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Costa Rica · Black Honey

Los Duran Victoria 04

Roasted by Merit Coffee

This complex and vibrant black honey processed coffee from the West Valley features notes of black cherry, papaya, and cola.

Los Duran Victoria 04 — Merit Coffee
Image: courtesy of Merit Coffee
Black CherryPapayaCola

From the roaster

Black Cherry • Papaya • Cola

Los Duran Wet Mill sits in Costa Rica’s renowned West Valley, where brothers Barney, Kendall, and Arnold Duran continue the family legacy started by their father, Eduardo. What began as a small family micromill has grown into a hub for expressive microlots from the region. At their El Roble farm, coffee grows between 1,300–1,650 meters, including the uncommon Victoria 04 variety—a hybrid of Ethiopian and Timor genetics known for its resilience and distinctive cup profile. Los Duran’s signature black honey process preserves the coffee’s natural mucilage before extended drying on raised beds, resulting in a complex and vibrant cup layered with notes of Black Cherry, Papaya, and Cola.

 

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— Merit Coffee

Context

Produced by Barney, Kendall, and Arnold Duran, the Los Duran Victoria 04 represents a distinct expression of the West Valley region in Costa Rica. This lot features the Victoria 04 varietal, cultivated at elevations ranging from 1300 to 1650 masl. To highlight the inherent characteristics of the cherry, the producers utilized a black honey process. As detailed in our processing methods explainer, honey processing involves leaving varying amounts of mucilage on the bean during drying, which often contributes to a heightened perception of sweetness and body in the final cup.

Roasted by Merit Coffee, this selection offers a profile defined by notes of black cherry, papaya, and cola. When evaluating such complex profiles, referencing a flavor wheel can be a helpful tool for identifying the nuanced acidity and sugar-browning characteristics often found in high-quality Costa Rican coffees. This specific lot showcases the meticulous work of the Duran family in managing the delicate balance of the honey process.

Buy — $29 from Merit Coffee

In the Encyclopedia

Frequently asked questions

Where is Los Duran Victoria 04 grown?

Los Duran Victoria 04, roasted by Merit Coffee, is sourced from West Valley, Costa Rica.

What does Los Duran Victoria 04 taste like?

Expect tasting notes of Black Cherry, Papaya, and Cola.

How is Los Duran Victoria 04 processed?

Los Duran Victoria 04 uses the Black Honey process.

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Last verified: October 14, 2026 · Browse all beans.