Panama Finca Lerida Catuai Washed

Roast Level: Medium
We taste: Almond, black tea, milk chocolate, hibiscus
Variety: Catuai
Process: Washed
Region: Alto Quiel, Boquete, Panama
Elevation: 1,600+ m
Farm: Finca Lérida
Producer: Amoruso Family

Finca Lérida is one of the most historic coffee estates in Panama. Founded in 1924 by Norwegian engineer Tollef Bache Mönniche—fresh from his work on the Panama Canal—the farm is nestled in the highlands of Alto Quiel, Boquete, at the gateway of Volcán Barú National Park. At over 1,600 meters above sea level, Lérida's cool mountain air, volcanic soil, and dense forest shade slow down cherry ripening, creating coffees with remarkable depth and complexity.

Lérida is known for its pioneering spirit. Nearly a century ago, Mönniche designed Panama's first gravity-powered wet mill and patented a siphon sorting device—both still referenced on the farm today. Over the decades, Lérida has earned multiple top finishes at the Best of Panama competition, including first place in 2015 (Traditional Washed). Now over 100 years since its founding, the Amoruso family—descendants of the original founders—leads the estate with deep respect for its heritage and a focus on exceptional, terroir-driven coffees.

This Catuai Washed lot showcases a different side of Lérida. While the farm is celebrated for its elegant Geshas, this Catuai delivers a rich, sweet, and approachable cup. Expect notes of cane sugar and agave sweetness, and a smooth chocolate finish—a beautiful expression of what Boquete's high-altitude terroir can bring out of a classic variety.

Fun fact: Finca Lérida is also home to one of Panama's most renowned birdwatching destinations, with over 500 species of birds documented on the estate and surrounding cloud forest.