Panama Hacienda La Esmeralda Coffee

August 16th, 2007 by raj in Vancouver

On Wednesday evening, we checked out an exclusive $15/glass, $135/lb coffee tasting at Caffe Artigiano on Hastings Street.

Exclusive Coffee Tasting at Caffe Artigiano

Exclusive Coffee Tasting at Caffe Artigiano Exclusive Coffee Tasting at Caffe Artigiano Exclusive Coffee Tasting at Caffe Artigiano Exclusive Coffee Tasting at Caffe Artigiano Exclusive Coffee Tasting at Caffe Artigiano

The Panama Hacienda La Esmeralda coffee is considered to be one of the finest coffees in the world. Coffee Gurus from Caffe Artigiano showed us how to taste the coffee and its properties in a process called cupping.

We learned the history of the bean, the coffee and it’s process. We also learned that the light roast ensures that if the coffee had any flaws, they would be exposed.

The coffee is sweet and almost candylike in flavour and overall, is a great cup of coffee. For coffee snobs, it’s definitely worth the $15 to check out and decide for yourself.

For those Calgary readers, Caffe Artigiano will open up a new location in Calgary in October on 6th Avenue and 3rd Street SW. No word on whether this blend will be available at the new location yet.


7 Responses to “Panama Hacienda La Esmeralda Coffee”

  1. Dr. John Manzo
    September 10th, 2007 at 2:04 pm



    “Sukiyaki” is a food court find, and Caffe Artigiano has a new home (?) – [...] down to get my SSHRC grant application done (mission accomplished!), but in addition I read this tantalizing piece from “Urban Mixer” about how Caffe Artigiano is opening here in October at “6th Avenue and 3rd Street SW.” [...]

  2. raj
    September 10th, 2007 at 3:40 pm



    Ahh thanks! Caffe Artigiano’s President, Mr Mounzer, informs me that the location will resemble Vancouver’s Hastings location with big windows, high ceilings and the likes. It will be good to enjoy delectable coffee there.

  3. raj
    February 12th, 2008 at 9:47 am



    Caffe Artigiano finally opened their shop in Calgary! Here’s the release…

    For Immediate Release – February 12, 2008

    Caffè Artigiano Opens First Calgary Location

    (Calgary, AB) – Caffè Artigiano President Willlie Mounzer is pleased to announce the opening of its first Calgary location, with a new coffee house located in the Centrium Building at 332-6th Avenue S.W. in the downtown core. The Caffè Artigiano team is very excited to bring the Artigiano experience and high end specialty coffees to a new and bustling Calgary market.

    “The response we have had so far has been incredible.” Says Caffè Artigiano President Willie Mounzer. “We have been flooded with e-mails from coffee aficionados in Calgary that can’t wait for us to open. It’s a vibrant and bustling city full of promise, we are thrilled to bring a high quality artisan coffee house to the people of Calgary.”

    Caffè Artigiano opened in Vancouver, BC in December 1999 with the vision of an Italian-style coffee house and bistro that offered superior coffee, excellent food and a lively yet comfortable atmosphere. Today, Caffè Artigiano continues to shine as North America’s premiere coffee house. Serving on the best quality coffee, Caffè Artigiano proud to serve the $15.00 cup of coffee, the Hacienda La Esmeralda Especial from Panama. This amazing coffee is available EXCLUSIVELY at the new Calgary location and at the Granville Street location in Vancouver, BC. Taking great pride in the training and skills of its professional baristas, Artigiano is proud to be the home of several champion baristas who ensure that each cup of coffee served is poured to perfection.

    The warm and comfortable atmosphere is most appealing of the new Calgary location. The rustic Italian feel is highlighted with hints of contemporary and chic Italian flare in the lively 20 seat coffee house. Coffee lovers in Calgary can now try the $15.00 cup of coffee and Cup of Excellence winners from origin countries all over the world. In addition, exceptional single origin coffees will be available from the revolutionary Clover machine. The menu features hints of Italian delight with a wide selection of panini and baked goods, and a variety of drink options including specialty iced and infused espresso beverages, cappuccinos, tea and hot chocolate.

    Drop in and enjoy your favourite cup of coffee surrounded by the warmth of Italy, only much closer to home.

    Caffè Artigiano Calgary is located in the Centrium Building at 332-6th Avenue S.W., and is open 6:00am – 6:00pm Monday to Wednesday, 6:00am – 7:00pm Thursday and Friday, 7:00am to 3:00pm on Saturdays and 8:00am – 3pm on Sundays. For more information please call 403-699-9855 or visit:

    http://www.caffeartigiano.com

    Media Contact:
    Tiffany Soper
    Public Relations for Caffè Artigiano
    604-783-0013

  4. Raj Taneja
    February 23rd, 2008 at 10:23 am



    The sadness! I went into a Caffe Artigiano a couple weeks back and they’ve been long sold out of the Panama Esmerelda.

    … so I’ve stopped going.

    Well, first I checked to see if they had anything comparable. It’s not just about the bean, it’s about the whole experience. And … nothing.

    … so ciao for now, Artigiano. Maybe next time.

  5. raj
    March 10th, 2008 at 1:23 am



    Of course, I may stand corrected and will have to check this lead out…

    For Immediate Release – February 11, 2008
    Caffè Artigiano Opens New Granville Street Café

    (Vancouver, BC) Caffè Artigiano President Willlie Mounzer is pleased to announce the opening of its new coffee house located at 574 Granville Street (at Dunsmuir) in Vancouver BC. The Caffè Artigiano team is very excited to bring a new Artigiano experience to downtown Vancouver.

    Serving only the best quality coffee, Caffè Artigiano proud to serve the $15.00 cup of coffee, the Hacienda La Esmeralda Especial from Panama. Currently, the $15.00 Hacienda La Esmeralda is only available at the new Granville Street location in Vancouver. Taking great pride in the training and skills of its professional baristas, Artigiano is proud to be the home of several champion baristas who ensure that each cup of coffee served is poured to perfection.

    The warm and comfortable atmosphere is most appealing of the new Granville Street location. The rustic Italian feel is highlighted with hints of contemporary and chic Italian flare in the lively 16 seat coffee house. Coffee lovers can order the $15.00 cup of coffee and Cup of Excellence winners from origin countries all over the world. In addition, exceptional single origin coffees will be available from the revolutionary Clover machine. The menu features hints of Italian delight with a wide selection of panini and baked goods, and a variety of drink options including specialty iced and infused espresso beverages, cappuccinos, tea and hot chocolate.

    Caffè Artigiano opened its doors to Vancouverites on the corner of Pender and Thurlow in December 1999. The dream began with the vision of an Italian-style coffee house and bistro that offered superior coffee, excellent food and a lively yet comfortable atmosphere. Today, Caffè Artigiano continues to shine as North America’s premiere coffee house. Caffè Artigiano on Granville Street is located at 574 Granville Street (at Dunsmuir) in Vancouver, BC and is open 6:00am – 6:00pm Monday to Wednesday, 6:00am – 8:00pm Thursday and Friday, and 7:00am – 5:00pm Saturday and Sunday. For more information please call 604.688.3422 or visit:
    http://www.caffeartigiano.com

    Media Contact:
    Tiffany Soper
    Public Relations for Caffè Artigiano
    604-783-0013

  6. Raj Taneja
    June 16th, 2008 at 8:03 pm



    As far as I know, they’re still selling the Esmerelda Special at Artigiano on Granville Street near Dunsmuir. For those of you coffee buffs, you should also check out the Monkey Coffee find here: http://www.urbanmixer.com/index.php/2008/05/...

  7. michelle
    June 21st, 2008 at 10:23 am



    Editor’s note – due to possible link spam, the poster’s website has been removed.

    The beans currently are hard to find because of the popularity they’re sold out everywhere.

    Fresh beans are being pre-sold on the web. They’re to arrive in first part of July. Esmeralda beans are $5.00 off during pre-sale.

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