Finca La Mula & Finca Sophia: The Pioneering Spirit Behind Panama’s Best Coffees

Few names in specialty coffee command as much respect as Willam Boot, a man whose journey from coffee roaster to award-winning producer is nothing short of inspiring. Through his farms, Finca La Mula and Finca Sophia, Boot has helped define excellence in coffee, producing some of the most sought-after beans in the world. His story is one of passion, exploration, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

From Roaster to Coffee Pioneer

Boot’s career began in the Netherlands, where he founded a specialty coffee roasting company, following in the footsteps of his father, an early advocate of single-origin coffee. His deep curiosity about coffee led him around the world as a consultant, cupper, and educator, but it was a single cupping experience in 2004 that changed everything.

At the Best of Panama competition that year, Boot encountered a coffee unlike any other—Esmeralda Geisha. This floral, sweet, and complex cup stunned the judges and ultimately launched the Geisha variety into the global spotlight. For Boot, it ignited a dream: to not just judge and source coffee but to produce it at the highest level.

The Birth of Finca La Mula

Determined to become a producer, Boot acquired a remote piece of land on the Baru Volcano in Panama, accessible only by mule. This land, overgrown and abandoned, became Finca La Mula. With no prior farming experience, Boot and his team meticulously planted Geisha trees, learning the complexities of coffee cultivation along the way. The high elevation and unique microclimate of La Mula would eventually yield coffees of extraordinary quality, winning the 2014 Best of Panama with both natural and washed Geisha lots.

The Vision of Finca Sophia

Not content with one pioneering venture, Boot partnered with Helen Russell and Brooke McDonnell of Equator Coffees to establish Finca Sophia at an even higher elevation—between 1,900 and 2,150 meters. This altitude, unprecedented for coffee farming in Panama, posed challenges from slow tree maturation to harsh climatic conditions. But the result was worth the wait. In 2017, Finca Sophia’s washed Geisha won Best of Panama, cementing its status as one of the finest coffee farms in the world.

A Commitment to Coffee Excellence

What makes the coffees of Finca La Mula and Finca Sophia so extraordinary? Beyond the rare Geisha variety, it’s the meticulous approach to cultivation. From soil regeneration and precise nutrient application to careful cherry selection and innovative processing techniques, every step is designed to enhance the coffee’s complexity and clarity. These efforts translate into cups bursting with floral aromas, bright citrus notes, and silky sweetness—flavors that continue to captivate coffee connoisseurs worldwide.

The Legacy Continues

Boot’s influence extends beyond his own farms. His work in Ethiopia helped trace the Geisha variety back to its origins, and his commitment to education has supported countless coffee farmers globally. His philosophy is simple: push the boundaries of quality while sharing knowledge to uplift the industry.

For those lucky enough to taste coffee from Finca La Mula or Finca Sophia, it’s more than just a beverage—it’s a journey through decades of dedication, innovation, and an unyielding pursuit of excellence.

Experience the Best Coffees from Finca La Mula and Finca Sophia will be featured at the Dubai Coffee Auction by DMCC, offering buyers a rare opportunity to acquire these exceptional lots. For coffee enthusiasts seeking the pinnacle of quality, this is an event not to be missed.

Join Willem Boot in the first-ever episode of The Cupping Table - Podcast by M-Cultivo

Together, they’ll explore the discovery of Geisha in Panama, Willem’s journey to Ethiopia to trace its origins, and the creation of award-winning farms like Finca Sophia and Finca La Mula.