Byron Arcila is reshaping Colombian coffee from the hills of Sonson, Antioquia—and this black honey processed lot is proof. At just 1,800 meters above sea level, Byron blends traditional washed processing with the sticky-sweet fermentation of black honey to create something decidedly modern: a coffee that tastes like blackberry cobbler topped with dark chocolate shavings and a whisper of açaí's earthy berry complexity. Portrait Coffee recognized Byron not just for his fruit-forward cups, but for his role as a youth advocate teaching sustainable processing techniques to a new generation of Colombian farmers.
Tasting Notes
The black honey processing here leaves just enough mucilage on the bean during drying to amplify sweetness without muddying clarity. You get jammy blackberry up front—not subtle, but never cloying—followed by bittersweet dark chocolate on the mid-palate. The finish brings açaí's signature woody-berry depth, lingering like the last bite of a fruit tart. The body is silky and medium-full, with a rounded acidity that brightens rather than cuts. This is a coffee that rewards slow sipping, revealing layers as it cools.
Brew Methods
Pour over showcases the fruit transparency—try a V60 or Kalita Wave at a 1:16 ratio to let those blackberry notes sing. As espresso, the chocolate intensifies and the body thickens into something almost syrupy; pull it at 1:2.5 for a fruit-bomb shot or stretch to 1:3 for milk drinks where the berry aromatics still punch through steamed milk. French press works beautifully if you want maximum body and a more rustic, jammy cup. Avoid over-extraction; this coffee's sweetness can tip into astringency if you push water temp above 205°F or grind too fine.
About Portrait Coffee
Portrait Coffee, based in Atlanta, focuses on direct relationships with producers who are experimenting with processing and pushing quality standards in their regions. Their roasting philosophy highlights origin character rather than masking it, which is why this Sonson lot tastes unmistakably Colombian—but unlike any Colombian washed you've had before.
Not sure which grind size will coax out that blackberry sweetness? Clive's team can dial you in on grinder settings and recommend equipment pairings that match your preferred brew method—whether that's a hand grinder for pour over or a dialed espresso setup.