Black Butte Gold is the coffee that started it all for Sisters Coffee Company in 1989. Named after the distinctive volcanic butte visible from their Central Oregon roastery, this foundational blend captures the spirit of the Pacific Northwest: bold, enduring, and approachable. It's a dark roast that refuses to alienate—rich enough to stand up to cream and sugar, clean enough to drink straight, and consistent enough to anchor your morning ritual year after year.
The blend draws from three origins: Brazilian coffees provide the chocolatey backbone, Colombian beans add sweetness and balance, and Papua New Guinea contributes earthy complexity. Sisters roasts each component to honor the original intentions of founders Joy and Winfield, who sought a coffee that could welcome everyone, from first-time drinkers to seasoned enthusiasts.
Tasting Notes
Expect dark chocolate on the front, transitioning into molasses sweetness with a whisper of nutmeg spice. Roasted hazelnut emerges in the finish, lingering pleasantly without bitterness. The body is full and coating—think velvet rather than syrup—while the acidity stays deliberately low, making this an easy-drinking cup that won't turn sharp as it cools. It's the kind of coffee that tastes like home, even if you've never been to Sisters, Oregon.
Brew Methods
Black Butte Gold shines in drip brewers and French press, where its full body and low acidity create a forgiving, satisfying cup. It's also excellent as cold brew, where the chocolate and hazelnut notes intensify without extracting bitterness. While it's roasted darker than most modern espresso profiles, it pulls a nostalgic shot with thick crema—especially lovely in milk drinks where the nutmeg and molasses play well with steamed dairy.
About Sisters Coffee Company
Since 1989, Sisters Coffee has been roasting small batches in the shadow of Oregon's Cascade Mountains. Their commitment to quality and community has made them a fixture in Central Oregon, and their blends reflect both tradition and evolution.
Not sure which grind size to order? Clive's team can recommend the ideal setting for your brewer, and we're always here to help pair this coffee with the right equipment to bring out its best.