Coffee culture

Characteristics and Flavor Profile of Brazilian Yellow Bourbon Coffee Beans: Grinding Scale, Processing Method, Origin, Region, and Variety

Published: 2026-01-27 Author: FrontStreet Coffee
Last Updated: 2026/01/27, The Bourbon variety is a branch of the Arabica species. In addition to Yellow Bourbon, there are Red Bourbon, Orange Bourbon, and others (including Catuai, Catimor, etc.). The Bourbon variety originally referred to coffee grown on Bourbon Island and Ethiopia, characterized by its cultivation at high altitudes.

FrontStreet Coffee Brazilian Yellow Bourbon Coffee Beans: Characteristics, Flavor, Grind Settings, Processing Method, Origin, and Variety

Bourbon is a variety within the Arabica species. Besides Yellow Bourbon, there are also Red Bourbon and Orange Bourbon (along with Catuai and Catimor, among others). Bourbon originally referred to coffee grown on Bourbon Island and Ethiopia, with an altitude of approximately 800-1900 meters being most suitable for Bourbon coffee cultivation. Yellow Bourbon has relatively low yields but superior quality. Today, most Yellow Bourbon available in China comes from Brazil and El Salvador.

The typical characteristics of Bourbon variety include low body, overall balanced flavor, and distinct fruity sweetness, making it a personal favorite coffee variety.

Product Details

Product Name: FrontStreet Coffee Brazilian Cerrado Yellow Bourbon

Origin: Cerrado

Variety: Yellow Bourbon

Processing Method: Natural

Flavor: Light citrus fruit notes, rich cashew-like nutty aroma, chocolate sweetness

Palate: Sweet, gentle, and smooth fruit acidity, with a thick and sweet mouthfeel

Default Roast Level: Medium roast

Overall, at this roast level (judging by the color, similar to second crack or dense second crack, medium-dark roast), both varieties display quite distinct sweetness with low acidity, exhibiting that characteristic balanced flavor of Brazilian beans. The base notes are deep, lacking the light and clean qualities of African beans, yet offering greater depth and persistence. When comparing the two, Yellow Sweet has a more centered flavor profile, while its body and thickness are somewhat higher than Yellow Bourbon.

Although many people say that despite Brazil's massive coffee production, the quality is generally average, suitable only as a base for canned and commercial coffee blends, in recent years Brazilians have increasingly focused on cultivating specialty beans. High-quality specialty Yellow Bourbon has emerged as a result, achieving impressive results in cupping competitions in recent years.

Some estates in the Cerrado region of Minas Gerais state in southeastern Brazil grow ancient Bourbon coffee varieties. These estates, such as Capin Branco and Vista Allegre, also sell their old Bourbon variety coffees on the market. Although from the same region, each coffee has its distinct characteristics. Capin Branco coffee has a smoother mouthfeel than Vista Allegre coffee, while Vista Allegre coffee is strong and dark, both with low acidity. However, like all Brazilian coffees, they are best enjoyed when fresh, as they become more acidic with age.

Brazilian Yellow Bourbon Coffee Beans

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