Bourbon Coffee Beans: Red, Yellow, Pink, and Orange Varieties
Updated - Team Colipse
Bourbon coffee is a primary Coffea arabica cultivar that is genetically and culturally significant in coffee production. Bourbon coffee beans are the seeds of the Coffea arabica var. Bourbon plant and are found inside small cherries that ripen to red, yellow, or pink. Bourbon coffee varieties—including Red Bourbon, Yellow Bourbon, Pink Bourbon, Orange Bourbon, Bourbon Pointu, and Bourbon Sidra—differ in flavor profile. To choose the best Bourbon coffee, identify origin, check processing, and select brewing method. The best beans score 85+ on the SCA scale, are traceable, and carefully roasted by specialty coffee brands like Colipse. Bourbon coffee is one of many varietals. Its main differences from other coffee types are in flavor, cultivation, and yield.
What is Bourbon Coffee?
Bourbon coffee is one of the two primary coffee cultivars from which many other coffee varieties are bred. Bourbon is a high-quality variety of Coffea arabica genetically and culturally significant in coffee production. The botanical name for Bourbon coffee is Coffea arabica var. Bourbon. Bourbon coffee originated in Yemen. French missionaries cultivated it on Bourbon Island (now Réunion) in the early 1700s, where it evolved through natural selection. By the mid-19th century, it spread to Brazil, South and Central America, and Africa, mixing with other varieties. Many modern coffee strains descend from Bourbon.
Bourbon coffee is a major subspecies of Coffea arabica, alongside Arabica Heirloom and Arabica Typica. It is a mutation of Typica, the oldest known Arabica variety. Bourbon coffee varietal grows best at altitudes of 1,100–2,000 meters in a temperate climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. It requires 60–100 inches (150–200 cm) of rainfall annually and thrives in fertile, well-draining, nitrogen-rich volcanic soil. Bourbon coffee variety have a narrow genetic base and is highly susceptible to pests and diseases such as coffee berry disease and coffee leaf rust, according to experts at World Coffee Research. Maintaining its health requires extensive care.
What are Bourbon Coffee Beans?
Bourbon coffee beans are seeds of the Coffea arabica var. Bourbon plant and have distinct characteristics. They are found inside the Bourbon coffee cherry, a small fruit that ripens to red, yellow, or pink. Each cherry typically contains two small, dense, and rounded beans with a curved crease, though some produce a single rounded bean called a "peaberry". Bourbon beans are prone to defects such as black beans, broken beans, and insect damage, which are removed through sorting. High-quality Bourbon green coffee appears bluish-green. Yellowish-green to dark reddish-brown beans indicate overripeness or bacterial effects.
Bourbon coffee beans have a dense structure, uniform shape, and medium-size. They are smaller and more rounded than Typica beans but larger than Caturra and Catuai. Over 65% of red Bourbon coffee beans exceed screen size 17, measured by width using round-hole screens in 1/64 inch increments, according to Dashiel Cuellar from Universidad Nacional Agraria. Bourbon coffee beans take about 7 to 9 months to go from flower to fruit, though the exact time depends on the temperature and other factors. The ideal temperature range for Bourbon coffee is between 15 to 24°C (60 to 70°F). Bourbon plants prefer a temperate climate with distinct wet and dry seasons and moderate rainfall. A detailed table of Bourbon coffee bean characteristics follows below.
| Bourbon Coffee Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Coffee Bean Species | Bourbon is a sub-species of Coffea arabica and one of its oldest known varieties. |
| Agronomic Traits | Relatively short with a conical shape, more branches and thicker stems than Typica, medium yield potential, susceptible to coffee leaf rust, benefits from partial shade, and sensitive to strong winds. |
| Climate Adaptability | Thrives at 1,000-2,000 meters (3,300-6,600 feet), ideally 600-1,800 masl, preferring mild temperatures and consistent rainfall. It adapts to various coffee-growing microclimates, ideally 15-24°C with 150-250 cm annual rainfall. |
| Coffee Bean Varieties | Red Bourbon, Yellow Bourbon, Pink Bourbon, Bourbon Pointu (Laurina), Bourbon Tabi, Tekisic Bourbon, SL28, SL34, Pacas, Villa Sarchi. |
| Fruit Characteristics | Fruit characteristics vary by variety. The most common color is red, but yellow, orange, and pink varieties also exist. Ripening occurs from medium to late compared to other varieties. The fruit is round and comes in red, yellow, or pink. |
| Coffee Bean Size | Medium-sized, generally slightly smaller and rounder than Typica beans. Bourbon Pointu beans are distinctively elongated and pointed. Pink Bourbon beans range from screen size 15-18. |
| Bean Color | Greenish to bluish-green before roasting. Roasted bean color varies from light to dark brown depending on roast level. |
| Caffeine Content | Bourbon has about 1.5% caffeine, except Bourbon Pointu (Laurina), which has very low caffeine, sometimes half or a quarter. It varies but is usually lower than Robusta. |
| Moisture Content | Bourbon green coffee beans typically have 10-12% moisture for optimal storage and quality, though one study found 8%. |
| Fat Content | Typical for Arabica coffee beans, around 15-17% by weight. Contributes to flavor and body. |
| Protein Content | Typical for Arabica coffee beans, around 10-12% by weight. Contributes to flavor and aroma development during roasting. |
| Carbohydrate Content | Bourbon green coffee beans are mostly carbohydrates (50% or more of dry weight), including polysaccharides, sugars, and cellulose, crucial for flavor and body. Bourbon has high glucose; Yellow Bourbon, high fructose. |
| pH & Acidity | Washed Bourbon has medium to low, brighter acidity, while dry-processed Bourbon has lower acidity. |
| Processing | It suits various processing methods, including Washed, Natural, Honey, and Pulped Natural. Processing significantly impacts flavor. Washed or dry methods, selective hand-harvesting. |
| Flavor Profile | High sweetness, complexity, and balance, with common flavors like caramel, chocolate, nuts, citrus, stone fruit, and floral notes. Specific flavors vary by Bourbon variety, terroir, and processing. |
| Time to First Fruiting | Typically around 3-4 years after planting, similar to other Arabica varieties. |
| Productive Lifespan | Productivity can last 20-30+ years with good management, but is best within the first 10-15. |
| Harvesting Method | Cherries are primarily hand-picked to ensure only ripe ones are selected, especially for specialty grades. They are hand-harvested or shaken onto cloths. |
| Post Harvest Processing | Coffee post harvest processing varies based on desired flavor and region. |
| Uses | Bourbon is a specialty coffee with high quality and complex flavor. It is suitable for various brewing methods, including drip, pour-over, espresso, and French press. It is often enjoyed as a rare, exclusive single-origin coffee. |
| Most Producing Countries | Top coffee producers are in Central America (El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua), South America (Brazil, Colombia, Peru), Africa (Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Kenya), Asia (India, Sumatra), and other regions (Yemen, Ethiopia, Hawaii). |
What are the Different Bourbon Coffee Varieties?
Bourbon coffee varieties include Red Bourbon, Yellow Bourbon, Pink Bourbon, Orange Bourbon, Bourbon Pointu, and Bourbon Sidra. Bourbon coffee varieties are cultivars of Coffea arabica derived from the Bourbon lineage. The Bourbon coffee variety originated on Île Bourbon (now Réunion Island) in the Indian Ocean. Over time, it has diversified into multiple cultivars through natural mutations and selective breeding in various coffee-growing regions. A detailed list of six main Bourbon coffee varieties follows below.
- Red Bourbon
- Yellow Bourbon
- Pink Bourbon
- Orange Bourbon
- Bourbon Pointu
- Bourbon Sidra
1. Red Bourbon Coffee
Red Bourbon, or Bourbon Rojo, is a Coffea arabica variety that originated from the Bourbon variety and produces deep red coffee cherries. The name "Red Bourbon" refers to the deep red color of ripe coffee cherries. Before roasting, the beans inside appear bluish-green. The coffee has a full body with red fruit sweetness and nutty undertones. Common flavor notes include caramel, grapefruit, vanilla, fruit, chocolate, and a spicy finish. It also has nougat and butter notes. The cup profile is sweet, silky, smooth, and creamy. Higher glucose content than Yellow Bourbon contributes to its smoother texture. Red Bourbon grows in Central and South America, Africa, and Asia, including Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, and Rwanda. It thrives in high-altitude, nitrogen-rich volcanic soils.
2. Yellow Bourbon Coffee
Yellow Bourbon coffee, or Bourbon Amarelo, is a Coffea arabica variety, a natural mutation of Red Bourbon discovered in Brazil in the 1930s. The name "Yellow Bourbon" comes from the yellow or orange color of its ripe coffee cherries, caused by a recessive gene called xanthocarpa. The coffee beans inside the cherries appear bluish-green. Yellow Bourbon plants are tall, mature early, and have low vigor. They are highly susceptible to rust and nematodes. Yellow Bourbon has a lower yield than other Bourbon varieties, averaging 25 bags per hectare. The beans are smaller, with an average screen size of 16. This coffee is primarily grown at altitudes of 1,000 meters or more. The flavor profile depends on where the beans are grown. Brazilian Yellow Bourbon coffee has a honey-sweet, fruity, and balanced flavor. Colombian Yellow Bourbon shares the sweetness but offers a brighter, citrusy profile with a slightly lighter body.
3. Pink Bourbon Coffee
Pink Bourbon coffee, or Bourbon Rosado, is a hybrid variety of Coffea arabica originated in Colombia’s Cauca region around 2010. The name "Pink Bourbon" comes from the peachy-pink color of its ripe coffee cherries. Pink Bourbon likely descends from Ethiopian landraces that migrated to Latin America. While one theory suggests it is a cross between Red and Yellow Bourbon, genetic analysis does not support this claim. This coffee grows in El Salvador and Colombia at high altitudes of 1,750–2,000 masl. Pink Bourbon beans are medium-sized with a screen size range of 15-18. The cherry has a small protuberance in the floral disc. Pink Bourbon has a sweet, fruity flavor with a silky texture. It features notes of honeysuckle, pink lemonade, peach, and jasmine. The bright, floral profile enhances its fruity intensity.
4. Orange Bourbon Coffee
Orange Bourbon coffee is a rare Arabica variety originated from Central America, especially in El Salvador’s Apaneca-Lamatepec mountain range. The name "Orange Bourbon" comes from the orange color of its ripe coffee cherries. Orange Bourbon is a natural mutation of the Red Bourbon coffee plant. It emerged spontaneously in coffee fields rather than through intentional cultivation. This coffee shares genetic ancestry with the original Bourbon from Réunion Island. Orange Bourbon thrives at altitudes of 1,000–2,000 meters above sea level. This variety is less common than Red or Yellow Bourbon and is primarily found in El Salvador and Colombia. The variety is vulnerable to coffee leaf rust and pests, requiring careful farming practices. Its flavor profile includes sweetness, complexity, and fruity or citrusy notes.
5. Bourbon Pointu Coffee
Bourbon Pointu, also called Pointed Bourbon or Laurina, is a rare and unique Bourbon coffee variety. The name "Bourbon Pointu" combines two key terms describing this coffee variety. "Bourbon" refers to the coffee's historical origin, while "Pointu," is a French word meaning "pointed," and refers to the distinctive shape of its coffee bean. Bourbon Pointu is a natural mutation of the Bourbon variety, occurring spontaneously rather than through cross-breeding. The plants are short, conical, and branchy, with dense lateral branching and short internodes. Their leaves are short and elliptic, and seeds are angular and pointed. Bourbon Pointu has low caffeine, about half of regular Arabica. Bourbon Pointu is among the world's most expensive coffees.
6. Bourbon Sidra Coffee
Bourbon Sidra, or Sidra coffee, is a rare Coffea arabica varietal. Sidra coffee was first identified and cultivated in Ecuador, particularly in the Pichincha province. World Coffee Research suggests Sidra may lack a clear genetic identity. The variety could represent multiple coffee types that farmers label under the same name. Sidra coffee trees grow up to four meters tall with thick stems. Their cherries are larger and rounder than many Arabica varieties, featuring elongated five-petaled flowers. The seeds are longer and thinner than typical Arabica beans. Bourbon Sidra offers a complex flavor with floral notes and remarkable sweetness.
What Does Bourbon Coffee Taste Like?
Bourbon coffee has a sweet and complex flavor profile with buttery notes of caramel, chocolate, and fruit. It features bright acidity and a smooth, full body. Bourbon coffee is naturally sweet due to high glucose and fructose, often resembling brown sugar. It frequently has caramel and chocolate notes, sometimes tasting like toffee. Common fruity notes include berries, figs, citrus, and stone fruit, with some varieties offering red fruit sweetness like cherry and peach. Floral notes, nutty undertones, and spice or jasmine hints can also appear. Some Bourbon coffees have honey-like qualities.
Bourbon variety taste varies. Red Bourbon offers a silky, full-bodied cup with nutty, creamy sweetness, often featuring nougat, chocolate, and butter notes. Yellow Bourbon is sweeter and juicier, with fruity notes like apricot, banana, and tropical fruits due to high fructose. Pink Bourbon has honeysuckle, pink lemonade, peach, and jasmine notes, with a silky texture, pronounced sweetness, and sometimes spicy caramel hints. Bourbon coffee flavors vary by origin and altitude. El Salvador Bourbons may have caramel notes, while Rwandan Bourbons are fruitier. Brazilian Bourbon is nutty with caramel, while Colombian Bourbon is floral and citrusy. Guatemalan Bourbon has apple and lemon acidity, sweetness, and tropical notes.
Is Bourbon Coffee Good?
Yes, Bourbon coffee is widely considered a high-quality coffee for its sweet, complex, and balanced flavor profile. Bourbon coffee adapts to various brewing methods and roast levels, offering a delicate, clean, and flavorful cup.
How to Choose the Best Bourbon Coffee?
To choose the best Bourbon coffee, start by following these six steps below.
- Identify Origin: Look for Bourbon coffee from regions like El Salvador, Rwanda, or Guatemala.
- Check Processing Method: Select between washed, honey, or natural processing for desired flavor.
- Evaluate Roast Level: Choose light to medium roasts for complex flavors.
- Consider Flavor Profile: Expect notes of chocolate, fruit, and caramel.
- Verify Freshness: Buy freshly roasted beans within a month of roasting.
- Select Brewing Method: Use pour-over or espresso to highlight Bourbon's characteristics.
What are the Best Bourbon Coffee Beans?
The best Bourbon coffee beans score 85+ on the SCA scale, are fully traceable, and carefully cultivated. Top coffee options include anaerobically fermented Pink Bourbon from Finca El Paraíso (Colombia Huila) for its floral, peach, and raspberry notes; Brazilian Yellow Bourbon from Fazenda Barrinha (Monica Borges de Sousa) for its caramel and tropical fruit flavors; and Rwandan Red Bourbon from Kopakama cooperative for its bright acidity and black tea notes.
Colipse offers single-origin Bourbon coffee beans from Honduras, Uganda, Nicaragua, and Mexico fully traceable from farm to cup. These beans suit various brewing methods: espresso, French press, cold brew, pour over, drip, and Moka pot. For best flavor, use freshly roasted Bourbon beans within two weeks. We aim for 85+ SCA score beans, though scores vary by batch.
Where to Buy Bourbon Coffee?
You can buy Bourbon coffee from Colipse Coffee. We offer Bourbon coffee beans from Uganda and Mexico, specialty-grade, single-origin, and freshly roasted to order. Available in 12 oz bags for $21.99 USD with free shipping.
What is the Difference between Bourbon Coffee and Other Coffee Varieties?
The main difference between Bourbon coffee and other coffee varietals lies in flavor, cultivation, and yield. Bourbon coffee, a high-quality Arabica variety, has a rich, sweet, and complex flavor with caramel and fruit notes. Compared to Typica, it has higher yield but lower disease resistance. Other coffee varieties, like Gesha, prioritize floral complexity, while Robusta has higher caffeine.