Bourbon Coffee Varietal Explained
Bourbon Coffee Varietal
Arabica Coffee Bourbon Varietal
Bourbon is one of the most well-known Arabica coffee varietals in the world. It’s praised for its sweet taste, balanced body, and smooth finish. You’ll find it on cupping tables, in competition roasts, and inside bags labeled single origin from Latin America and Africa. If you're trying to understand what makes Bourbon special—or just want a clear guide without fluff—this is it.
What Is Bourbon Coffee?
Bourbon is a natural mutation of the original Arabica coffee that came out of Yemen. It was taken by French missionaries to Réunion Island, then called Île Bourbon, in the 1700s. Over time, the plant adapted to its environment and developed a unique structure and flavor.
The mutation was eventually brought to mainland Africa and Latin America, where it became one of the core coffee varieties used in farming today. It is the genetic backbone of many other varieties like Caturra, Pacas, SL28, and more.
Where Is Bourbon Grown Today?
You’ll find Bourbon growing in places like Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, Rwanda, and parts of Burundi. It grows best at elevations between 1,000 and 2,000 meters, where the cooler temperatures help slow the growth cycle and build deeper flavor.
Despite its quality, Bourbon is not the easiest plant to grow. It is sensitive to diseases like coffee leaf rust and has a lower yield than many hybrid varieties. Still, farmers choose to grow it because the cup quality is outstanding, and the demand remains high in the specialty market.
What Does Bourbon Coffee Taste Like?
The flavor profile of Bourbon is what sets it apart. It usually has a rich sweetness, often described as caramel, toffee, or brown sugar. The body tends to be medium to full, with a creamy texture. Depending on where it's grown, Bourbon can also show fruit or floral notes—think cherry, peach, or even subtle citrus.
When roasted right, Bourbon delivers a smooth, round cup that’s perfect for espresso, pour-over, or drip. It's not too acidic, not too heavy—just well-balanced and sweet. It’s the kind of coffee that doesn’t need milk but works well with it, too.
Red vs Yellow Bourbon (and Others)
There are several types of Bourbon, and each one offers something slightly different in the cup.
Red Bourbon is the most common. It’s known for deeper fruit notes and a denser body.
Yellow Bourbon, a natural mutation from Brazil, tends to be brighter and more floral, with hints of lemon or jasmine.
Pink Bourbon is newer and rare, often found in Colombia. It mixes red and yellow traits and can bring out peach, honeysuckle, or tropical flavors.
These are genuine mutations of the Bourbon plant that impact sugar content, bean structure, and flavor potential. A lot of people think these names are for just marketing gimmicks, but these are actual mutations of the bourbon plant!
Why Do Roasters and Buyers Love Bourbon?
Jim, owner of Refuge Coffee Roasters in Fairhope Alabama and Head Roaster.
Bourbon is a favorite in the specialty coffee world because of its clarity, balance, and sweetness. It roasts well across all levels—light to dark—and holds its flavor even under medium development. This makes it flexible.
Because Bourbon is open-pollinated, it also carries genetic diversity, which means roasters can find micro-lot quality beans with subtle differences from farm to farm or even row to row.
When a roaster highlights a single origin Bourbon, it’s often a sign that they trust the bean’s natural quality and want to let it speak for itself.
Is Bourbon High-Grade Coffee?
Yes. Bourbon is often sorted into high coffee grade categories due to its dense bean structure and rich flavor. While the grade depends on processing and sorting standards—such as screen size and defect count—Bourbon tends to show well in quality scoring, especially when grown at high altitude and processed with care.
That said, not all Bourbon is created equal. Farming practices, harvest timing, processing method, and the roasting process all impact how that quality shows up in your cup. But when everything aligns, Bourbon is one of the best representations of what Arabica can be.
Final Thoughts: Is Bourbon Worth Seeking Out?
If you care about sweetness, smooth texture, and complex flavors (without the bitterness), Bourbon is worth trying. Whether you're a daily drinker or a specialty buyer, Bourbon is a reliable, flavorful experience that stands out on it’s own.
It’s not trendy like Gesha. It’s not high-yield like Catimor. But it delivers in the cup and that’s why it’s stuck around for over 200 years.
