New crop arrived mid August 2010. Coffee very similar to this was the #4 winning lot in this year's Best of Panama competition where Carmen Estate was the top ranked non-geisha coffee and sold for $16 per pound. Carmen Estate is located in the Volcan Valley part of the Baru Volcano region of Panama, near Boquete. The valley is considered the most important coffee growing region in Panama due to its elevation, dense vegetation, volcanic soil and diverse micro-climates. The cool, frost-free nights coupled with dry, sunny days create ideal coffee growing conditions. The farm’s coffee is grown at an altitude of 5,600 feet. Varietal is Caturra and it is shade grown. Carmen Estate is a family owned farm under the current leadership of Carlos Aguilera. They produce about 1200 bags of green coffee annually of Catuai, Caturra and Typica varietals but this coffee is solely Caturra. Coffee is harvested from December through March, hand picked by the Nobes, the indigenous people of Panama. Processing is fully washed followed by both sun and mechanically drying on the farm. Carmen Estate practices strict agricultural and environmental standards; the farm is more than half forested by native trees, which naturally shade the coffee. Carmen Estate has won numerous awards, including: Best of Panama 2010 4th Place (88.35 pts)
Best of Panama 2007 5th Place (88.96 pts)
Best of Panama 2007 5th Place (89.35 pts)
Best of Panama 2006 3rd Place (89.71pts)
Rainforest Alliance Cupping for Quality 2006 2nd Place (88 pts)
Best of Panama 2005 3rd Place (92.54 pts)
Rainforest Alliance Cupping for Quality 2005 1st Place (90.75 pts)
Best of Panama 2003 3rd Place (88.05 pts) Carlos Aguilera with his Carmen Estate coffee | Coffee flowering at Carmen Estate |
Cupping Characteristics: A very clean, bright cup, Carmen Estate is a classic Panama coffee full of subtle citrus acidity. It is refined and sweet with layers of delicate flavors including chocolate and fruit. Extremely well balanced with a pleasingly dry finish. Roasting Notes: City + to FC maximum. Keep it on the light (City+) side to retain the citrus brightness and keep away roasty flavors.
| Volume Price |
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| Pounds | Price LB |
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| 1 | $6.80 | | 2-4 | $6.46 | | 5-19 | $6.12 | | 20+ | $5.44 |
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