time in the open sun for 25 days. 

This unique fermentation technique adds heaps of complexity and fruitiness to the cup profile, with tropical fruit brightness when the cup is hot, and winey red fruits showing up as the cup cools, rounding off with a cacao nibs finish.

Kotowa operates Panama’s only refrigerated coffee resting facility, maintaining a constant 15°C with 65% relative humidity, to preserve bean quality. Each lot is tagged with an identification mark, which contains detailed information on the harvesting and milling process for traceability. 

Taking pride in their continuous efforts in sustainability, Kotowa endeavours to protect virgin forests around the plantation through regenerative agriculture, planting indigenous trees that add to the natural habitat of local and migratory birds. In addition, they provide workers with free medical aid, as well as an education program that includes meals for children.