83. the Story of Panama Geisha, Price Peterson | Hacienda La Esmeralda

"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