Carmen Estate

In the rich volcanic soils and cloud forest surrounding Panama’s Volcan Baru coffee thrives and over the last twenty years many of the worlds most sought after and delicious coffees hail from these lush volcanic slopes. Finca Carmen represents the best of Panama where coffee cultivation where terroir and meticulous craft converge. Nestled in a microclimate where mists roll down the volcano across the rainforest canopy, they provide the perfect micro-climate for coffee to thrive.  The farm cultivates a number of Arabica cultivars including Caturra, Catuaí, Typica, and the highly coveted Gesha.  This selection is a Caturra and the mist that shrouds the trees encourages longer ripening which slows maturation of the fruit, fixing sugars and building flavour potential. 

This slow fruit ripening is crucial for sugar development and owner Carlos Aguilera is very aware of this need to retain the most soluble of sugars formed during ripening. The farm's approach is a masterclass in patience and precision so from meticulous picking to gentle slow drying, it takes between two to three weeks for the moisture to reduce to 14%.  Here the coffee is moved to low temperature drying to create a subtle extension of the final curing, preserving flavour and quality.   This low-temperature curing safeguards the most nuanced flavour compounds, allowing the coffee to articulate its terroir with remarkable clarity.

Each stage from tree to the finished coffee embodies an uncompromising pursuit of excellence that has consistently elevated Finca Carmen in Panama's most prestigious competitions.   Ripe, fruity cherry, plum and cranberry notes form the centre of the flavour profile.  These are supported by a rich praline foundation before hints of dried fruit, pineapple and blanched almond add subtle complexity.  A bright, juicy acidity combines with sweetness and a viscous, syrupy mouthfeel to add weight and balance to the coffee through a clean, memorable finish.

Crafted to showcase the best of Panama, this natural Caturra is perfect for those who value bold yet nuanced coffees. Ideal for pour-over, French press, or Aeropress brewing.