Laurina is grown as part of Esmeralda’s “exotic varietals” program, alongside varieties like Pacamara and SL-34. These are cultivated in small, controlled plots at El Velo at an high elevation of 1,900 meters.

Esmeralda is not scaling Laurina. They are studying it.

Taste description: In the aroma you’ll find soft, white florals. Citrus-driven notes of tangerines and pomelo. Silky mouthfeel, extreme level of complexity with an almost tea-like body and finish of high sweetness and lingering acidity.

Variety: Laurina Country: Panama Region: Boquete, Panama Process: Washed Altitude: 1900 MSL Producer: Hacienda La Esmeralda Farm: El Velo lot

What is Laurina? Laurina (also known as Bourbon Pointu) is fundamentally different from most Arabica:

Naturally low caffeine (often around half of typical Arabica levels) Known for delicate sweetness, citrus brightness, and silky texture

Structurally lighter, more transparent, less aggressive

It is also notoriously difficult:

Very low yield

Highly susceptible to pests and disease

Requires precise farming to express quality

At the Best of Panama 2025, Hacienda La Esmeralda didn’t just win both of the Gesha categories.They also took 1st place in the Varietals category with the Laurina. That result reframes Laurina entirely:

Not a curiosity Not an experiment But a competition-level expression

The auction prices of $8000/kg for the green coffee reflects that shift as well, with Laurina lots reaching extremely high levels for non-Gesha coffees.