Abu Coffee in Panama’s Catuaí
The Story Behind the Coffee
Abu Coffee is a specialty coffee producer rooted in the volcanic highlands of Boquete, one of Panama’s premier coffee regions known for ideal altitude, rich volcanic soil, and a mist-laden, tropical microclimate that nurtures sweetness and complexity in the bean.
At the heart of this farm is José “Jose” Luttrell — the founder and driving force behind Abu Coffee. Although originally a civil engineer by training, Jose’s path shifted profoundly after reconnecting with his family’s farm lands in Boquete. Inspired by his late father’s vision and carrying forward the legacy of his grandfather (affectionately called “Abu” by his grandchildren), Jose committed to producing specialty coffee that could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Panama’s finest.
The name “Abu” — Spanish for grandfather — is both a tribute and a mission statement: to honor a family legacy and pursue exceptional coffee quality with integrity and passion.
Under Jose’s care, Abu Coffee has quickly gained international attention. Its coffees — including both Geisha and Catuai varietals — have placed in prestigious competitions such as the Best of Panama auction. Producer Jose Luttrell is regarded by many roasters and importers as a partner who consistently brings competitive, high-clarity coffees with thoughtful processing to market.
In the Cup
This Catuaí is vivid and expressive — a tapestry of tropical and dark fruit sweetness underpinned by a clean acidity and refined structure. It speaks to both terroir and technique: Panama’s lush highland environment paired with meticulous anaerobic processing that celebrates depth without muddiness. A coffee for brewing that’s equally compelling in filter or light espresso roast.
Double-phase anaerobic natural with an intense tropical edge. Expect black cherry, mango, purple grape, and panela. Dense, juicy, and long.
FORM vs FUNCTION vs LESS WASTE
We love good packaging design, but not waste. That’s why we aim for a balance between aesthetics and sustainability. Finding food-safe solutions that work across local and international recycling systems isn’t easy, but we take it seriously. For us, reuse, reduce, recycle is more than just a label.
When ordering coffee, you can choose from three packaging types:
A.M.O.C. JAR
Made from fully recyclable PET. Lightweight, durable, and made to be reused endlessly.
REFILL
A low-waste option, vacuum-packed in thin, food-grade PP without a valve or zipper. About 40% lighter than standard bags and easier to recycle. These are not retail-friendly and may lose vacuum in transit—this doesn’t affect quality. Transfer to a container after opening. Not freezer-safe unless portioned first.
KILO BAG
For larger orders, we use high-barrier packaging that protects freshness and is recyclable under certain conditions. We chose it for both performance and environmental impact.
You’ll find more on our packaging choices and sustainability approach on the about page.
ESPRESSO VS FILTER ROAST
Our filter roasts are designed for clarity and expression, but they’re great for both filter and espresso brewing. In fact, we often prefer the brighter, more expressive profile they bring to espresso.
Espresso roasts, on the other hand, are specifically developed for espresso brewing only. We don’t recommend using them for filter methods, as they’re tailored for higher extraction and a more classic cup profile.
Choose based on your taste and brew method, but know we stand behind both.
ROAST DATE
All our coffees are shipped as fresh as possible, typically within a few days of roasting. We don’t sit on a lot of stock and roast multiple times a week, so what you receive has been roasted recently, usually no longer than a 7-10 days before shipping, but it could also be roasted and shipped the same day.
You’ll find the exact roast date printed on the label. We recommend resting the coffee for a few days after roasting to allow it to degas and open up in flavour.
