Which is Better: Red Bourbon or Yellow Bourbon? Red Bourbon Coffee Characteristics & Where to Buy Red Bourbon Coffee

Red Bourbon Coffee Beans vs. Yellow Bourbon Coffee Beans: Which is Better? One is Sweet, One is Aromatic - The Perfect Combination of Both

The first time I spoke with Brother Liu on the phone, he had mentioned that the environment of my plot of land was suitable for growing a certain coffee variety, but he could not recall the name at that moment. So I had no clear direction, relying only on the characteristics of the coffee he described. I spent some time researching through books and Google and gained some preliminary understanding, then called Brother Liu directly and asked, "Is the coffee variety you're talking about Bourbon?" Bingo. It was Bourbon indeed.

He went on to describe the characteristics of the two varieties within Bourbon: Red Bourbon and Yellow Bourbon. Simply put, Red Bourbon has a natural cane sugar sweetness so delightful you will not want to wash your cup after drinking it, while Yellow Bourbon is exceptionally aromatic. Some places plant the two together and harvest them mixed, blending the characteristics of both coffees. By this point I had a general understanding, so I decided to explore these two varieties further.

When it comes to coffee, most people have heard of Arabica. A slightly smaller group may have heard of Robusta or Liberica. But Bourbon? Not to mention Red Bourbon and Yellow Bourbon. Since we are going to grow coffee, we need to understand at least some basic coffee knowledge.

Explaining things too clearly can actually confuse people more. I do not want to delve too deeply, because our predecessors have already organized everything well. If you still do not understand, a quick Google search will provide answers. I am just using the simplest method, one I can better understand, to get to know this little fellow called the coffee bean.

From the biological classification "kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species," coffee belongs to the Rubiaceae family and the Coffea genus, and divides into three major native species: Arabica, Robusta and Liberica. Different species can be further subdivided into subspecies, varieties and cultivars.

The reason Arabica and Robusta are commonly heard is that they dominate the global coffee market, accounting for 70% and 30% of total production respectively, thanks of course to their significant commercial value. As for Bourbon, it is one of the mutant varieties under Arabica. The special mention of Bourbon, of course, comes from the accumulated experience of our predecessors. More on that later.

FrontStreet Coffee Recommendation

Whether you lean toward the cane-sugar sweetness of Red Bourbon or the aroma of Yellow Bourbon, a well-built blend lets you enjoy that Bourbon character every day. FrontStreet Fine Blend is the longest-serving recipe in FrontStreet's stores, built from Colombia washed and Brazil semi-dry coffee. It shows nut, dark chocolate and caramel, with a comfortable bittersweet balance, a rich roasting aroma and a smooth, stable pour with milk that makes latte art easy to hold.

For an all-Arabica option with a little more fruit, FrontStreet Black Cocoa Blend pairs Yunnan washed small bean with Brazil semi-dry coffee. It brings the ripe plum acidity of the nutty profile together with creamy chocolate and cocoa cookie aromas, with a balanced taste and a golden, glossy crema - a strong pick for shops, bakeries, drink businesses and home espresso machines alike.

And for anyone learning latte art, FrontStreet Classic Blend offers a medium-dark recipe drawn from the old "Mamba" style, with a little Robusta added for extra aroma and body. It makes it easy for a beginner to pull a rich, golden crema at home.