Arabica · Coffee Variety
Bourbon
Bourbon developed from Yemeni coffee planted on the island of Réunion — then called Île Bourbon — and spread through Latin America and East Africa in the 19th century. It out-yields Typica by 20–30% and carries a deeply sweet, buttery, caramel-leaning cup that made it the backbone of classic Latin profiles.
Bourbon mutates readily, which is why so much of the modern catalog — Caturra, Pacas, Villa Sarchi, SL28's parentage — traces back to it. Red, yellow, and orange-fruited selections exist; many cuppers associate yellow Bourbon, widely planted in Brazil's Mogiana region, with especially honeyed sweetness.
Bourbon at a glance
| Species | Arabica |
|---|---|
| Lineage | Yemeni stock naturalized on Réunion (Île Bourbon), spread by missionaries from the 1850s |
| Plant stature | Tall with more branch density than Typica |
| Yield potential | Moderate (20–30% above Typica) |
| Disease resistance | Susceptible to rust and CBD |
| Optimal altitude | 1,100–2,000 m |
| Bean size | Medium, slightly rounded |
| Cup profile | Caramel sweetness, balanced citric acidity, buttery mouthfeel |
Where Bourbon is grown
Bourbon — frequently asked questions
What is the difference between red and yellow Bourbon?
Fruit skin color at ripeness, controlled by a single gene. Cup differences are debated, but yellow Bourbon — prominent in Brazil — is often described as slightly sweeter and softer, while red selections read more classically balanced.
Why is Bourbon so important to Rwanda and Burundi?
Both countries planted Bourbon-derived stock almost exclusively during the 20th century, so their national profiles — red berry, cane sugar, silky body — are essentially high-altitude washed Bourbon expressions.
Which modern varieties descend from Bourbon?
Caturra (dwarf mutation), Pacas (El Salvador mutation), Villa Sarchi (Costa Rica mutation), and by descent Pacamara and Catimor lines that use those mutations as parents.
Sourcing Bourbon? Volcana Coffee grows and exports high-altitude Catimor, Typica, and washed Fine Robusta from the Bolaven Plateau, Laos — with SGS-inspected quality and full export documentation.
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