Casa Sucre Coffeehouse encapsulates the Panamanian soul in a single cup of its signature coffee.
Casco Viejo neighborhood. Photo by @casasucrecoffeehouseIn the historic Casco Viejo neighborhood of Panama City, Casa Sucre Coffeehouse is a true gem for devotees of good coffee and age-old stories. It was founded by Rich and Alice Sherman, who desired to express their passion for specialty coffee in pure Panamanian style.
For the entrepreneurial couple, the key to success is clear: it’s all in the family. The café also owes it to the use of top-quality beans, sourced exclusively from farmers and roasters across the country. Panama’s geographic richness is impregnated in a few drops of its own coffee, especially the “geisha” variety – the country’s quintessential product. The history of Panamanian coffee and its complex flavor profiles are explored in the following interview granted by Casa Sucre Coffeehouse.
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What philosophy is Casa Sucre based on, and how has it been influenced by Panamanian culture?
We operate in the historic neighborhood of Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Our historic colonial building, constructed in 1873, underwent restoration by my wife and I. The store began full-time operation in 2013 and is the longest continuously operating coffeehouse in Casco Viejo. While other cafés closed during the COVID pandemic, we continued serving freshly brewed Panamanian coffee from our front door.
Casa Sucre Coffeehouse. Photo by @casasucrepanamaWith our historic building as a backdrop, Casa Sucre Coffeehouse is based on a philosophy that emphasizes community, sustainability. And the appreciation of high-quality, locally-sourced coffee. The café aims to create a welcoming environment that fosters social interaction and cultural exchanges from people from around the world that adore good coffee.
What are your priorities, and what do you pay most attention to when choosing the products to make your coffee?
We focus on sourcing high-quality coffee beans and serving only Panamanian-grown coffee directly from local farmers and roasters in renowned coffee regions of Boquete and Volcán. We know each of them personally and have built a long and trusting relationship as we enter our 12th year of operation in January 2025.
We support sustainable farming methods that protect both the land and the livelihood of growers, emphasizing environmentally friendly practices.
High-quality coffee beans. Photo by @casasucrepanamaOur coffee is prepared with love and attention. Our team of conscientious baristas serves quality coffee drinks, homemade breakfasts, handcrafted artisan sandwiches, and locally baked pastries. We offer a welcoming atmosphere housed in a historic building and neighborhood while serving good coffee. It doesn’t get much better than that!
As coffee culture explores new waves of innovation, Casa Sucre Coffeehouse is based on the third wave coffee experience: home, work and your corner neighborhood coffeehouse.
What is the distinctive and special element of Panamanian coffee?
Panamanian coffee is renowned for its unique flavor profile and high quality, which can be attributed to several distinctive elements. First and foremost, geographic diversity, which includes its varied microclimates and altitudes. Panamanian growers are blessed with coffee grown at higher levels that tend to develop more complex flavors due to the slower maturation of the coffee cherries, allowing for a more nuanced taste.
Historic colonial building. Photo by @casasucrepanamaLastly, many Panamanian coffee growers are third and fourth generations that have developed innovative processing methods, such as: washed and natural processing – enhancing the coffee’s aroma. Experimenting with processing methods provides the farm-to-cup experience for the consumer. These elements, combined with sustainable and organic farming practices that contribute to the quality of the product, all make Panamanian coffee highly sought after by coffee enthusiasts around the world.
As for Geisha, Panama’s flagship coffee, what is it that has made it world famous?
The unique flavor of Geisha coffee is celebrated for its distinctive and complex notes; often described as floral, fruity, and tea-like. Tasting notes can include jasmine, citrus (like bergamot,) caramel, chocolate and tropical fruits which set it apart from other coffee varieties.
There are some specific conditions that contribute significantly to Geisha’s unique taste. Some of these special factors include very high altitudes compared to other varieties, a favorable climate, volcanic soil, the cross-current winds from the Caribbean and Pacific Oceans, and the rich biodiversity of the region.
The post-harvest processing methods used for Geisha coffee – including careful handpicking and meticulous fermentation and drying processes – enhance its quality and flavor. The processing-methods growers employ innovative techniques to maximize the coffee’s potential.
Natural-fruit smoothie. Photo by @casasucrepanamaLastly, the tradition associated with Geisha coffee, the stories of the farmers, and the regions where it is grown; add to its allure and prestige of Panamanian Geisha coffee gaining international acclaim and high prices at auction.
What would you recommend to first-time customers at Casa Sucre?
Start your day with a great breakfast! Try our traditional homemade Panamanian tamales, fresh-baked empanadas, and our signature breakfast sandwich on a fresh bagel with eggs and bacon. For gluten-free option, try our popular broccoli quiche. Pair it with our locally sourced espresso drinks, including the Yama slow-drip iced coffee made from Geisha and Pacamara beans for a memorable experience.
For lunch, savor our handcrafted artisan sandwiches, each named after a recent president of Panama: the Martinelli (deli meats,) the Varella (honey-cured ham,) the Ninto (slow-roasted brisket,) and our new President, the Mulino (Italian meatball in marinara sauce.) Don’t miss our freshly baked Panamanian pastries like chocolate croissants, “tres leches,” caramel flan, coffee cake, or carrot cake, and refresh with a natural-fruit smoothie.
End your meal with Panama’s flagship Geisha coffee. Our over-preparation at your table gives you the opportunity to hear the story of Geisha and experience the unique flavor profile while offering a taste of local excellence. Enjoy it all in a cozy, community-oriented setting in the heart of Panama, and feel free to ask our baristas for recommendations.
