At Black Drum Roasters, we are thrilled to share that our CEO is serving as a judge at the Best of Panama 2024! This prestigious event, held annually, is one of the most esteemed in the coffee industry, bringing together experts from around the globe to evaluate and celebrate the finest coffees Panama has to offer. Being chosen as a judge was not only a tremendous honour but also a testament to Gavin’s unwavering commitment to coffee excellence.

What is the Best of Panama?

The Best of Panama (BoP) competition is renowned worldwide for its role in highlighting the exceptional quality of Panamanian coffee. Established in 1996, the event has grown exponentially, becoming a benchmark for excellence in the specialty coffee sector. Coffee producers from various regions of Panama submit their best beans, which are meticulously evaluated by an international panel of judges. The competition includes several categories such as Geisha, Pacamara, Traditional Washed, and Natural Process.

Winning coffees often fetch record-breaking prices at auction, reflecting their superior quality and the dedication of the producers. The event is not only a showcase of Panama’s rich coffee heritage but also an opportunity for producers to gain recognition on a global scale.

Gavin’s Role

Gavin, a seasoned coffee expert with years of experience in the industry, has joined a distinguished panel of judges at the Best of Panama 2024. Judging at BoP is a rigorous and demanding task, requiring a deep understanding of coffee’s sensory attributes and the ability to discern subtle nuances in flavour, aroma, and body. The judges’ evaluations played a critical role in determining the winners, whose coffees are now celebrated and sought after by coffee connoisseurs around the world.

The Judging Process

Each judge conducts blind tastings, scoring the coffees on attributes such as fragrance, aroma, flavour, aftertaste, acidity, body, balance, and overall impression. This comprehensive assessment ensured that the winning coffees represented the pinnacle of quality and craftsmanship.

A Celebration of Coffee Excellence

At Black Drum Roasters, we are passionate about coffee and dedicated to sharing the very best coffee with you all. Our CEO’s participation in the Best of Panama 2024 is a celebration of our shared values and our ongoing pursuit of perfection in every cup. Gavin is honoured to be part of an event that celebrates the exceptional quality of Panamanian coffee while supporting and uplifting the hardworking producers behind these incredible beans.