Ruben Viera
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Farm:
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Don Rubén
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Country:
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Panama
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Region:
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Boquete
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Elevation:
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1.400 M.A.S.L
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Varietals:
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Geisha, Pacamara, Catuai be
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THE PRODUCER
Rubén Viera, a passionate 71-year-old coffee farmer, walks among the coffee trees in the charming region of Boquete, Panama. There, in the heart of Jaramillo Centro, Finca Don Rubén thrives at 1,400 meters above sea level. Rubén is no novice in this business; he has spent 53 years perfecting the art of coffee cultivation on his 7-hectare plot of land, 5 hectares of which are dedicated exclusively to coffee farming.
Upon closer observation, various varieties of coffee trees can be appreciated: Geisha, Pacamara, and Catuaí. Each contributes to the unique flavor palette that the farm has to offer. The aroma of freshly picked cherries fills the air from November to March, the harvesting season.
Rubén, the visionary behind Finca Don Rubén, is fully in control, managing and farming with all his heart. This love for coffee is a family legacy, a cherished inheritance that ignited his coffee journey.
He doesn't work alone; Ivannova, a trusted partner, collects and weighs the carefully selected beans after they've been hand-picked. In addition, three dedicated workers assist Rubén year-round. During harvest season, the workforce increases to 18, empowering the local community in the process.
The farm also excels in sustainable practices, employing manual weed control and precise spraying techniques. And if you think his passion is limited to coffee, think again: an unexpected invitation from Ivannova has led Finca Don Rubén to become part of a creative project. While the focus remains on producing exceptional coffee, the opportunity to share this passion with others is something that Rubén welcomes with enthusiasm.
Captivating images of the place showcase flourishing coffee trees, the picturesque farmhouse, and the Viera family laboring amid the lush coffee fields.
In short, the magic of Finca Don Rubén is something to experience first-hand. With each sip of coffee they produce, one immerses themselves in the rich flavors and traditions cultivated by Rubén Viera. From the fertile lands of Panama to your cup, Finca Don Rubén offers a coffee experience that transcends borders. Isn't that reason enough to celebrate?
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.