Bourbon Coffee Beans: Get To Know The Ancient Arabica Variety

Bourbon coffee is probably not what you think!

Google “Bourbon coffee,” and you’re likely to pull up a slew of ads for bourbon barrel-aged beans. That’s not the kind of bourbon coffee I’m talking about.

Today, I want to teach you all about the Bourbon coffee variety. It’s one of the oldest types of Arabica coffee, making it the genetic predecessor to much of the coffee we currently enjoy – not to mention a fascinating case study in coffee history.

What Is The Bourbon Coffee Variety?

Bourbon coffee is a variety of Arabica coffee. Arabica coffee is the main commercially grown type of coffee bean – followed by Robusta and, to a much lesser extent, Liberica and Excelsa.

The original Bourbon coffee is often referred to as Red Bourbon. It is no longer as widely produced as it once was because it is challenging to grow. Bourbon plants are fairly low-yielding and susceptible to many common coffee diseases. However, the varietal endures thanks to its very high cup quality (1).

What Are The Types Of Bourbon Coffee?

You are more likely to encounter Bourbon in the form of its genetic descendants, which result from natural mutations or intentional cross-breeding. These hybrids are cultivated to alleviate some of the difficulties of growing Bourbon beans. They may produce higher yields or be less prone to pests and diseases.

The most well-known members of the Bourbon family are Caturra, Catuai, and Mondo Novo, but because the Bourbon variety is so old, there are dozens of others. These include Arusha, French Mission, Bourbon Mayaguez, N39, Pacamara, Pacas, Semperflorens, and Laurina.

Where Did Bourbon Coffee Come From?

Bourbon was one of the original two types of coffee plants exported from Ethiopia in coffee’s earliest history. The other was Typica.

The plants traveled first to Yemen before heading to Bourbon Island (modern-day La Réunion) in the hands of French Missionaries in the 1700s. This is where they were initially cultivated – and where they got their name.

Bourbon coffee spread from Bourbon Island to South and Central America in the 1800s, thus setting off its genetic diversification. Today, Bourbon-derived varieties are grown commercially throughout the Americas. Pure Bourbon beans are relatively rare but are still grown in El Salvador, Peru, Honduras, and Guatemala.

What Do Bourbon Cofee Beans Taste Like?

Bourbon coffee has very high cup quality when cultivated successfully. Of course, the precise flavor profile varies with the specific growing region, processing method, and roast level (2). However, there are certain consistent characteristics.

It’s a complex coffee with a buttery mouthfeel and creamy body. Tasting notes include milk chocolate, caramel, nuts, and ripe fruit.

Check out this quick video for more: https://youtu.be/ziv6_U6xgRw

How Do You Brew Bourbon Beans?

Bourbon beans take well to a variety of brewing methods, but I favor those that highlight its exciting complexity, vibrant acidity, and unique butteriness. Try a pour-over coffee maker, Aeropress, or siphon brewer. If you want to enhance the creamy body, swap a metal or cloth filter for the standard paper filter.

Regardless of the kind of coffee you’re making or your brewing method, a few key rules will help you brew the most flavorful cup. For example, buy freshly roasted beans, grind them as soon as possible before brewing, and don’t use boiling water.

Final Thoughts

Old-school Red Bourbon coffee might be hard to find, but if you can get your hands on these specialty beans, you’ll be well-rewarded with a sweet and compelling cup of coffee. And even if you can’t track down pure Bourbon beans, the more widely available Caturra and Catuai varieties offer a similarly flavorful experience!