NY2: The highest commercial grade in Brazil. “NY” = New York classification; “2” means max 6 defects per 300 g.

Fine Cup (FC): Indicates clean cup, good balance, no harsh defects. Specialty-leaning commercial grade.

17/18: Screen size = large beans (17–18 = ~6.75–7 mm). Larger beans often linked with better quality.

Cerrado: A well-known region in Minas Gerais, Brazil; produces clean, consistent coffees.

Cup profile: Nutty, chocolate, mild fruit, smooth body, low acidity. Widely used for espresso blends.

NY2/3: Slightly lower than NY2; up to ~9 defects per 300 g.

Good Cup (GC): Slightly less clean than Fine Cup, but still good quality.

17/18: Large screen size beans.

Cerrado: Consistent profile, reliable quality.

Cup profile: Balanced, chocolate, nutty, mild acidity. More economical than Fine Cup, still good for blends.

Bourbon (Red): A traditional Arabica variety known for sweetness, red fruit notes, and smooth body.

16up: Screen size ≥ 16 (slightly smaller than 17/18 but still good).

Score 86+: High specialty grade (SCA cupping score). Indicates complex flavor, high sweetness, excellent balance.

Cup profile: Red berries, caramel, chocolate, floral hints, clean acidity.

Yellow Bourbon: A mutation of Bourbon; ripens yellow. Known for sweetness, honeyed flavors, and bright acidity.

16up, 86+ score: Specialty grade, premium coffee.

Cup profile: Sweet, honey, floral, citrus and tropical fruit notes, velvety body.

Catuai (Red): A hybrid (Mundo Novo × Caturra). Resistant, widely planted.

16up, 86+ score: High-end specialty selection.

Cup profile: Caramel, stone fruit, mild citrus, chocolate body. Versatile for espresso and filter.

Yellow Catuai: Same hybrid, but yellow variety. Typically sweeter and brighter.

16up, 86+ score: Specialty quality.

Cup profile: Citrus (orange, lemon), honey, nuts, balanced sweetness.

Mundo Novo: Natural hybrid of Bourbon × Typica. Widely grown in Brazil; large beans, high yield, good cup.

16up, 86+ score: Specialty-grade selection.

Cup profile: Chocolate, nuts, mild fruit, round body, smooth finish.

Tapazio: Brazilian hybrid (Mundo Novo × Yellow Catuai). Adapted to Cerrado climate.

16up, 86+ score: Specialty classification.

Cup profile: Sweet, clean, balanced, chocolate and nut base with fruity highlights.

NY3/4: Lower commercial grade than NY2. More defects allowed (12–26 per 300 g).

Rio Minas: Often associated with coffees that have a distinct “Rio” flavor (iodine, medicinal, harsh) due to phenolic defects. Generally considered low quality.

17/18: Large beans, but quality issue is in flavor.

Cup profile: Woody, earthy, sometimes medicinal. Cheaper, used for filler in blends.

NY5/6: Much lower grade (more defects).

Robusta: Different species (Coffea canephora). Twice caffeine of Arabica, strong body, bitterness, crema booster.

16up: Larger screen for robusta (acceptable commercial size).

Cup profile: Harsh, bitter, woody, earthy. Used in instant coffee, Italian espresso blends for crema.

12up: Very small beans, mixed quality.

NY5/6: Low grade, many defects.

Cup profile: Inconsistent, earthy, woody, harsh. Used in very cheap blends or instant coffee.