Coffee culture

Is Santos the Best Coffee from Brazil? An Introduction to Brazilian Coffee Bean Grading Standards

Published: 2026-01-27 Author: FrontStreet Coffee
Last Updated: 2026/01/27, Professional coffee knowledge exchange. For more coffee bean information, please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat official account: cafe_style). FrontStreet Coffee - Brazil Santos Coffee Introduction. Brazilian coffee generally refers to coffee produced in Brazil. Brazilian coffee comes in many varieties, with the vast majority being unwashed and sun-dried. They are classified according to their producing state

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FrontStreet Coffee - Introduction to Brazilian Santos Coffee

Brazilian coffee generally refers to coffee produced in Brazil. There are various types of Brazilian coffee, and the vast majority is unwashed and sun-dried. They are classified according to their producing state and shipping port. Brazil has 21 states, 17 of which produce coffee, but four states account for the largest production, together accounting for 98% of the country's total output. Brazilian coffee has a lower acidity in its flavor profile, combined with the sweet and bitter taste of coffee, making it extremely smooth on the palate. It also carries a subtle grassy aroma, with a light bitterness in its fragrance, sweet and smooth to drink, leaving a refreshing and pleasant aftertaste.

The most famous Brazilian coffee is Santos coffee, which has a lower acidity in its flavor profile, combined with the sweet and bitter taste of coffee, making it extremely smooth on the palate. It also carries a subtle grassy fragrance, with a light bitterness in its aroma, sweet and smooth to drink, leaving a refreshing and pleasant aftertaste. For Brazilian coffee, there are no particularly outstanding advantages, but also no obvious shortcomings. This flavor is mild and smooth, with low acidity, moderate body, and a subtle sweetness.

All these gentle flavors mixed together, trying to distinguish them one by one is the best test for the taste buds. This is also why many Santos enthusiasts love this coffee. Precisely because it is so mild and common, Santos is suitable for medium roasting and can be brewed using the most popular methods. It is the best ingredient for making Italian espresso and various specialty coffees.

Brazil

Naming Convention: Country + Region (Port) + Grade Name + Cupping Quality

For example: Brazil Santos NY.2 FC means Santos region in Brazil, Grade 2, with the best cupping quality beans.

Brazil believes that only completely defect-free beans can be classified as NY.1, but completely defect-free beans do not exist. Therefore, among Brazilian green beans, the best available is NY.2.

FrontStreet Coffee Philosophy

In summary: FrontStreet Coffee is a dedicated coffee research house that enjoys sharing coffee knowledge with everyone. We share without reservation, hoping to help more friends fall in love with coffee. Additionally, we hold three coffee promotion events with significant discounts each month because FrontStreet Coffee wants to let more friends enjoy the best coffee at the lowest possible price. This has been FrontStreet Coffee's mission for the past six years!

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