9 - Fazenda Das Almas - Brazil 2025 (Experimental)

Founded in 1942 by the Muniz Family, Fazenda das Almas was born from a deep love for coffee in the mountains of Cabo Verde, in the southwest of Minas Gerais. In its early years, without electricity, coffee processing was carried out with steam-powered machines — a symbol of the dedication and resilience of the first generations. The name “Almas” (Souls) dates back to the first Portuguese colonization in the region, when immigrants from the Azores held religious ceremonies on the highest points, believing they were closer to the souls.

With more than eight decades of history, Fazenda das Almas has become a benchmark in quality, tradition, and innovation. Now managed by the third generation, it celebrates 83 harvests of the Muniz Family. The commitment to excellence has driven continuous improvements — from the adoption of mineral fertilizers, soil correctives, and safer crop protection products to gradual mechanization and self-generated energy — boosting productivity and quality without losing the essence of manual work.

The farm cultivates 102 hectares of Arabica coffee of the varieties Mundo Novo, Catuaí, Rubi, Icatu, Bourbon, Arara, Paraíso, and Acauã, at altitudes ranging from 950 to 1,150 meters. The mountainous microclimate favors the development of exceptional beans, while the steep terrain preserves the tradition of manual harvesting, strengthening social impact and local job creation. Since 1992, the coffee has been carefully pulped and processed, with cherries separated by ripeness stage and prepared individually to ensure excellence in the final result.

A pioneer in certifications and sustainable management, Fazenda das Almas was among the first in the region to achieve UTZ and BSCA (2004) and Rainforest Alliance (2009) certifications. Its constant pursuit of quality has led to the use of controlled fermentation with high repeatability, enhancing sensory profiles and ensuring consistency harvest after harvest.

Thus, tradition, sustainability, and technology come together to preserve the essence of the Muniz Family: producing coffees that embody their history, their terroir, and a passion for excellence passed down through generations.