Felipe Ramão is a third generation coffee farmer whose land sits at an elevation of 1000 meters in the Castelo municipality in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil.

Felipe’s grandfather acquired the land in the 1900s but transitioned more heavily into a coffee farm in 2006 by his father Jonas who planted a couple variants of Catuaí, Mundo Novo and most recently the hyped Catucaí variety. Harvest season on the farm is from July through December which annually produces 200-300 bags of export grade coffee. The farm is run by Felipe, his wife Rafhaela, his mother and father Luzia and Jonas, and three additional employees. Felipe’s land is quite large, spanning 12 hectares (29 acres!!) most of which is coffee, but they also farm beans, corn and avocado.

Brazilian coffee has quite a few generalizations in the coffee world, many of which aren’t surrounding top tier quality. Due to Brazils size and annual production, many people, coffee pros alike, see Brazil as a utility origin… a place to purchase lower elevation coffees for blends or for more price sensitive markets. But, Brazil is a massive country with a diverse terroir and to no surprise, has some incredible coffees coming out of it. In thinking of what to transition to after last months loud and heavily processed coffee, and, in wanting to work with a long time industry peer (Kyle of Osito Coffee), showcasing a Brazilian micro lot was becoming more and more realistic and appealing. Kyle and Osito coffee do some amazing work and are truly at the top of the game.

After reaching out and digging into some samples, I kept coming back to Felipe’s coffee which is a washed separation comprised of the Red and Yellow Catuaí varieties. The balance in the cup is supreme and showcases a broad familiarity, but also nuanced uniqueness. Chocolates and berries start the experience in the fragrance and aroma which leads into a well bodied cup with a range of flavors and details. In the cup I get a citric and malic acidity which is complimented with subtly spiced and apply flavors that resolve in a malty, chocolatey and slightly nutty finish. My big three notes are Orange, Mulled Cider and good ole’ Whoppers malt balls.

Really excited to showcase Felipe’s coffee and the work of his family, Osito Coffee, and Brazil farmer id coffees in general…