Iris Estate, located on the volcanic slopes of Volcán Barú in Panama’s Chiriquí region, is renowned for its innovative approach to coffee cultivation. Founded by Jamison Savage, Sasa Sestic, and Elvin Siew in 2017, the estate is committed to pushing the boundaries of coffee production while honouring nature and terroir. The 'Umbra' Natural Geisha lot exemplifies this ethos, employing a climate-controlled slow natural method to accentuate the purity and depth characteristic of the “Umbra” series.

This lot begins with the selective handpicking of fully ripe Geisha cherries from trees growing at altitudes between 1,900 and 2,200 metres. Each cherry is meticulously hand-sorted to ensure only the finest are selected. The cherries are then moved to drying rooms where temperature, humidity, and airflow are carefully regulated, simulating the slow maturation conditions of the surrounding cloud forest.

During drying, cherries are spread in thin, even layers on raised African beds and frequently turned to ensure uniform moisture reduction and prevent microbial imbalance. This process, lasting 25 to 35 days, allows the coffee to achieve a stable moisture content of 10 to 11 percent. Unlike the experimental fermentations used in other Iris Estate series, the Umbra Natural focuses on minimal intervention, letting the intrinsic flavour complexity of the Geisha variety and the volcanic terroir shine without distortion. This coffee delivers a rich, full-bodied cup, showcasing layers of florality and fruitiness, a testament to both the extraordinary terroir of Volcán Barú and the innovative spirit of Iris Estate.