When we were deciding on the first bean to run though Marcelo Franck’s barrel aging process, we wanted to stay true to what he has been producing in Brazil for the last 4 years. We did our research, cupped a number of very nice (and some not so nice) beans, and ultimately decided on Mantiqueira de Minas Pulped Natural Yellow Catuai. I know we made the right choice because what we tasted after the test roast was amazing!

A little about the beans.

” Brazil Mantiqueira de Minas Pulped Natural Yellow Catuai 16+ is sourced from family owned farms in the Mantiqueira de Minas region within the state Minas Gerais, Brazil. The Mantiqueira de Minas region has a protected designation of origin (PDO) because of regions renowned coffee reputation and optimal growing conditions. The region is comprised of 25 municipalities with more than 9,000 producers, nearly 90 percent considered small producers. These small producers are organized through cooperatives that operate in the region to bring their coffee to the international market. This collective of small producers is distinct in Brazil where lots often come from larger estates that use highly mechanized processing strategies to manage larger volumes. “

A simple and effective business practice we like follow; Purchase great ingredients from honest and good people to produce something you can be proud to share with your customers.

It is a strategy, it is a lifestyle, it is passing it forward whenever we can.