Farm: Toca da Raposa Variety: Paraiso MG2 Processing: Natural Tasting notes: Molasses, floral, chocolate, honey, and a creamy body. Score: 86.5
Born in 1947, José Maria de Oliveira has been a cornerstone of coffee production in the renowned Cerrado Mineiro region. From a young age, José Maria dedicated himself to mastering the art of coffee cultivation, nurturing his lands alongside his beloved wife, Lourdes Oliveira. Together, they have transformed their farm into a beacon of excellence.
His farm, affectionately named "Toca da Raposa" (Fox hole) in homage to his favourite football team, Cruzeiro, was recognized in 2023 with the prestigious first-place award for the best specialty coffee of Minas Gerais in the induced fermentation category by the co-opExpocacer. This accolade is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and sustainable farming practices, which have been a cornerstone of his career.
Nestled at an elevation of 1,200 meters above sea level, where the air is as pure as the coffee is rich, Toca da Raposa farm nurtures a profound respect for the land and its ecosystems.
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Flavor Complexity: Tasting notes like molasses, floral, chocolate, and honey are indicative of a well-balanced and intricate flavour profile.
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Processing Excellence: Natural processing requires precise care to avoid defects while enhancing the coffee’s natural sweetness and body. This meticulous attention is evident in the coffee's creamy body and harmonious flavour notes, which contribute to its high score.
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Clean Cup: A coffee scoring above 86 must exhibit minimal defects and a clean, well-defined taste. The molasses sweetness and floral aromatics in this coffee reflect a purity of flavour that is often sought after in specialty-grade beans.
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Balance and Aftertaste: High-scoring coffees like this are noted for their balance, where acidity, sweetness, and body complement each other seamlessly. The smooth, creamy mouthfeel and lingering notes of honey and chocolate make it a standout experience.
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Elevation and Terroir Impact: Grown at 1,200 meters above sea level, this coffee benefits from cooler temperatures and slower cherry maturation, which develop more concentrated sugars and nuanced flavours. Cerrado Mineiro’s rich soils further contribute to the coffee’s exceptional quality.
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