The Bourbon Variety — the Origin of Specialty
From the small island of Réunion to the world, the gene for sweetness
The foundation of Central and South American specialty almost all traces back to Bourbon. A sweetness-rich variety born on the small Indian Ocean island of Réunion (formerly Île Bourbon) and spread to Brazil, Central America and East Africa. Why is it called the origin of specialty?
Contents · 5
When talking about coffee varieties, the one that always appears alongside Typica is Bourbon. Open a high-quality Central or South American lot and much of it is Bourbon-derived. We unravel why this variety is called "the origin of specialty," from its roots and traits.
A small mutation that happened on an island
In the early 18th century, among coffee trees transplanted from Yemen to the French island of Réunion (then Île Bourbon), an individual appeared with round leaves and a different way of setting fruit. This was the beginning of Bourbon. As colonists spread it to Africa and South America, it took hold in the major producing regions around the world.
The difference from Typica
- Yield: Bourbon > Typica (about 20–30% more)
- Sweetness: Bourbon's is more complex, with nut, caramel and fruit coexisting
- Acidity: Typica's is round; Bourbon's is slightly brighter and juicier
- Tree shape: Bourbon is conical and compact; Typica is tall and narrow
A family born from mutations
Many further derivative varieties have arisen from Bourbon. Caturra (a dwarf mutation of Bourbon, found in Brazil), Catuai (Mundo Novo × Caturra), SL28 (a Tanzanian landrace of Bourbon lineage), and even some Geshas carry Bourbon blood. More than half of specialty varieties draw on Bourbon in some form.
What are Pink Bourbon and Yellow Bourbon?
Ordinary Bourbon bears red fruit, but mutants bearing yellow, orange and pink fruit have been selected. The color does not change the taste greatly, but Yellow Bourbon tends to have a stronger fruit sweetness, and Pink Bourbon is said to develop complex fermented aromas more readily.
Colombia's "Pink Bourbon" is handled at some farms in Nariño and parts of Huila, and has drawn attention as a COE-winning lot in recent years.
How to try Bourbon
El Salvador, the central highlands of Guatemala and Honduras, Brazil's Sul de Minas, and Rwanda and Burundi. "100% Bourbon" lots from these regions are relatively easy-to-obtain candidates. Choosing ones grown in the 1,400–1,800m altitude band brings out the variety's traits most readily.
Choose & compare
More articles