Colombian Pink Bourbon Flavor | Colombian Pink Bourbon Taste Profile Introduction

FrontStreet Coffee Colombian Pink Bourbon Introduction

Pink Bourbon was first cultivated in the Huila region, where it initially grew mixed in with other Bourbon and Caturra trees before farmers began harvesting and processing it separately. When ripe, its cherries turn a romantic shade of pink - though holding that color is exceptionally difficult. Cherry color is determined by recessive genes carried in the pollen: the hybridization involves pollen containing both the yellow genes that lean toward Yellow Bourbon and the red genes that lean toward Red Bourbon. Because all of these genes are recessive, they interfere with one another easily, which is what makes Pink Bourbon such a rare variety.

Cup Profile

Rare as it is, Pink Bourbon also delivers an exceptional cup. Unlike the relatively flat profile typical of Bourbon varieties, it offers fresh floral aromatics and the juicy sweetness of blueberries and green grapes. The mid-palate reveals cherry notes, and the finish settles into a brown-sugar sweetness. Its acidity is complex, combining citrus and berry character.

Brewing Guide

Recommended method: Pour-over

Dripper: Hario V60

Water temperature: 90°C

Dose: 15g

Coffee-to-water ratio: 1:16

Grind size: Medium-fine (58% pass-through on the China standard #20 sieve)

Technique: Segmented pouring

Start with a 34g bloom for 40 seconds. Using a gentle spiral pour, continue to 127g total, then pause for the first segmentation. When the water level drops and the coffee bed is about to be exposed, pour again up to 240g and stop. Remove the dripper once the level approaches the bed again. (Timing starts from the beginning of the bloom.) Total extraction time: 2'00".

Flavor Notes

In the cup: The first sip reveals citrus, berries, and cherry tomato. As the cup cools, caramel sweetness and subtle fermentation notes emerge, and the aftertaste brings florals with a nutty creaminess. The mouthfeel is smooth and clean.

FrontStreet Coffee Recommendation

Colombia offers far more than Pink Bourbon. If you want to explore the country's classic side, FrontStreet Coffee's Washed Huila is the essential reference: grown on the hilly terrain of Huila, the country's most famous specialty coffee region, this medium-dark roast brings out the sweet bitterness of dark chocolate and nuts with a mellow, full body - equally at home in a pour-over, French press, moka pot, or espresso machine.

For something bolder, try FrontStreet Coffee's Finca La Linea Sidra, processed as an anaerobic natural. Fermented in sealed, low-oxygen stainless tanks with controlled temperature, time, and pH, it transforms into intense tropical aromatics - passion fruit, grape, apricot, and dried fruit - with a medium-light roast that suits pour-over, cold brew, drip bags, or moka pot alike.