Esmeralda, Just like I Remembered

Today we were picked up by Rachel Peterson, so we could tour the farm of Hacienda La Esmeralda.  It has been a bit hairy around Boquete these last few days.  We have been without power at the hotel for two days, there are no phones, no cell phone coverage, the wind has blown down huge trees all over the place.  So the weather has not been cooperating much, but nonetheless, Esmeralda was just as I remembered it.  The Peterson's are some of the best people in the world that I know, and they are consumate hosts.  The walk through the Geisha was a bit wetter than I last remembered, and instead of the amazingly fragrant flowers there was cherries on the trees.  It was great to get out and walk the path up the farm, in and amongst the coffee, listening to the exotic birds singing in the trees.  We visited the varietal experiment and the nursery, and made our way back to the mill.  After cupping some of the amazing coffee, which exhibits aromas of grapefruit, jasmine, orange, and today even blueberries.  The palate shows the same citrus notes, grapefruit, tangy acidity, with sweetness and balance.  It is such an amazing honour to be at this farm and taste some of the best coffee in the world.  From there we were invited over to the house and treated to a beautiful lunch.  I am typing this post in the cupping lab, and we will now head down and see the Peterson dairy, and then head back to Boquete.  Hopefully they have power back in town.  More on this trip later; I did shoot some video until my camera's battery died.