The Chacón family's Las Lajas mill has earned a cult following among specialty coffee enthusiasts, and this black honey-processed lot showcases exactly why. Grown at 1,500 meters in Costa Rica's fertile Central Valley, these Catuaí and Caturra cherries undergo the mill's signature extended honey process—17 to 25 days in solar dryers with 100% of the fruit mucilage left intact. The result is a coffee that tastes like biting into a Honeycrisp apple while savoring a Rainier cherry and caramel dessert.
Oscar and Francisca Chacón have spent years perfecting their honey processing techniques, experimenting with drying times and mucilage retention to coax out the inherent sweetness and complexity of their carefully cultivated coffee. The black honey process represents their longest, most intensive method—cherries rest on the patio for 24 hours before moving to solar dryers, turned once daily to ensure even fermentation and sugar concentration. What emerges is a coffee with remarkable depth and a sparkling, fruit-forward character that sets it apart from conventional washed Costa Rican offerings.
Tasting Notes
Expect bright, juicy acidity reminiscent of fresh-pressed apple juice, complemented by layers of Rainier cherry sweetness and a lingering caramel finish. The body is medium to full, with a silky mouthfeel that carries the fruit notes beautifully from first sip to last. The finish is clean yet lingering, with echoes of honey and stone fruit that invite another cup.
Brew Methods
This coffee shines brightest in pour-over methods like V60 or Chemex, where the clean extraction highlights its sparkling acidity and fruit-forward profile. It also makes an exceptional French press coffee, where the fuller body brings out the caramel notes. Adventurous home baristas will find it surprisingly versatile as a lighter espresso—pull it slightly longer (1:2.5 ratio) to preserve the apple and cherry brightness while developing syrupy sweetness.
About Brandywine Coffee Roasters
Brandywine Coffee Roasters brings a meticulous approach to sourcing and roasting, seeking out exceptional lots from producers who prioritize quality and innovation at the farm level.
Our team at Clive is always available to help dial in your grinder settings for this honey-processed beauty or recommend brewing equipment that will let its unique profile shine in your morning routine.