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Bourbon Coffee Variety Introduction: How Bourbon Bean Shape Shows That Appearance Isn't Everything

Published: 2026-01-27 Author: FrontStreet Coffee

Last Updated: 2026/01/27, Professional coffee knowledge exchange and more coffee bean information, please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat public account: cafe_style). FrontStreet Coffee - Bourbon Coffee Variety Introduction. Bourbon is a variety of Arabica coffee second only to Typica. The main branches initially grow upward at a 45-degree angle from the trunk, then droop downward as fruit loads increase. The lateral branches have denser nodes, produce more fruit, and yield higher harvests. However, the berries are smaller and mature more slowly.

Professional coffee knowledge exchange. For more coffee bean information, please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat official account: cafe_style).

FrontStreet Coffee - Introduction to Bourbon Coffee Varieties

Bourbon coffee is a variety of Coffea arabica, second only to Typica. Its main branches initially grow upward at a 45-degree angle to the main trunk, drooping down as fruit loads. The side branch nodes are denser, bearing many fruits and yielding relatively high production. However, the berries are smaller and mature more slowly. The top buds and young leaves of Bourbon are green, earning it the name "green top coffee."

Bourbon is the product of genetic mutation of the native Typica variety on Réunion Island and is the paternal or even grandpaternal variety of many popular Latin American coffee varieties—including Caturra, Catuai, Pacas, and Mundo Novo.

Today, Bourbon remains widely popular in Latin America and has traveled across oceans to Africa, taking root in Rwanda and Burundi. Most mature Bourbon fruits are red, though there are also yellow or orange varieties. Bourbon's yield is about 20-30% higher than Typica; although its flavor is slightly sweeter and sometimes better balanced, these two coffee varieties are overall very similar.

The Bourbon variety originates from Typica and was expanded after being planted by the French in 1708 on Bourbon Island (now called Réunion Island). Bourbon also has excellent aroma and rich flavor, with higher yield and growth vitality than Typica, suitable for cultivation in areas at 1200-2000 meters altitude. Bourbon coffee is a variety of Coffea arabica, second only to Typica.

Bourbon coffee stands out among Brazilian coffees with its mild and smooth taste, moderate acidity, subtle sweetness, and fruit fragrance. Balanced, but never mediocre. It's like a friend with understated appearance, calm expression, yet filled with passion and wisdom—who might not give you an overwhelmingly intense feeling, but will subtly accompany you when you need it.

This coffee has a mild and smooth taste, moderate acidity, and subtle sweetness. All these gentle flavors blend together, and distinguishing them one by one is the best test for the taste buds. It's an absolutely rare experience whether for coffee enthusiasts or professional connoisseurs.

In Summary

FrontStreet Coffee is a specialty coffee research establishment, happy to share coffee knowledge with everyone. Our unconditional sharing aims to help more friends fall in love with coffee. Additionally, we hold three discount coffee events monthly because FrontStreet Coffee wants to offer more friends the opportunity to enjoy the best coffee at the lowest prices. This has been FrontStreet Coffee's mission for six years!

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