Brazil – Rio Minas 3/4 15/16

Origin: Minas Gerais, Brazil

Profile: Pungent, Robust, and Earthy

The Rio Minas 3/4 15/16 offers the classic, unmistakable “Rio” character in a more versatile, smaller bean size. While its larger counterparts are often sold as single-origin specialties for specific cultural brews, the Screen 15/16 size is the industry favorite for creating high-impact blends.

The “3/4” classification denotes a standard commercial export grade, allowing for a slightly higher count of secondary defects compared to the 2/3, which often contributes to its more rugged, intense flavor profile.

Flavor Experience

Body: Medium-heavy and coating.
Notes: Strong iodine-like aroma, bitter chocolate, and toasted wood.
Acidity: Negligible; the profile is dominated by pungent, savory notes.
Finish: Sharp and lingering, providing a “kick” that cuts through even the heaviest additives.

Best Enjoyed As

This grade is a staple for large-scale commercial blending. Because of its smaller screen size, it roasts quickly and provides a very high extraction yield. It is the preferred choice for:

Traditional Espresso Blends: To add “bite,” crema, and a classic Mediterranean punch.
Instant Coffee Production: Due to its strong soluble solids and distinct flavor.
Traditional Greek or Turkish Blends: Where a smaller bean often translates to a more concentrated, intense cup.

Quick Comparison: Rio Minas 2/3 vs. 3/4

Feature	Rio Minas 2/3 (17/18)	Rio Minas 3/4 (15/16)
Bean Size	Large, premium appearance	Smaller, standard commercial size
Defect Count	Very low (Higher quality)	Standard (Commercial grade)
Intensity	Bold and clear	Aggressive and rugged
Primary Use	Specialty Turkish/Arabic coffee	Blending and high-volume roasting