Bourbon Coffee: The Classic Variety Behind Some of the World’s Sweetest Cups

Bourbon Coffee: The Classic Variety Behind Some of the World’s Sweetest Cups

In the ever-expanding world of specialty coffee, few varieties carry as much history, character, and universal appeal as Bourbon. Loved for its sweetness, balanced acidity, and velvety mouthfeel, Bourbon has quietly shaped the coffees we drink today - often without us even realising it.

If you’ve ever enjoyed a beautifully clean, sweet cup from Latin America or East Africa, there’s a good chance Bourbon was involved. Let’s explore what makes this heirloom variety such a cornerstone of specialty coffee.

Where Bourbon Coffee Comes From

Bourbon has one of the most fascinating journeys in the coffee world.

• It began in Yemen, where early Arabica cultivars were first grown.

• In the early 1700s, French missionaries carried seeds to Réunion Island (formerly Bourbon Island), giving the variety its name.

• From there, it spread across East Africa and into Central and South America, where it became foundational to modern coffee agriculture.

Today, Bourbon remains one of the parent varieties behind many modern cultivars—including Caturra, Pacas, and Mundo Novo - making it one of the most influential coffee varieties ever grown.

What Makes Bourbon Coffee Special

1. Its Incredible Natural Sweetness

Bourbon is cherished for its inherent sweetness. Think:

• Caramel

• Milk chocolate

• Brown sugar

• Subtle honeyed notes

This is one of the reasons it’s so approachable, even for people new to specialty coffee.

2. Balanced, Elegant Acidity

Bourbon isn’t loud or sharp - it’s refined. Expect:

• Gentle red fruit acidity

• Notes of cherry or plum

• Soft citrus depending on origin

It’s the kind of acidity that lifts the cup without overwhelming it.

3. Dependably Velvety Body

Across different terroirs, Bourbon tends to have a silky, rounded mouthfeel that makes it an absolute pleasure in both filter and espresso.

4. Complexity Without the Extremes

While some rare varieties deliver mind-bending fruit bombs or floral explosions, Bourbon’s charm is its balance. It’s beautifully complex without being eccentric—one of the reasons it appeals to a wide audience.

Where Bourbon Grows Best

Bourbon thrives at 1,200–2,000 metres and prefers cooler, high-altitude climates. Some of the most famous Bourbon-growing regions include:

• El Salvador – home to some of the world’s sweetest washed Bourbons.

• Rwanda & Burundi – known for floral, tea-like Bourbons with red berry notes.

• Guatemala – producing rich, chocolatey profiles with fruit undertones.

• Brazil (Mundo Novo, Yellow Bourbon) – sweet, nutty, mellow variations.

Each region expresses Bourbon differently, but sweetness and balance remain the hallmark.

Flavour Profile: What to Expect in the Cup

While origin influences the cup heavily, Bourbon typically delivers:

• Sweetness: caramel, panela, honey, chocolate

• Fruit Notes: cherry, plum, red apple, soft citrus

• Aromatics: gentle florals or cocoa

• Body: silky, rounded, comforting

• Finish: clean, sweet, and lingering

It’s the kind of coffee that makes people say: “This is just a really good cup.”

Why Bourbon Is So Loved in the Specialty World

A Foundation Variety

Many of today’s favourite cultivars descend from Bourbon. It’s foundational to how modern coffee tastes.

Reliable Quality Across Regions

Unlike some varieties that excel only in specific microclimates, Bourbon consistently performs well across continents.

Approachability Meets Nuance

It satisfies both:

• casual drinkers who want something smooth and sweet

• coffee geeks who appreciate clarity and complexity

It’s rare to find a coffee that does both so well.

How to Brew Bourbon at Home

Bourbon is incredibly versatile, so it shines in multiple brew methods:

Pour-over (V60, Kalita, Origami)

Enhances clarity and fruit notes.

Batch brew

Delivers a consistently sweet, comforting cup.

Espresso

Expect chocolate, caramel, and a silky texture—ideal for flat whites or Americanos.

French Press

Boosts body and brings out the deeper caramelised notes.

For most washed Bourbons, a medium grind and 92–94°C water is a great starting point.

Final Thoughts

Bourbon may not always be the flashiest variety on the table, but it’s undeniably one of the most important - and one of the tastiest. Its sweetness, balance, and timeless profile have helped shape specialty coffee for generations.

Whether you're exploring its berry - forward East African expressions or its chocolatey Central American classics, Bourbon consistently delivers cups that feel both comforting and refined.