Best of Panama 2026: International Judging Begins

By Cafeistmo Journal

The international judging phase is now underway in one of the most closely watched competitions in the specialty coffee world.

Right now, coffee professionals from around the world are gathering for Best of Panama 2026. Together, they’ll be tasting and discovering some of the very best coffees Panama has to offer this year.

After a rigorous round of cupping in Panama, 64 outstanding coffees have made it to the international stage: 16 Varietals, 24 Natural Geishas, and 24 Washed Geishas.

Over the next few days, 27 international judges and 39 guest judges will taste and score these coffees—without knowing which is which. Their decisions will shape this year’s winners, who’ll be revealed at the awards ceremony on August 1.

More than a competition

For thirty years, Best of Panama has helped put Panama’s specialty coffee on the map—and in cups around the world.

This competition isn’t just about awards. It’s a chance for producers to share coffees that express the magic of Panama’s highlands—where every detail matters, from the elevation and microclimate to the variety, harvest choices, and processing methods. Each cup tells a story of care, curiosity, and craft.

Best of Panama also shines a global spotlight on Panamanian coffees. Through the competition and its auction, these exceptional lots reach new coffee lovers and markets, strengthening Panama’s reputation for quality, innovation, and care.

A record-setting year in 2025

Last year’s competition was truly one for the books.

The Washed Geisha from Hacienda La Esmeralda wowed judges with a record-breaking score of 98.00 points, while the Natural Geisha wasn’t far behind with 97.00 points.

When the Washed Geisha took first place, it sold for an astonishing US$30,204 per kilogram at auction. That 20-kilogram lot brought in a world-record US$604,080—making headlines and coffee history.

These numbers turned heads far beyond the coffee world. But most importantly, they reflect decades of hard work by Panamanian producers—people who never stop perfecting the art of growing, selecting, and preparing coffee for the world to enjoy.

Now, as international judging begins for 2026, the spotlight shifts to a new set of coffees—and to the farms, families, and teams behind them. Each lot has its own personality, offering a glimpse into the ever-evolving story of Panamanian coffee.

Celebrating Panama’s coffee producers

At Cafeistmo, we couldn’t be prouder to celebrate the producers and communities whose dedication continues to shape Panama’s place in the world of specialty coffee.

Our mission is simple: connect coffee lovers everywhere with remarkable Panamanian coffees—and share the stories, craft, and heritage that make each cup special.

As Best of Panama 2026 reaches this exciting stage, we want to congratulate every producer taking part. We’re rooting for you all as the international judging unfolds.

All eyes in the coffee world are once again on Panama, and we can’t wait to see the next chapter unfold.