Question 1

What does “washed process” mean for coffee? I’m not a big fan of sour coffee—would a washed coffee still be a good choice for a beginner?

Accepted Answer

“Washed process” means the coffee fruit is removed from the bean soon after harvesting, then the beans are cleaned and dried. This often gives the cup a cleaner, clearer taste—like the difference between plain yogurt and yogurt with lots of fruit mixed in.

A washed coffee can still be a good choice if you do not like sour flavors. The process alone does not decide how sour it will taste. Roast level and the bean itself matter a lot.

For a beginner, I’d keep it simple:
- Choose a **medium roast** if you want a smoother, more balanced cup.
- Look for notes such as **caramel, chocolate, nuts, or sweetness**.
- Be more cautious with **light roasts**, which can taste brighter or more tart.

For example, the washed Guatemala coffee from Stockfleths is medium roasted and has notes of **plum, caramel, and dried fruit**. It may have some fruitiness, but the caramel note suggests a sweeter, rounder direction rather than sharply sour.

Question 2

What is Brazilian coffee like? I’m a beginner and don’t really enjoy very acidic coffee.

Accepted Answer

Brazilian coffee is often a good choice if you prefer low acidity. It commonly tastes smooth and comforting, with notes like roasted nuts, cocoa, or milk chocolate—more like a chocolate biscuit than a sharp citrus fruit.

For a beginner, look for a Brazilian coffee described as:
- **Nutty**
- **Chocolatey**
- **Smooth**
- **Full-bodied**

It is also commonly used as the base of blends because it gives a mellow, balanced cup.

Question 3

How do Caturra and Catuai usually differ in the cup? I’m trying to put into words whether I prefer brighter, cleaner coffees or sweeter, more rounded ones.

Accepted Answer

Caturra often comes across as brighter and more articulate in the cup: think lively citrus or red-fruit acidity, a lighter body, and a clean finish—especially when washed.

Catuai can still be bright, but it more often feels a little rounder and sweeter, with a sturdier body and notes such as caramel, ripe fruit, or chocolate depending on processing and roast. The difference is not absolute, though: origin, processing, and roast can outweigh variety.

If you like brighter, cleaner coffees, look for lighter-roasted washed lots and compare how the acidity presents itself. If you prefer sweeter, more rounded cups, a Catuai may be a useful starting point. For example, the washed, medium-roast Guatemalan Catuai and Bourbon offered by Stockfleths is described with plum, caramel, and dried-fruit notes, so it may be a good reference for the sweeter, fruit-rounded side rather than a sharply citrus-driven profile.

Question 4

I usually enjoy light roasts, but I’m still not sure how to describe what I like. How would an Ethiopian natural taste different from a washed Kenyan?

Accepted Answer

A washed Kenyan often tastes cleaner and more structured: think bright acidity, crisp fruit, and a tea-like finish. The Kenya Specialty from 常盤珈琲焙煎所 赤羽店 is a light roast and washed, so it may be a useful reference if you enjoy clarity and lively acidity.

An Ethiopian natural, by contrast, is often more fruit-forward and aromatic, with a rounder, sometimes jammy or wine-like impression. Where a washed Kenyan can feel precise and sparkling, a natural Ethiopian can feel sweeter, fuller, and more expressive.

If you like light roasts for their clean, vivid character, try a washed Kenyan. If you find yourself wanting more fragrant fruit and sweetness, a natural Ethiopian may be worth exploring.

Question 5

I usually associate Brazil with chocolatey, nutty flavors—are there any Brazilian coffees that taste more fruity or floral?

Accepted Answer

Yes—while Brazil is often associated with chocolate, nuts, and a round body, some lots can show noticeably brighter fruit or floral character depending on variety, processing, and growing conditions.

For a fruitier cup, look for Brazilian coffees described with notes such as red berries, stone fruit, citrus, or tropical fruit. Natural-processed coffees can especially bring out jammy sweetness and ripe-fruit character, though they may still retain Brazil’s familiar chocolate-like base.

For a more floral direction, washed or carefully processed lots may feel cleaner and lighter, with subtle tea-like florals alongside sweetness. These are often less heavy than the classic nutty-chocolate profile.

If you like Brazil’s chocolatey comfort but want something more expressive, try a fruit-forward natural Brazil first—it can bridge cocoa sweetness with berry-like fruit. If you prefer a cleaner, more delicate cup, seek a lighter, floral-leaning Brazilian lot.

BRAZIL Eldorado "Back Door Man" Catuai 99 Fully Washed

Details

Reviews

Where to buy

Similar beans

About this bean

The Daily

Rio Conejo – F10.2025 Caturra/Catuai Semilavado

エルサルバドルトレス・ポソス農園パカマラナチュラル

Costa Rica La Rosa Farm Medium Roast

Espresso Roast