Most Expensive Cup of Coffee, from Panama to Dubai

By De Puy & Asociados

Panama’s coffee has once again captured global attention, this time in Dubai, where a single cup recently set a Guinness World Record for the Most Expensive Cup of Coffee. On September 13, 2025, Roasters Specialty Coffee House in Dubai sold a hand-brewed V60 filter coffee made with Panama's Hacienda La Esmeralda’s award-winning Geisha beans for 2,500 AED (approximately USD 680). The beans, renowned for their floral jasmine, citrus, and tropical fruit notes, are among the rarest and most exclusive in the world.

Hacienda La Esmeralda, located in Boquete, Panama, rediscovered the Geisha varietal in 2004. Since then, the estate has focused on producing microlots that highlight Geisha’s distinctive flavor profile. Its annual online auction, held on August 21, 2025, featured the Esmeralda Special Auction Grand Reserve, a limited collection of the finest Geisha lots, sold exclusively through direct trade. The coffee is celebrated for its unique aromas, including jasmine, hibiscus, and other delicate floral and fruity notes.

Panama’s coffee industry benefits from high altitudes, rich volcanic soil, and favorable climatic conditions. The country exports approximately 50,000 sacks annually, with small, family-owned farms producing the bulk of its specialty coffee. The Geisha varietal has become Panama’s most globally recognized coffee, contributing significantly to the nation’s reputation in the international specialty coffee market.

The Panamanian coffee industry is growing and evolving. Coffee growers are increasingly experimenting with new varieties and processing methods. The government is also investing in new technologies to help them improve productivity and quality. Many coffee producers in Panama have adopted sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, reducing pollution and soil impact. They prioritize shade-grown coffee and employ organic farming methods.