Coffee production at scale first began in Brazil in the late 18th century under Portuguese colonial rule. By the 19th century Brazil's coffee production exploded, and the Central American nation has been the largest coffee producer and exporter in the world for some 150 years now, accounting for about a third of all exported coffee in the world today. Brazilian coffee is often characterised by flavour notes of nuts and chocolate, and for this reason is most often used as the base of familiar, comfortable café blends. 

This is a quintessentially Brazilian coffee, originating from Cerrado, a region found in the state of Minas Gerais. Minas Gerais, a picturesque region in the South-East of Brazil, features some of the nations highest mountains, providing the right altitude, climate, and soil conditions for plentiful coffee production. Though coffee farming in Minas Gerais has a long history, Cerrado is a relatively new growing region, which might explain why it is dominated by large-scale, mechanised farms rather than collectives of smallholders, with the majority of plantations in the region spanning over 10 hectares each. While you’ve likely had Cerrado coffee before (it’s a very popular component in espresso blends), here you have the opportunity to taste it all on its own. 

Phaedon's tasting notes

What I love about this coffee is the unapologetically heavy flavour profile. This coffee is not about vibrant acidities and delicate florals; forget all that jazz. This coffee has oomph. It's absolutely bursting with flavours with nutty notes and has a delightfully creamy body, perhaps with a hint of chocolate on the finish. I picked up toasted nuts or even peanut butter, and I particularly enjoyed the full-body, low-acidity, classic flavour experience in a moka pot and French press.

Legado’s notes

• Tasting notes: Roast almonds, smooth caramel, dark chocolate
• Acidity: Low
• Body: Full
• Roast level: Medium

Coffee details from Legado

“Our Natural Brazil Cerrado Single Origin offers a smooth, full-bodied experience with notes of dark chocolate, roasted nuts, and a hint of dried fruit sweetness. Sourced from the heart of Brazil's Cerrado region, this coffee is naturally processed to enhance its rich, bold flavours, delivering a balanced and satisfying cup. Perfect for those who appreciate a classic, robust taste with a touch of sweetness.”

• Country: Brazil
• Region: Cerrado
• Variety: Bourbon
• Altitude: 800 - 1000 masl
• Processing method: Natural