Longboard Misty Mountain, Panama

As soon as we cupped the 2023 Best of Panama auction samples, Longboard Coffee’s Misty Mountain Washed Gesha caught our attention. We were blown away by the florals. Notes of fresh white peach and citrus blossom danced on our tongues. We had to have it!

Jenny dedicated hours to bidding on this lot; auctions like these are incredibly competitive for roasters. Securing exceptional coffee means outbidding others from around the globe. This particular lot ultimately sold for more than twice the price of coffees that ranked higher, a clear sign that other roasters recognized the same remarkable qualities we did. You won’t find a coffee with more floral transparency than this one, it’s what the great gesha variety is famous for.

About Longboard
Owner, farmer, and avid surfer Justin Boudeman has spent over a decade perfecting his stoke in a cup. In 2023, Justin said “This lot represents pure expression of varietal and terroir, the heart and soul of Misty Mountain and Longboard,” a sentiment that aligns directly with George Howell Coffee’s mission. Sharing inherent flavors of coffee that the growers work so hard to produce is something we’re continuously proud of.

When we visited Longboard in 2023 we got to experience Justin’s farm firsthand. Not only one of the most unique labs - thatched roof and open air - his farm implements biodynamic practices that sets them apart. With cup quality as the end goal, the coffee is grown under almost full shade with no chemical intervention, not even organic ones. Longboard does not use fertilizer, herbicides, pesticides, or fungicides. They believe this is the only way to bring out the true expression of the coffee. Their soil is healthy with beneficial microorganisms and yeast that later helps their proprietary fermentation techniques. Moon cycles guide their every move from planting and pruning to harvesting and weeding. Justin and his team do it all by hand, and although this means the yield is low, the quality is anything but.

This Best of Panama winning lot possesses uniquely powerful flavors of peach, pink guava, and lemon blossom. The flavors we cupped have been preserved through freezing raw green coffee, and the coffee continues to shine just as bright, even now. It opens with a burst of juicy tropical fruit and finishes with a long, floral sweetness reminiscent of jasmine and bergamot. A silky mouthfeel and sweet acidity - think white grape and mandarin - give this coffee an elegance and energy that linger long after the last sip.

Each order will include a complimentary engraved glass with our logo. 

What are auction coffees?
Coffees acquired through auction represent the highest caliber in their category, having passed through rigorous competition. These exceptional lots are available exclusively through auction. George was a pioneer of this model during his time with the Cup of Excellence, and today, we continue that legacy by sourcing many of our Limited Roasts through auction platforms.

How are coffees chosen for auction?
For a coffee to make it to auction, it must first be cupped by professionals from all over the world in order to qualify for one of the top 50 spots. Growers all over the respective country submit their coffee, then through the elimination process, the finalists are chosen and ranked. Once the final coffees are selected, roasters may purchase samples of the coffees that have made it to auction so they know which ones they want to bid on when auction day arrives.

How should I brew it?
We recommend any high-quality brewer such as a Chemex, Fellow, or Ratio. Our brew guides can be found on our website. Alternatively, we would be happy to schedule a time for you to enjoy your coffee at our cafe, where our professional baristas can brew it for you.

Is there much available?
Auction coffees are incredibly small in lot size. We only have a handful of bags available. Every bag will be individually roasted to order.