location.href = 'https://boquete.ning.com/';

On Tuesdays, as I sit behind my wood art table at the BCP market, I see people walking around with coffee they bought on the way to BCP, because no really good fresh brewed coffee was available on site.

But that has changed.  Now, my friend and fellow woodworker Abel Rios, 5th generation coffee grower and the owner of Finca Villa Estrella in Alto Quiel, is offering cups of his excellent fire-roasted coffee.  He and his "brewmeister," a certified food handler, heve been setting up at the bar in the lobby outside the BCP theater entrance.

Besides growing, roasting and brewing great coffee, like many of our local Boquetños - and many of our expats - Abel is a fascinating character.  He is a 5th generation coffee grower from Alto Quiel - and a surfer.  I met a group of his surfing friends recently  - a great bunch of young Panamanians who speak excellent English.  (Good for me, because my Spanish is coming along more slowly than I had hoped.)

I believe that Abel only person still doing commercial fire-roasting by hand, which means that the Villa Estrella coffee is only available in small quantities.  I've watched the fire-roasting at Abel's classic old villa, and found out that it is a time-consuming and delicate operation that takes great skill and experience - but the results are excellent.  Here's Abel nearly finished with a small batch of fire roasted coffee.

It's been fun living in Boquete for more than three years now.  Before that, I lived for a couple of decades in Sonoma County in California's north coast wine country.  I am still amazed that I buy excellent Sonoma County Russian River Pinot Noir here in Panama at PriceSmart.  That plus the great coffees from Abel and several other friends from Boquete who grow and roast coffee locally, always makes me realize that:

¡La vida es buena en Boquete!

You need to be a member of Boquete Ning to add comments!

Email me when people reply –

Replies

  • We've been buying Villa Estrella Coffee at the BCP for quite some time now and it is excellent!  We had the pleasure of sitting with Abel and Luz for most of the Mayflower/Pacquaio fight Saturday night at Mike's Global Grill.  Luz is such a sweetheart and we are going soon to visit their coffee finca.

  • is there a way to contact Abel to buy some coffee, as I don't get to the Tuesday market?
    • yes!  6403-0668 or through his website (easier for international sales) www.villaestrellacoffee.com. He delivers.

  • Abel roasted our finca's coffee and our guests say its the best they've tasted.
    He and his wife Luz are great!
    Try the guanabana smoothies too!
This reply was deleted.

Recent Activity

kenny waldrop replied to Lily's discussion 2 bedroom 2 bath rental for long or short term in Boquete Rentals
"Hello, beautiful place. How much are you asking?
Kenny
kendrop@hotmail.com 
 "
Feb 1, 2023
kenny waldrop replied to Patrick's discussion Avail 01/15/23 House Rental, 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath $500. in Boquete Rentals
"Hi, I see that the house is rented. Will it be available July 1st for 1 year lease?
 
Thank you,…"
Feb 1, 2023
Lynne Ditlow replied to Whskyman's discussion Brother Sewing Machine, Model GX37 in Boquete Classifieds
"Hi is this sold? "
Jan 30, 2023
Buenos Vecinos de Boquete posted a discussion
View this email in your browserBuenos Vecinos de Boquete Newsletter January 2023Family of the Month…
Jan 30, 2023
Dee posted a discussion
Does anyone know if Strong Tower Church is still operating? If it is, can you please tell me where…
Jan 29, 2023
Patrick posted a discussion in Boquete Classifieds
ANYONE HAVE A COMPUTER MONITOR AT LEAST 24"TO SELL ATA REASONABLE PRICE?IF SO, PLEASE E-MAIL ME AT:…
Jan 27, 2023
Panama Mac posted a discussion in Boquete Classifieds
 Do you have an iPhone or iPad with music loaded on it?  Want to be able to play that music over…
Jan 26, 2023
Panama Mac posted a discussion in Boquete Classifieds
Looking to treat your family to a WOW experience in Panama from the comfort of your own home?  …
Jan 24, 2023
Fundrifter replied to Fundrifter's discussion Awesome, huge 3 Bed/3 bath house Totally fenced. NO LONGER AVAILABLE!!!! in Boquete Rentals
"Hello....  Is already rented.  Thank you for your interes."
Jan 22, 2023
Myles replied to Fundrifter's discussion Awesome, huge 3 Bed/3 bath house Totally fenced. NO LONGER AVAILABLE!!!! in Boquete Rentals
"Your link doesn't work"
Jan 21, 2023
Fundrifter replied to Fundrifter's discussion Awesome, huge 3 Bed/3 bath house Totally fenced. NO LONGER AVAILABLE!!!! in Boquete Rentals
Jan 21, 2023
Myles replied to Fundrifter's discussion Awesome, huge 3 Bed/3 bath house Totally fenced. NO LONGER AVAILABLE!!!! in Boquete Rentals
"Don't see link for photos !"
Jan 21, 2023
Fundrifter posted a discussion in Boquete Rentals
OWNER RENTS SPECTACULAR HOUSE OF 230 MTS.2 (CLOSED AREA) ON A LOT OF 1,400 MT 2. 3 BEDROOMS, 3…
Jan 21, 2023
Carlos Antonio Villarreal posted photos in Casa Prado
Jan 19, 2023
Cynthia Dunne replied to Jeff Larvick's discussion Driver’s License exam in English
"Hi Jeff, can you send me a copy of the exam if you still have it.   my email is…"
Jan 19, 2023
Patrick replied to Patrick's discussion Avail 01/15/23 House Rental, 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath $500. in Boquete Rentals
"THE HOUSE HAS BEEN RENTED
 "
Jan 10, 2023
More…