In this episode, we sit down with Ricardo Koyner, the 1st president of the Specialty Coffee Association of Panama upon it's inauguration in 1996 and now the current president in 2026, the year that marks the 30th Anniversary.

Ricardo operates Kotowa, a brand in Panama that extends over many celebrated coffee farms in the region of Chiriqui, such as Las Brujas, Duncan, Don K, Silvia Marina, Rio Crystal and more, as well as a coffee shop brand that runs coast to coast within the Republic of Panama.

This conversation takes us through the past, the outcome and the future of specialty coffee in Panama, sharing stories of trial and tribulation as the road for the coffee industry in this region has never been easy.

At Kotowa Farms, there's a significant amount of research being done in different genetic varieties amongst many different altitude ranges and terroirs. Beyond coffee, they have developments in many other agricultural products, such as cacao, camelia synesis (tea), assortments of fruits, woods and others.

A fascinating conversation for anyone interested in coffee business, coffee production and establishing a foundational business that will outlive any of us individuals.

Forward is a green coffee sourcing and exporting company based in Chiriqui, Panama, working with 20+ producers. Cole is one of 22 International Judges for the Best of Panama and is ready to source your next favourite coffee. Forward is a Panamanian registered business and exporter living and working in Panama 12 months per year: https://www.forward.coffee

This conversation was recorded on March 4th, 2026 in Boquete, Panama

If you'd like to watch a feature film on Kotowa Farms - https://youtu.be/77g2_RRLoLg?si=buLw0IYY8gUG3v5r

If you'd like to listen to Victoria Koyner, Ricardo's daughter and right hand in the business - https://youtu.be/9SO4xNXCyZY?si=o3wg2hd9iSWhv-Zc

Cole lives in Panama full time and curates a selection of top Panama Geisha and Varietals, from the Ricardo and Panamanian producers you see in this video series.

FORWARD COFFEE, since 2019

Forward is a green coffee sourcing and exporting company based in Chiriqui, Panama, working with 20+ producers. Cole is one of 22 International Judges for the Best of Panama and is ready to source your next favourite coffee.

Forward is a Panamanian registered business and exporter living and working in Panama 12 months per year: https://www.forward.coffee

ROSSO COFFEE ROASTERS, since 2007

Anyone can be a specialty coffee drinker, and that means you. Dave and the team at Rosso roasted for the last two World Barista Champions and would love to roast a coffee for you too – try world-class coffee; https://www.rossocoffeeroasters.com

Follow on INSTAGRAM

Follow Ricardo Koyner: https://www.instagram.com/koynerricardo

Follow Kotowa Farms: https://www.instagram.com/kotowafarms

Stay updated with the latest: https://www.instagram.com/buythedrip.coffee

Follow Forward Coffee: https://www.instagram.com/fwdcoffee

Follow Dave: https://www.instagram.com/crosbyandcoffee

Follow Cole: https://www.instagram.com/torodeo

In this episode, we sit down with Wilford Lamastus Jr, the fourth generation of Lamastus Family Estates, a 3 x Panamanian Brewers Cup Champion and founder of Sisu Coffee StudiosThis conversation takes us through the in's and out's of a legacy family business that dates back more than 100 years and is focused on quality and raising the bar for specialty coffee and Geisha coffeeWhat does it mean to be the fourth generation, and be amongst the energy as his son, the fifth generation of this family legacy grows up under his visionA fascinating conversation for anyone interested in coffee business, coffee production and establishing a foundational business that will outlive any of us individuals.If you ever come to visit Panama, a trip to Lamastus Family Estates is a must - they have a tourism department and will happily take you around the farm and to experience Panama GeishaForward is a green coffee sourcing and exporting company based in Chiriqui, Panama, working with 20+ producers. Cole is one of 22 International Judges for the Best of Panama and is ready to source your next favourite coffee. Forward is a Panamanian registered business and exporter living and working in Panama 12 months per year: https://www.forward.coffeeThis conversation was recorded on February 24th, 2026 in Panama City, PanamaIf you'd like to watch a feature film on Lamastus Family Estates - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GANe9UzVUYCole lives in Panama full time and curates a selection of top Panama Geisha and Varietals, from the Wilford and Panamanian producers you see in this video seriesFORWARD COFFEE, since 2019Forward is a green coffee sourcing and exporting company based in Chiriqui, Panama, working with 20+ producers. Cole is one of 22 International Judges for the Best of Panama and is ready to source your next favourite coffee. Forward is a Panamanian registered business and exporter living and working in Panama 12 months per year: https://www.forward.coffeeROSSO COFFEE ROASTERS, since 2007Anyone can be a specialty coffee drinker, and that means you. Dave and the team at Rosso roasted for the last two World Barista Champions and would love to roast a coffee for you too – try world-class coffee; www.rossocoffeeroasters.comFollow on INSTAGRAMFollow Wilford Lamastus Jr: www.instagram.com/wilfordlFollow Lamastus Family: www.instagram.com/lamastusfamilyestatesStay updated with the latest: www.instagram.com/buythedrip.coffeeFollow Forward Coffee: www.instagram.com/fwdcoffeeFollow Dave: www.instagram.com/crosbyandcoffeeFollow Cole: www.instagram.com/torodeo

Celebrated globally as a visionary in specialty coffee production, Hunter Tedman is designing coffee farms in a way that is breaking the historical norms in our industry - an architect of advanced agricultural systems to grow incredible coffees.Hunter was born and raised in Boquete, Panama, and grew up in a multi-generational coffee family, with his father playing a role in the foundations of the Specialty Coffee Association of Panama as well as the early days of the story of Geisha. Hunter has seen the rise, the fall and the rise again of Panama Geisha and now, other VarietalsToday, Hunter is focused on producing the best Geisha in the World at his farms Black Moon and newly acquired Umbra, as well as Hacienda Barbara, a group of farms that he operates and manages. Not only is he investing in Geisha, however, Hunter has a garden of coffee varietals that he cherished, studies and examines, one of which, Chiroso, has become the most celebrated and awarded Varietal in Panama in recent years at the Best of PanamaThis conversation unlocks a whole new perspective to coffee production, laying out the blueprint for designing a coffee farm, whether you're in Panama or anywhere in the World. If you're working in agriculture, as a roaster, or a barista, I promise you you'll learn something new from the mind of Hunter Tedman.Listen for his definition of "terroir" as it's one of the most fascinating we've come across in these dialogues.This conversation was recorded on March 12th, 2026 in Boquete, PanamaCole lives in Panama full time and curates a selection of top Panama Geisha and Varietals, from the Hunter and Panamanian producers you see in this video seriesIf you enjoy the conversation with Hunter, I highly suggest you listen to this conversation with his neighbour at Black Moon, Price Peterson regarding the story of Geisha - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_BiWlrMrKk&tFORWARD COFFEE, since 2019Forward is a green coffee sourcing and exporting company based in Chiriqui, Panama, working with 20+ producers. Cole is one of 22 International Judges for the Best of Panama and is ready to source your next favourite coffee. Forward is a Panamanian registered business and exporter living and working in Panama 12 months per year: https://www.forward.coffeeROSSO COFFEE ROASTERS, since 2007Anyone can be a specialty coffee drinker, and that means you. Dave and the team at Rosso roasted for the last two World Barista Champions and would love to roast a coffee for you too – try world-class coffee; www.rossocoffeeroasters.comFollow on INSTAGRAMFollow Hunter Tedman: www.instagram.com/huntertedmancoffeeFollow Black Moon Farm: www.instagram.com/blackmoonfarmpanamaFollow Umbra Farm: www.instagram.com/umbrafarmpanamaFollow Hacienda Barbara: www.instagram.com/haciendabarbaracoffeeStay updated with the latest: www.instagram.com/buythedrip.coffeeFollow Forward Coffee: www.instagram.com/fwdcoffeeFollow Dave: www.instagram.com/crosbyandcoffeeFollow Cole: www.instagram.com/torodeo

"Specialty Coffee is a coffee produced on one farm, by one obsessive compulsive coffee farmer" Price Peterson is celebrated as one of the most influential figures in the Special Coffee Industry - having re-discovered Geisha on his family farm, Hacienda La EsmeraldaFor more than half a century, the Peterson family has shaped the country's coffee industry through Hacienda La Esmeralda - earning international recognition, changing how the world values coffee and helping establish Panama as one of the most sought-after coffee originsHear about the early days of the SCAA and SCAP, a few of the many boards / committees which Price participated as a key member in the early days in their founding years.In this conversation you can expect to hear:- The early days of Hacienda La Esmeralda and how the has farm evolved- The re-discovery and rise of Geisha- What people misunderstand about producing world-class coffee- How the Peterson family approaches quality, experimentation, and the future.- Price's perspective on where Panama coffee is headed over the next decade.Whether you're a producer, roaster, competitor, or simply fascinated by the people behind the coffees we all admire, this episode offers a rare look inside one of specialty coffee's most influential figuresPS, Happy 90th Birthday to Price, who celebrated in Boquete on July 5th, 2026This conversation was recorded on March 10th, 2026 at Hacienda La EsmeraldaListen as Cole and Price sit down for an intimate conversation in his office and discuss the long road of Panama Geisha.Cole lives in Panama full time and curates a selection of top Panama Geisha and Varietals, from the Peterson Family and Panamanian producers you see in these videos.. If you enjoy the conversation with Price, I highly suggest you listen to this conversation with his youngest son Daniel - https://youtu.be/mnBGjmXNCw8FORWARD COFFEE, since 2019Forward is a green coffee sourcing and exporting company based in Chiriqui, Panama, working with 20+ producers. Cole is one of 22 International Judges for the Best of Panama and is ready to source your next favourite coffee. Forward is a Panamanian registered business and exporter living and working in Panama 12 months per year: https://www.forward.coffeeROSSO COFFEE ROASTERS, since 2007Anyone can be a specialty coffee drinker, and that means you. Dave and the team at Rosso roasted for the last two World Barista Champions and would love to roast a coffee for you too – try world-class coffee; www.rossocoffeeroasters.comFollow on INSTAGRAMFollow Hacienda La Esmeralda: www.instagram.com/haciendalaesmeralda Stay updated with the latest: www.instagram.com/buythedrip.coffeeFollow Forward Coffee: www.instagram.com/fwdcoffeeFollow Dave: www.instagram.com/crosbyandcoffeeFollow Cole: www.instagram.com/torodeo

Finca Nuguo is fresh off of winning the 2026 World Brewers Cup Championship by Nas Jaafar of MalaysiaPocho Gallardo has a cult following for the way he meticulously produces his globally celebrated Panama Geisha - winning the Best of Panama and numerous global competitions, many times over.Listen as Cole and Pocho sit down under the coffee trees at Nuguo and talk about the journey, the dedication and the patience to create such a celebrated coffee.Cole lives in Panama full time and curates a selection of top Panama Geisha and Varietals, from Pocho and Panamanian producers you see in these videos.. FORWARD COFFEE, since 2019Forward is a green coffee sourcing and exporting company based in Chiriqui, Panama, working with 20+ producers. Cole is one of 22 International Judges for the Best of Panama and is ready to source your next favourite coffee. Forward is a Panamanian registered business and exporter living and working in Panama 12 months per year: https://www.forward.coffeeROSSO COFFEE ROASTERS, since 2007Anyone can be a specialty coffee drinker, and that means you. Dave and the team at Rosso roasted for the last two World Barista Champions and would love to roast a coffee for you too – try world-class coffee; www.rossocoffeeroasters.comFollow on INSTAGRAMFollow Nuguo: www.instagram.com/pochogallardo Stay updated with the latest: www.instagram.com/buythedrip.coffeeFollow Forward Coffee: www.instagram.com/fwdcoffeeFollow Dave: www.instagram.com/crosbyandcoffeeFollow Cole: www.instagram.com/torodeo

Celebrated for their incredible coffees around the World, Janson Coffee is one of the most sought after brands producing Panama Geisha.Kai spends months of the year traveling to far corners for exhibitions, special events and to work with roasters, baristas and competitors. One of the leaders in collaboration and innovation when it comes to the approach for coffeeOne of two coffees from Panama that has ever won the World Barista Championship, working with celebrated barista, Boram Um in 2023.Janson is a Panama Geisha that you'll see on the menu of top roasters and coffee shops, in the hands of the most talented professionals, as it's a coffee that's layered, unique and complex. One to be celebrated and consumed with intention.Cole lives in Panama full time and curates a selection of top Panama Geisha and Varietals, from Kai Janson and Panamanian producers you see in these videos..
⁠Forward⁠⁠⁠ is a green coffee sourcing and exporting company based in Chiriqui, Panama, working with 20+ producers. Cole is one of 22 International Judges for the Best of Panama and is ready to source your next favourite coffee. Forward is a Panamanian registered business and exporter living and working in Panama 12 months per year

⁠⁠⁠ROSSO COFFEE ROASTERS⁠⁠⁠, since 2007

Anyone can be a specialty coffee drinker, and that means you. Dave and the team at Rosso roasted for the last two World Barista Champions and would love to roast a coffee for you too – try world-class coffeeFollow on INSTAGRAMFollow ⁠⁠⁠JansonStay updated with the latest ⁠⁠⁠Buy The Drip⁠⁠⁠Follow ⁠⁠⁠Forward Coffee⁠⁠⁠Follow ⁠⁠⁠Dave⁠⁠⁠Follow ⁠⁠⁠Cole

One of the most fascinating visions for coffee production, Franz Zeimetz is taking a different approach to Panamanian coffee production, trucking coffee cherry in refrigerated transport from Chiriqui in Western Panama to Panama City 6 hours away. A celebrated brewer in the world of craft beer in Panama, Franz found himself fascinated by coffee and decided to expand his horizons by taking his beer brewing expertise into the world of Panama GeishaHis coffee is celebrated around the world, winning the World Brewers Cup in 2024 with Martin Wolfl, and placing amongst the top in the Best of Panama

Cole lives in Panama full time and curates a selection of top Panama Geisha and Varietals, from Franz and Panamanian producers you see in these videos..

⁠Forward⁠⁠ is a green coffee sourcing and exporting company based in Chiriqui, Panama, working with 20+ producers. Cole is one of 22 International Judges for the Best of Panama and is ready to source your next favourite coffee. Forward is a Panamanian registered business and exporter living and working in Panama 12 months per year

⁠⁠ROSSO COFFEE ROASTERS⁠⁠, since 2007

Anyone can be a specialty coffee drinker, and that means you. Dave and the team at Rosso roasted for the last two World Barista Champions and would love to roast a coffee for you too – try world-class coffeeFollow on INSTAGRAMFollow ⁠⁠Franz ⁠⁠ Follow Lost OriginStay updated with the latest ⁠⁠Buy The Drip⁠⁠Follow ⁠⁠Forward Coffee⁠⁠Follow ⁠⁠Dave⁠⁠Follow ⁠⁠Cole

In this episode, we sit down with Wilford Lamastus, a founding member of the Specialty Coffee Association of Panama (celebrating it's 30th year this year) and many many time winner of the Best of Panama competition

Wilford is known around the world as being amongst the best Geisha producers, with presence of his coffee in markets all around the globe. Constantly pushing elevation and innovation in the production of his coffees, Wilford is an icon when it comes to quality. If you ever come to visit Panama, a trip to Lamastus Family Estates is a must - they have a tourism department and will happily take you around the farm and to experience Panama Geisha

Cole lives in Panama full time and curates a selection of top Panama Geisha and Varietals, from Bambito and Panamanian producers you see in these videos..

⁠Forward⁠ is a green coffee sourcing and exporting company based in Chiriqui, Panama, working with 20+ producers. Cole is one of 22 International Judges for the Best of Panama and is ready to source your next favourite coffee. Forward is a Panamanian registered business and exporter living and working in Panama 12 months per year

⁠ROSSO COFFEE ROASTERS⁠, since 2007

Anyone can be a specialty coffee drinker, and that means you. Dave and the team at Rosso roasted for the last two World Barista Champions and would love to roast a coffee for you too – try world-class coffeeFollow on INSTAGRAMFollow ⁠Bambito⁠Stay updated with the latest ⁠Buy The Drip⁠Follow ⁠Forward Coffee⁠Follow ⁠Dave⁠Follow ⁠Cole

Since 1945 coffee has been grown and cultivated at Bambito Estate. Four generations of coffee production and living off the land.One of the most beautiful family coffee operations in Panama, with some incredible accolades in the Best of Panama to show for it. Bambito Estate is a coffee celebrated around the world and one that goes far beyond the cup.

Cole lives in Panama full time and curates a selection of top Panama Geisha and Varietals, from Bambito and Panamanian producers you see in these videos..

Forward is a green coffee sourcing and exporting company based in Chiriqui, Panama, working with 20+ producers. Cole is one of 22 International Judges for the Best of Panama and is ready to source your next favourite coffee. Forward is a Panamanian registered business and exporter living and working in Panama 12 months per year

ROSSO COFFEE ROASTERS, since 2007Anyone can be a specialty coffee drinker, and that means you. Dave and the team at Rosso roasted for the last two World Barista Champions and would love to roast a coffee for you too – try world-class coffeeFollow on INSTAGRAMFollow BambitoStay updated with the latest Buy The DripFollow Forward CoffeeFollow DaveFollow Cole

In this episode, we sit down with Jamison Savage, one of the most influential figures in modern specialty coffee - the founder of Savage Coffee and the visionary behind Finca Deborah and Iris Estate in Volcan, Panama.

Jamison has helped redefine what is possible in coffee production through experimentation, precision, and relentless pursuit of quality.

The most celebrated and decorated coffee producer when it comes to the World Coffee Championships, Jamison has had his coffee utilized by three different World Barista Champions in the last ten years.

Known globally for producing some of the world’s most sought-after Geisha coffees, Jamison has become synonymous with innovation in fermentation, drying techniques, and flavour development. This conversation goes far beyond trophies and price tags.

Cole lives in Panama full time and curates a selection of top Panama Geisha and Varietals, from Jamison and Panamanian producers you see in these videos..

Forward is a green coffee sourcing and exporting company based in Chiriqui, Panama, working with 20+ producers. Cole is one of 22 International Judges for the Best of Panama and is ready to source your next favourite coffee. Forward is a Panamanian registered business and exporter living and working in Panama 12 months per year

ROSSO COFFEE ROASTERS, since 2007

Anyone can be a specialty coffee drinker, and that means you. Dave and the team at Rosso roasted for two World Barista Champions and would love to roast a coffee for you too – try world-class coffee

Follow on INSTAGRAM

Follow Jamison

Follow Savage Coffee

Stay updated with the latest: Buy The Drip

Follow Forward Coffee

Follow Dave

Follow Cole