Brazil — 256 Sivanius Kutz

Fully washed Brazilian coffees are something of a rarity. Processing washed coffees requires abundant water but the relatively low elevations of Brazil’s coffee-growing regions typically receive less rainfall and have higher air temperatures than similar regions across other producing countries.

These dry conditions lend themselves to naturally-processed coffees that need minimal water during the post-harvest treatment. Hence why most Brazilian lots are natural or pulped natural (semi-washed).

Bucking the prevailing trend, Espírito Santo-based producers Sivanius and Laudivanea Kutz are producing fully washed coffees that spring a surprise in the cup. And while this 256 lot has retained the rich texture you’d expect of a high-quality Brazil, it has a perceptible acidity and fruitiness you wouldn’t.