Using the limited edition Mr Black Panama Geisha Coffee Liqueur, Sydney’s Rockpool Est. 1989 restaurant is serving a $99 espresso martini throughout the month of July.
The Geisha Espresso Martini was designed by head bartender Max Gurtler, who paired the Panama Geisha with Panamanian Ron Abuelo Rum and Panama Geisha cold drip coffee.
With less than 300 bottles made, coffee liqueur brand Mr Black has used the world’s most expensive coffee, Geisha from Panama, to create its latest limited release.
Just 100 kilograms of Camilina Geisha beans were brought into Australia by Campos Specialty Roasters, with 50 kilograms reserved specifically for Mr Black’s Panama Geisha Coffee Liqueur.
The farm where the rare Geisha beans (see tasting notes below) are grown is owned by fifth generation coffee farmer, Roberto Brenes, who named this lot after his granddaughter, Camilina. Brenes’ farm has won the Best of Panama in 2012 for his ‘Ironman’ blend and also claimed the 2016 Best of Panama for the Camilina blend.
Will Young, founder and director of Campos, who has sat on the international jury for the Best of Panama Competition five years in a row, has said this is one of the best coffees he’s ever tasted.
“When I tasted it, I recall tasting everything in this coffee. It just sparkled with colours and flavours that covered the spectrum of what you could dream of for a premium coffee. We had one taste of this and signed ourselves up for as much as we could afford,” he said.
Bottles of Mr Black Panama Geisha Coffee Liqueur – which costs $185 – will be available to the public via ballot, with successful applicants being notified on 12 August.
TASTING NOTES
Aroma: With entrancing notes of apricot and honeycomb that lead the way with supporting nuances of toffee, rich dark chocolate, malt and golden syrup.
Palate: The palate follows through with apricot then a complex array of the Maillard flavours; honeycomb, toffee, caramel and treacle emerges. The palate dances with lively acidity which develops to a zingy sherbet.
Finish: Superb balance of sweet, acid and very high quality bitters. The aftertaste brilliantly penetrating with a long finish.
