Have you ever tried Yellow Bourbon coffee? It's a special type of coffee, a variety of Arabica, that's making waves in the coffee world. In this guide, we'll explore what makes Yellow Bourbon coffee so unique and why you might want to try it. By the end, you'll be eager to taste this amazing coffee for yourself!
Where Does Yellow Bourbon Come From?
Yellow Bourbon coffee has an interesting history.
The Bourbon variety itself traces back to the 18th century on Île Bourbon (now Réunion Island), situated east of Madagascar. French missionaries introduced coffee plants from Yemen to this island, leading to the development of the Bourbon variety.
In the mid-19th century, Brazil, already a major coffee producer, sought to diversify its coffee cultivars. An emissary was dispatched to Réunion Island to acquire seeds of the Bourbon variety, which were then propagated in Brazil. The Yellow Bourbon emerged as a natural mutation within these plantations. Notably, in 1930, a Yellow Bourbon plant was discovered on a Red Bourbon farm near Pederneiras, São Paulo. This mutation is believed to be a result of cross-pollination between Red Bourbon and Yellow Botucatu, another yellow-fruited mutation of Typica.
Today, Yellow Bourbon is predominantly cultivated in Brazil, especially in the states of Minas Gerais and São Paulo. Its distinct flavor profile—characterized by natural sweetness, balanced acidity, and notes often reminiscent of caramel and nuts—makes it highly esteemed among coffee enthusiasts.
What's Special About Yellow Bourbon?
- Yellow Bourbon is different from other coffees in a few ways:
- It has yellow coffee cherries instead of red ones
- It tastes sweet, like caramel
- It has a smooth, velvety feel in your mouth
- You might taste hints of honey and nuts
- Compared to other coffees, Yellow Bourbon is often smoother and cleaner tasting, but still rich and sweet
Yellow Bourbon Around the World
While Yellow Bourbon started in Brazil, it's now grown in other places too. Each place adds its own special touch to how the coffee tastes.
Colombia: High Mountain Coffee
In Colombia, Yellow Bourbon grows in high mountain areas. This makes the coffee taste a bit different:
- It's a bit more acidic (in a good way!)
- You might taste fruity flavors
- It still has that sweet caramel taste
- Some people say they can taste a hint of citrus or stone fruits
Yellow Bourbon isn't very common in Indonesia, which makes it extra special. At Koro, we're excited to offer a rare Indonesian Yellow Bourbon. Continue reading if you want to know more!
What makes Indonesian Yellow Bourbon so special:
- It’s very rare
- Indonesian climate makes it very difficult to grow this variety
- Because of its distinguished flavor, Indonesian Yellow bourbon is an interesting coffee that allows to see the effects of terroir on the beans
- It’s grown mostly in Sumatra and West Java, usually naturally processed
- It was introduced in Indonesia also thanks to the collaboration of institutions such as the IPB University
Growing Yellow Bourbon: Challenges and Solutions
Growing Yellow Bourbon isn't always easy. It can get sick from something called coffee leaf rust. This fungal disease thrives in warm and humid conditions, making it pervasive in regions like Latin America, Brazil and Indonesia, especially with climate change.
But farmers are working hard to keep the plants healthy:
- They space the plants carefully
- They use special farming techniques such like copper based fungicides and pruning
- Some farmers grow the coffee in the shade of other trees
Researchers are also trying to make Yellow Bourbon plants stronger against diseases while keeping their great taste, yet Yellow Bourbon is still more vulnerable than hybrids such like Catimor.
Common Mix-Ups About Yellow Bourbon
Let's clear up some things people often get wrong about Yellow Bourbon:
- It's not the same as Yellow Caturra, which is more common in Indonesia. Yellow Catura is a much smaller coffee plant with bright citrus notes.
- The yellow color comes from the plant's gene variation (the same gene, “Xanthocarpa”, that also makes Pink and Red Bourbon distinguished), not from adding anything to the coffee.
- Yellow Bourbon is a variety of Arabica, not its own species.
- It's not related to bourbon whiskey - "Bourbon" just refers to where it first came from.
- Yellow Bourbon can taste different depending on where it's grown.
At Koro, we're proud to offer two special Yellow Bourbon coffees:
- "El Bombo Yellow Bourbon" from Colombia
- "Ijen Lestari" Yellow Bourbon from East Java, Indonesia
Here's why our Yellow Bourbon is special:
- Great Quality: We choose the best farms to get our coffee from.
- Unique Flavors: Each of our Yellow Bourbons has its own special taste.
- Responsible Farming: We support farmers who care for the environment.
- Always Fresh: We roast the coffee just for you when you order.
At Koro, we believe that coffee flavor comes from more than just the type of plant. The place where it's grown (terroir) and how it's processed (craft) are just as important. That's why our Yellow Bourbons, even though they're the same variety, can taste quite different from each other.
Don't miss this chance to try something really special. Order our Yellow Bourbon today and taste the difference!
Wrapping Up: Your Chance to Taste Something Special
Yellow Bourbon coffee is more than just a drink. It's a taste of history and careful farming. From its beginnings on a faraway island to becoming a favorite of coffee experts, Yellow Bourbon continues to impress coffee lovers everywhere.
By choosing our Yellow Bourbon, you're not just buying coffee. You're getting a taste of quality, responsible farming, and amazing flavors. Don't let another day go by without trying Yellow Bourbon.
Ready to join other coffee lovers who have discovered Yellow Bourbon? Your perfect cup is waiting!