Brazil · Variety
Bourbon Coffee from Brazil
Bourbon is one of the defining varieties of Brazilian coffee. Brazil grows coffee at 800–1,400 m across regions such as Sul de Minas, Cerrado Mineiro, Mogiana, and Bourbon — a Arabica of Yemeni stock naturalized on Réunion (Île Bourbon), spread by missionaries from the 1850s — occupies an important place in that landscape. Its preferred range of 1,100–2,000 m aligns with what Brazilian farms can offer, which is a large part of why the pairing works.
Agronomically, Bourbon brings a demanding but rewarding profile — susceptible to rust and cbd — with moderate (20–30% above typica) yields on a tall with more branch density than typica plant. In Brazil, where the harvest runs may – september and annual production is ≈60–70 million 60-kg bags, those traits shape which farms plant it and how its lots reach the export market through Santos.
In the cup, Brazilian Bourbon expresses both sides of its parentage: the variety contributes caramel sweetness, balanced citric acidity, buttery mouthfeel, while Brazil's terroir adds the character the origin is known for — milk chocolate, hazelnut, caramel, low bright acidity, round body — the world's blending backbone; specialty lots add red fruit, florals, and ferment-driven complexity. Buyers comparing Bourbon across origins will find the Brazilian expression distinct for exactly that reason.
Key facts
| Variety | Bourbon |
|---|---|
| Species | Arabica |
| Lineage | Yemeni stock naturalized on Réunion (Île Bourbon), spread by missionaries from the 1850s |
| Optimal altitude | 1,100–2,000 m |
| Brazil growing altitude | 800–1,400 m |
| Harvest season | May – September |
| Disease resistance | Susceptible to rust and CBD |
| Bean size | Medium, slightly rounded |
| Typical Brazilian cup | Milk chocolate, hazelnut, caramel, low bright acidity, round body — the world's blending backbone; specialty lots add red fruit, florals, and ferment-driven complexity. |
Related Brazil regions
Bourbon Coffee from Brazil — frequently asked questions
Where in Brazil is Bourbon grown?
Primarily across Sul de Minas, Cerrado Mineiro, Mogiana, at elevations of 800–1,400 m. The variety's preferred range of 1,100–2,000 m means the higher zones tend to produce the most expressive lots.
What does Brazilian Bourbon taste like?
Expect the variety's core character — caramel sweetness, balanced citric acidity, buttery mouthfeel — shaped by Brazil's terroir toward milk chocolate, hazelnut, caramel, low bright acidity, round body — the world's blending backbone; specialty lots add red fruit, florals, and ferment-driven complexity.
When is Bourbon from Brazil available fresh?
The Brazilian harvest runs may – september; fresh-crop lots typically reach consuming markets one to three months after milling, shipped via Santos.
Volcana Coffee exports high-grown Catimor, Typica, and washed Fine Robusta from the Bolaven Plateau, Laos — washed, natural, and honey processed, SGS-inspected, with full export documentation. Cup our origin against any in the world.
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