COFFEE PLANT - Panama Canephora Anaerobic Filter 200 g

Whole-bean specialty coffee from Ethiopia and Kenya, roasted in Poland by COFFEE PLANT. Light roast, perfect for filter coffee machines, drippers, Chemex, AeroPress, French Press, and other pour-over brewing methods.You can expect hints of dark chocolate, spices, honey and dried fruits.

Country: Panama

Region: Penonome

Farm: Kiva Mana

Varietal: Canephora BRS 2314

Processing: Anaerobic

Altitude: 550 m n.p.m.

ABOUT THE COFFEE

Canephora BRS2314 is a botanical variety of robusta grown in Panama, originally from Brazil. Cultivated at around 600 masl, it underwent anaerobic processing with added fermenting yeast. You’ll find notes of dark chocolate, spices, honey, and dried fruit.

This Fine Robusta from Panama has a high body—typical for this species—subtle fruity acidity, and a long chocolaty finish. Its aroma reveals hints of spices, dried fruits (plum, apricot), and cocoa. The flavor is dominated by dark chocolate, spices, dried fruit, and honey. There is also a slightly herbal/tobacco character, which is typical for this type of coffee.

The cherries of this Canephora were first soaked briefly, then moved to another tank with water where fermenting yeast was added for anaerobic fermentation. After 48 hours, the coffee was passed through a depulper, then spread on raised beds to dry.          

THE FARM

Kiva Estate is a group of native Panamanians with diverse professional backgrounds, whose 30-year friendship eventually led them into the world of coffee cultivation. Two team members already owned pastureland and cattle, and during one of their gatherings, the idea of growing Fine Robusta was born.

The team spent a year learning throughout South and Central America—visiting top farms, trade shows, and meeting experts. The challenge was the low popularity of Robusta and the lack of proper equipment, and in some countries its cultivation was even prohibited. With help from Olmedo in Nicaragua and BRS2314 seeds from Brazil, the first plantation near Penonomé in Coclé was established.

Step by step, the team assembled post-harvest processing equipment, despite jokes and laughter from neighbors. The first harvests were promising, and Kiva Estate’s Fine Robusta gained recognition in Europe during World of Coffee in Athens, reaching prestigious coffee spots.

This unusual combination of a Brazilian robusta variety, the experience of the Kiva Estate team, and the unique growing environment resulted in the production of Fine Robusta from Panama.

ROASTER’S OPINION

Interest in fine robustas in our market is lower than it was 2–3 years ago, but around the world more and more countries are trying to create much more drinkable robustas than the ones we associate with espresso-roasted blends. What’s interesting here is that when we think of Panamanian coffee, we usually think of Geisha. In this case, we have a Brazilian variety grown in Panama at about 550–600 masl. The processing itself was quite intense—anaerobic with added yeast. As a result, we get a high-quality fine robusta with a complex sensory profile that only subtly resembles the typical character of this species.

In the aroma, the coffee smells of herbs and nuts, with noticeable notes of dried fruit and alcohol. In the taste—high body, very low and smooth acidity, spices, honey, and dried fruit. This is definitely not a coffee for everyone—especially those who prefer light, very delicate Arabicas. Here we are dealing with a rather intense coffee, one that gently reminds us that it is indeed a robusta.