2008 Carmen Estate has arrived (end July 2008)! Coffee very similar to this was the #2 winning lot in this year's Best of Panama competition held in Volcan, Panama. This is not the actual winning lot, of which there was just 200 pounds, but we have that lot available too. Look for it on our site in the coming days. This high grown Caturra varietal is nearly identical at a fraction of the cost. 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. Carmen Estate is a family owned farm under the current leadership of Carlos Aguilera. They produce about 1200 bags of green coffee annually; the coffee is of the catuai, caturra and typica varietals. It is harvested from December through March, hand picked by the Nobes, the indigenous people of Panama. The coffee is process by the wet method and both sun and mechanically dried 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; it is certified by the Rainforest Alliance. Carmen Estate has won numerous awards, including: 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 | $6.76 | | 2-4 | $6.42 | | 5-19 | $6.08 | | 20+ | $5.41 |
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