For our May Kurasu subscription, we’re featuring Brazil Inacio Urban and Ethiopia Jigesa.
In this video, we taste two natural process coffees together with Mana, a barista at kurasu.live Stand, and explore how the same process can create completely different cups.
When people hear “natural process,” they may imagine a fruity, fermented, and expressive cup. But in reality, the final flavor depends on many factors: origin, variety, drying conditions, fermentation character, and roasting approach.
This month’s two coffees are a perfect opportunity to experience that difference side by side.
Brazil Inacio Urban
Brazil Inacio Urban comes from Fazenda Rio Brilhante in Coromandel, Cerrado Mineiro, Brazil.
It is a mixed variety lot of Catuai 144, Catuai 99, and Catucai 20/15, processed as a natural.
The flavor notes are Citrus, Raspberry, Hojicha, Hazelnut, and Creamy.
The cup has a gentle fruitiness reminiscent of citrus and raspberry, layered with the warmth of hojicha and hazelnut-like sweetness. The texture is round and creamy, making it a comforting everyday coffee.
As we discuss in the video, this coffee carries the classic nutty sweetness and sense of comfort many people associate with Brazil, while also offering a tea-like aromatic finish.
Ethiopia Jigesa
Ethiopia Jigesa comes from the Denbi Uddo / Shakiso area in Guji, Ethiopia.
It is a natural process coffee made from Heirloom varieties grown at an altitude of 1,950–2,150m.
The flavor notes are Floral, Strawberry, Apricot, Orange wine, and Chocolate.
The cup brings together strawberry and apricot-like fruitiness, subtle wine-like complexity, and chocolate-like sweetness.
It has a bright and expressive character, with impressions of orange peel and black tea appearing as the coffee cools. Compared with the Brazil, Ethiopia Jigesa feels more floral, complex, and refreshing.
Same process, completely different cups
In the video, we talk about how two natural process coffees can taste so different.
Natural process is a traditional method where coffee cherries are dried with the fruit still attached. However, not all natural process coffees taste the same. Drying temperature, drying time, cherry selection, variety, origin, and terroir all influence the final cup.
Some natural coffees express intense fermentation. Others, like Brazil Inacio Urban, are gentle, nutty, and comforting. Ethiopia Jigesa, on the other hand, shows a brighter and more layered expression, with notes of strawberry, orange wine, and black tea.
Rather than letting the word “natural” define the flavor in advance, tasting these coffees side by side allows us to experience how diverse the process can be.
Roasting and brewing
For both coffees, the goal in roasting is to bring out each coffee’s character in a way that feels clean, balanced, and enjoyable.
Ethiopia Jigesa is roasted to highlight its floral and fruity character. Brazil Inacio Urban is approached more gently, allowing its delicate sweetness, nutty aftertaste, and soft fruitiness to come through.
Instead of emphasizing fermentation too strongly, both coffees are roasted to bring out the quality of the green coffee and make them enjoyable in everyday brewing.
Coffees featured
-
Brazil Inacio Urban
Natural / Catuai 144, Catuai 99, Catucai 20/15
Citrus, Raspberry, Hojicha, Hazelnut, Creamy -
Ethiopia Jigesa
Natural / Heirloom
Floral, Strawberry, Apricot, Orange wine, Chocolate
Brew recipe
- Dripper: HARIO V60 Ceramic
- Filter: HARIO paper filter
- Coffee: 12g
- Water: 200g
- Water temperature: 90°C
- Grind size: Coarse
- Pour structure: 40g + 60g + 50g + 50g
- Brew time: Around 2:20
This simple V60 recipe makes it easy to enjoy the transition in flavor as the coffee cools, while also making the differences between the two coffees clear and enjoyable.
About Kurasu Coffee Subscription
Kurasu Coffee Subscription is not just about receiving coffee every month.
It is our way of sharing the present moment of Japanese coffee culture from Kyoto.
Through Kurasu Roast, we share the depth that comes from our relationships with origins, producers, and carefully selected coffees.
Through Partner Roaster, we introduce the diversity of Japanese roasters — their ideas, approaches, and unique expressions of coffee.
Together, these two perspectives allow us to deliver not only delicious coffee, but also the stories, recipes, and culture behind each cup.
With every delivery, we hope you can experience where Japanese coffee culture is today — one cup at a time.
