Brazil | Baixadao | Yellow Bourbon | Natural

Region: Mantiqueira de Minas, Minas Gerais 

Elevation: 1300-1400 masl

About: Set in the rolling hills of Mantiqueira de Minas, Baixadão is a farm shaped by both landscape and lived experience. The region’s elevation and climate support slow cherry maturation, but it’s the producers behind the work that define its direction. 

At the centre is Sebastião Afonso da Silva, who began in coffee as the son of rice sharecroppers, building his farm gradually through persistence rather than scale. What started as small plots has grown into a respected operation, recognized for both quality and consistency. 

Sebastião’s approach is grounded in careful, practical decisions like selective hand-picking, on-site drying, and a steady move toward soil health and reduced chemical use. Each step reflects a long-term view of sustainability, shaped by years of observation rather than quick change. 

Today, his son Helisson is taking on a larger role, continuing that work with a focus on regenerative practices and restoring soil vitality. 

Baixadão’s recognition in Cup of Excellence competitions speaks to quality, but the story sits with the producers; measured progress, generational knowledge, and a clear commitment to the land.

This lot from the Mantiqueira de Minas region of Minas Gerais represents the meticulous work of producer Sebastião Afonso da Silva. Grown at an elevation of 1300–1400 masl, this Yellow Bourbon selection highlights the distinct character of Brazilian coffee cultivation. As a natural-processed coffee, it reflects the traditional drying techniques often employed in the region to enhance the inherent sweetness of the cherry.

Sourced and roasted by Proud Mary Coffee, this offering serves as a prime example of the quality emerging from the high-altitude landscapes of Brazil. While natural-processed coffees often exhibit heavier fruit profiles and increased body, the specific nuances of this lot can be explored further by referencing the flavor wheel. By focusing on the synergy between the specific varietal and the regional terroir, this coffee provides a clear window into the current standards of excellence maintained by producers in the Mantiqueira de Minas mountains.