Brazil Patrocino Domaine Retiro

Cupping Notes

The fragrance of this exceptional Brazilian coffee is reminiscent of a freshly baked peanut butter cookie, with inviting nutty hints and rich brown sugars. Surprisingly, the aroma reveals a molasses-like sweetness rather than the anticipated bittersweet notes. The wet aroma exudes a caramelized sweetness, akin to the torched sugar on a crème brûlée, showcasing an incredible balance for a natural process coffee from Brazil.

The cup flavors echo this harmony, anchored by a deep sweetness that complements the subtle savory nut tones and mild fruit accents. The sweetness carries elements of rustic sugars, highlighted by hints of dried banana chips and Brazil nut. There's a creamy quality that evokes the smoothness of sweetened almond milk that presents a sweeter side of Brazilian coffee, making each cup a delightful experience.

Farm Notes

Nestled outside the city of Patrocínio in Brazil's Cerrado region, Baltazar Jose's coffee farm, Retiro, is a testament to dedication and growth. Planted with Catuaí at an altitude of 1100 meters, Baltazar's journey in coffee began as a young boy, accompanying his mother during the harvest season. Starting with a single hectare, he and his wife have expanded Retiro to 22 hectares, maintaining its charm as a small farm by Brazilian standards.

After harvest, the coffee cherry undergoes meticulous grading, initially floated in water to separate underripe cherries that float to the top from the denser, top-grade cherries that sink. These top grades are then moved to raised drying tables and cement patios, where workers continuously turn the coffee for even drying, handpicking any defects as they go. The result is a beautifully sorted and uniform green coffee, reflecting the care and precision that defines Retiro.

Process: Natural

Varietals: Catuai

Score: 86.4

Grade: Estate