Panama El Carmen Estate

The Volcan Valley, home of El Carmen Estate, is vital to mountain and shade grown coffee plantations of the Baru Volcano region in panama. The valley follows the course of the Chiriqui Viejo River as it flows down from the blue mountains of Cerro Punta to the Pacific Ocean. The rich volcanic black soil and superb drainage are ideal for the cultivation of coffee.

The valley's micro-region is heavily influenced by its proximity to both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Cool front free nights, typical of the area, coupled with dry, sun-drenched days create optimal growing conditions. Volcan's exceptional volcanic black soil and outstanding micro-environment have led to its recognition as having one of the finest coffee growing climates in the world.

Since 2003, their estate has been certified ECO-OK Rainforest Alliance, a program for conservation of tropical ecosystems through innovative agricultural management. The Carmen Estate won 3rd place in the 2006 Best of Panama cupping competition, 2nd place in 2005 and 3rd place in 2004.

Altitude: 5250-5700 feet
Variety: Catuai, Caturra, Typica
Processing Method: Washed
Grade: Strictly Hard Bean
Species: Arabica
Harvest: December to March

Cup Characteristics: complex, full bodied, citrus, floral high bright acidity, smooth rich aftertaste

>> Panama Casa Ruiz

Since the late 1800's, three generations of the Ruiz family have been dedicated to the traditional coffee varieties and natural-system growing methods characteristic of excellent coffee flavor and nature preservation. What was once a single farm in Boquete is now a family owned and operated coffee crafting enterprise in Panama. Casa Ruiz, S.A. not only grows coffee and processes the green coffee beans for exports but also roasts and packs 7% of it under its trademark CAFE RUIZ.

In addition to their farms, over three hundred small-scale family farms partner with Casa Ruiz, S.A. to process, roast and market their coffee. The head quarter is located in the Boquete Valley at the skirts of the Baru Volcano, in the western side of Panama. Much of the coffee in the world is grown using the monoculture technique of clearing the land by cutting all the trees and planting high production hybrid coffee varieties.

Casa Ruiz, S.A. and its partner family farms choose to follow the Boquete's traditional way: the environment-friendly or nature-system grown technique; coffee that is grown according to the natural surroundings demands. While this type of growing coffee does not produce a high yield, the combination of shade trees and coffee plants provides many advantages: Biodiversity is created per each type of geographical location. Soil quality is maintained and improved.
The traditional, more flavorful, non-hybrid and shade loving coffee varieties, known as Typica, can be grown. The trees provide a natural food supply for birds and beneficial insects. Migratory and resident bird habitat is provided. The tree canopy provides mulch for the coffee to grow.

To consistently supply the highest quality coffee, only the ripe, red coffee cherries are picked. Casa Ruiz, S.A. processes the coffee beans by cultivation altitude, coffee variety (typica or hybrid type), bean size, and bean quality. Each batch of coffee is then labeled and stored. CAFE RUIZ is a result of taking those beans and roasting them to develop their well appreciated cup characteristics. CAFE RUIZ is dedicated to crafting the most consistently flavorful coffee possible, to maintaining a healthy natural environment and to the sustainability of the farms and region. This is a direct contribution to the efforts of the Boquete Community to keep the valley as green as it was left from generations past.

Coffee Specification:
Variety: SHB Arabica, Catuai 80%, Caturra 15%, Typica 5%
Grade: Strictly Hard Bean
Altitude: 1,750-1,900 meters
Harvest: December -March
Certifications: Organic

Cup Characteristics:
Quality: Complex, full bodied, citrus, floral, high acidity, with a creamy chocolate rich smooth aftertaste.

>> Panama Don Pachi

Region: Boquete - Panamá
Micro Region: Callejon Seco / Palmira
Farms: Serracin Cafetaleros
Variety: Catuaí 20% , Caturra 22%, Typica 40%, Borbon 8%, Geisha 10% M.A.S.L. 1300/1600
Total yearly production: 1200 qq
Micromille name: Boquete Finest
Wet process: Penagos
Drying process: Patios, African Beds, Dryers
Dry milling: Yes