Ruben Vega
| Country: | Don Ruben |
| Country: | Panama |
| Region: | Boquete |
| Elevation: | 1.300 M.A.S.L. |
| Varietals: | Geisha, Catuai |
THE PRODUCER
Rubén Vega is a dedicated coffee producer located in the Chiriquí region, specifically in the municipality of Boquete, Panama. His farm is situated at an altitude of 1,300 meters above sea level and spans a total of three hectares, two of which are exclusively dedicated to coffee production. His journey into the world of coffee began twelve years ago when he took over the management of the property inherited from his family. This family legacy prompted Vega to maintain the land and decide to replant saplings of the Geisha variety, a choice that proved to be right for the producer. On his farm, 4,500 coffee trees grow, of which 3,500 are of the Geisha variety with an average age of four years, and another 1,000 are also Geisha but are just one year old.
Despite his effort and dedication, Vega has not entered his coffee in local quality contests. However, he faces challenges that are common in the industry. To enhance the productivity of his coffee, Rubén uses chemical fertilizers. Yet, he has faced significant challenges in marketing over the past two years. The decline in selling prices, contrasted with the high production costs, has been one of his main concerns. Additionally, the variable climate has posed obstacles in the planting process, especially when raising the saplings, as they do not have an irrigation system to mitigate these fluctuations. But Rubén, with optimism and a steadfast commitment to the industry, contributes to the recognition of Panamanian coffee for its high quality. Although not everything is adversity for him, coffee has been an additional source of income that has had a positive impact on his life.
With people like Vega, it is confirmed that Panama remains a country that offers coffees of exceptional quality, facing challenges with resilience and a passion for the art of cultivation.
OUR PROCESSES
Chilled Cherry
The perfect addition to any coffee lover’s collection. Our first variant is the one you already know, using the natural process. After leaving the tanks, the coffee is dried with its cherry intact. This creates a sweet and fruity taste that’s perfect for those who prefer a lighter, more refreshing coffee. Our wet mill is located in Dolega, a district of Chiriquí, where temperatures range between 20° to 35° Celsius. For this reason, our expert craftsmen created a process where we could extend the fermentation period without damaging the embryo and avoiding alcoholic notes. The tanks are lined with jackets that enable the flow of cool water, so the cherries are kept at a stable, cool temperature.
Chilled Cherry Washed
Our second and new variant is Chilled Cherry Washed, starting the process with fully ripe natural cherries. After leaving the tanks, the coffee is depulped and then dried. We add inoculants and yeast during the drying process to achieve sweeter profiles. This results in a rich and complex flavor that’s perfect for those who prefer a stronger, fuller, and creamier-bodied coffee with citric-tartaric acidity. So, whether you’re a fan of light and fruity or rich and complex, Chilled Cherry has something for everyone.
Splash Cheery
The coffee that’s been crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail. Splash is made using a unique process of fermentation, resulting in a truly unique taste that’s perfect for coffee lovers. Using only the finest cherries, Splash undergoes a depulping and goes through a short aerobic fermentation process of just 24 to 48 hours, ensuring that the coffee retains its natural flavor and aroma. And that’s not all - our expert craftsmen also add a special blend of lactic acid bacteria to further enhance the richness and complexity of the coffee. The result is a profile where we aim to highlight the terroir of Panama’s volcanic soil as well as the characteristics of the Geisha and Catuai varieties. If you are more into the classic and elegant profile, give it a try and discover the traditional flavors of Panama.
Intrinsic Cherry
The coffee that’s taking the industry by storm! Our expert craftsmen have spent years perfecting the art of coffee-making, and the result is a coffee that’s unlike any other. Intrinsic Cherry is a natural coffee that undergoes a short fermentation process. After floating the cherries and quality analysis, the coffee is left to ferment overnight in aerobic conditions. The next day, the drying process begins. This process is carefully monitored to ensure that the coffee develops a silky body, phosphoric acidity, and delicious flavors of yellow fruits. In 2023, we’re taking Intrinsic Cherry to the next level. We’re reducing the acidity of this profile, allowing us to enhance the coffee’s description and develop even greater complexity. The result is a coffee that’s even smoother, richer, and more delicious than ever before!
Dynamic Cherry
The coffee that’s changing the game! Our expert coffee makers have created a coffee that’s not only delicious but also unique in its creation process. Dynamic Cherry undergoes an anaerobic fermentation in cherry between 72 to 96 hours in large blue tanks with air traps. This process allows the release of gases accumulated during the fermentation, which promotes the growth of yeast and lactic acid bacteria. This meticulous process produces a coffee with a profile of red fruits, silky and round body, and malic acidity. So, if you’re looking for a coffee that’s dynamic, complex, and full of body, look no further than Dynamic Cherry. With its unique profile and expert craftsmanship, it’s the perfect addition to any coffee lover’s collection.