“The world’s most expensive coffee, a truly unique experience for any coffee lover.” Fernando, our Panama City tour guide, went on and on as we approached a local Casco Viejo coffee house known for serving the world-famous Geisha coffee.
The oppressive heat and humidity had taken their toll on me, so a sit-down at the air-conditioned cafe sounded inviting, especially since I love coffee and have Cuban and Colombian blood in my veins. The place was crowded, but we managed to get a table when a couple got up. Jackpot! We also invited Fernando to join us for coffee.
“It is worth the wait. It takes them a while to prepare our Geisha coffees.”
Fernando continued.
He explained that they hold auctions when they sell their famous coffee.
“Last year, a lot of Geisha coffee from Hacienda La Esmeralda sold for $30,204 per kilogram.”
I began calculating how much a cup of this precious coffee would cost me, eyeing the doorway for a quick exit. We ordered our coffees and waited 20 minutes. Only $10. I can do that, I thought, and relaxed.
“You don’t put sugar in it,” Fernando warned, saying it was considered sacrilege.
I was already reaching for the sugar packets when I stopped mid-air. I took my first sip of this world-famous coffee and immediately thought it was very weak. It tasted like washing your socks and serving a cup of the wash water. That is what I think when I am served weak coffee. I am used to the robust Cuban espresso served with a ton of sugar. They can keep their Geisha coffee; give me a coladita, please!
Leave a Reply