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 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.

Question 5

How does the washed process usually affect the flavor compared with natural coffees?

Accepted Answer

Washed coffees usually taste cleaner and more transparent than natural coffees. You’re more likely to notice crisp acidity, floral or citrus-like details, and a clearer sense of the bean’s origin.

Natural coffees, by contrast, often feel fruitier, sweeter, and heavier-bodied, with notes that can resemble berries, jam, or fermented fruit.

For example, the washed Guatemala Catuai and Bourbon from Stockfleths may emphasize its plum, caramel, and dried-fruit notes with a cleaner structure, while the washed Kenya Specialty from 常盤珈琲焙煎所 赤羽店 may lean toward a bright, lively cup—especially at its light roast.

If you like the clean sweetness and defined fruit of washed coffee, try the Stockfleths Guatemala. If you enjoy brighter, more vivid acidity, the Kenya Specialty could be a good next choice.

Happy Capybara Brazil Decaf

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