Atitlán · Variety
Bourbon in Atitlán
Atitlán is known for lakeshore volcanic coffee farmed by maya communities, and Bourbon is one of the varieties behind that reputation. The region's farms sit at 1,500–1,700 m — Bourbon's preferred range is 1,100–2,000 m — and harvest runs december – march, the window in which the variety's character is decided in the field.
Bourbon brings its own agronomic personality to Atitlán: a tall with more branch density than typica plant with moderate (20–30% above typica) yield potential, and disease behavior best summarized as susceptible to rust and cbd. Regional processing leans on washed, which shapes how the variety's raw material reaches the cup.
Tasted side by side with the same variety from other regions, Atitlán's expression stands apart: the variety contributes caramel sweetness, balanced citric acidity, buttery mouthfeel, while the regional cup runs toward bright citrus and red apple over chocolate; crisp, clean, aromatic — lifted by the lake's constant winds. That interaction — genetics times place — is exactly what regional sourcing is about.
Key facts
| Region | Atitlán |
|---|---|
| Country | Guatemala |
| Region altitude | 1,500–1,700 m |
| Variety optimal altitude | 1,100–2,000 m |
| Harvest | December – March |
| Species | Arabica |
| Lineage | Yemeni stock naturalized on Réunion (Île Bourbon), spread by missionaries from the 1850s |
| Disease resistance | Susceptible to rust and CBD |
| Regional cup profile | Bright citrus and red apple over chocolate; crisp, clean, aromatic — lifted by the lake's constant winds. |
Bourbon in Atitlán — frequently asked questions
Does Bourbon grow well in Atitlán?
Yes — the region's 1,500–1,700 m range overlaps the variety's preferred 1,100–2,000 m, and local processing traditions (washed) suit its characteristics. It is one of the varieties Atitlán is known for.
What does Atitlán Bourbon taste like?
Expect caramel sweetness, balanced citric acidity, buttery mouthfeel, expressed through the region's typical character: bright citrus and red apple over chocolate; crisp, clean, aromatic — lifted by the lake's constant winds.
When is Bourbon from Atitlán harvested?
The regional harvest runs december – march; fresh lots typically reach export markets one to three months after milling.
Volcana Coffee grows high-altitude Catimor, Typica, and washed Fine Robusta in our own volcanic region — the Bolaven Plateau, Laos. Compare our terroir against any region in the world, cup to cup.
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