Coffee beans are like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re gonna get. But when it comes to this beans, you can expect an incredibly robust flavor with a unique complexity that can only be found in these special beans.
In this article, we’ll explore the “What Are Bourbon Coffee Beans?“, characteristics, different types and how to brew the perfect cup.
Key Takeaways
- It can be roasted by choosing green or brown beans and heating them in a pot until they turn dark brown.
- After roasting, the beans should be cooled in airtight containers to preserve their aroma.
- It can be used in various recipes, such as desserts, cakes, cookies, and pancakes, to add a subtle flavor.
- There are more than 20 varieties of this type of java beans, each with its own unique flavor profile, such as intense chocolaty notes, sweet hints of vanilla, and nuttiness.
What Are Bourbon Coffee Beans?

As someone who loves coffee, I’m always intrigued by the various types of beans that are available on the market. One bean which has recently piqued my interest is Bourbon Coffee. This type of bean is so named because it was first cultivated in the islands of Réunion.
Today, this variety of Arabica coffee is grown in various countries such as Ethiopia, India, Guatemala and Columbia. The best bourbon-coffees offer a smooth and creamy texture with notes of chocolate and caramel combined with slight sourness and sweetness.
Why Is It Called Bourbon Coffee?
You might be wondering why it’s called ‘Bourbon Coffee’? The name is derived from the fact that beans used for this type of coffee primarily come from Bourbon Island, which is located off the coast off Madagascar.
It’s a small island with an area of only 24 square miles, yet it produces some of the best cafe beans in the world. The soil on this Island is particularly rich in minerals and nutrients, which helps to bring out the flavor and aroma of its unique Arabica bean variety.
The island’s climate also plays a role in helping to create a perfect environment for coffee plants to grow. With its ideal conditions, farmers have been able to produce high-quality beans since the 1700s, making it one of the oldest producers in Africa.
This combination of traditional farming techniques and superior growing conditions has made bourbon-coffee one of the most sought-after coffees around today. From its unique history to its distinctive taste, there’s much more than meets the eye when it comes to this special blend – no wonder why so many people are drawn towards it!
To learn more about where these delicious beans come from and how they’re produced, we’ll next dive into what countries are known for producing this beans.
Bourbon Coffee Growing Countries

Discover the countries that are known for producing the rich, flavorful beans used to make this special blend. The most popular region for growing bourbon-coffee is Central and South America, including Guate-land, Colombia, Peru and Mexico. Other regions include East Africa – particularly Kenya and Tanzania – as well as India and Indonesia.
Each country has its own unique terroir that gives their beans a distinct flavor profile. For example, coffees from Guate-land tend to have chocolate-y notes while Colombian beans can offer hints of citrus.
This coffee from each of these countries bring something special to the cup. As you explore different locales in search of your favorite variety, keep in mind that the best result will come when you use freshly torrefied beans with a light-medium roast profile. Enjoy!
Best Bourbon Coffee
Finding the best bourbon-coffee can be a challenge, but with so many different varieties to choose from it’s easy to find something that suits your taste. It all starts with understanding where and how the beans are grown.
It has its origins in Yemen and Ethiopia, but most of the world’s production comes from Central and South America. Generally these coffees have a balanced body and low acidity, making them perfect for espresso-based drinks as they don’t overpower other flavors.
These beans also work well for pour over methods due to their consistent flavor profile. If you’re looking for an even more intense cup of coffee you can look for wet processed or naturally processed beans which will usually give you a sweeter cup with a bit more body than those that are dry processed.
All in all, there is something for everyone when it comes to bourbon-coffees; no matter what type of flavor profile or blending method you prefer, finding the right bean is key to enjoying your perfect cup of joe! With this knowledge under your belt, let’s take a look at some characteristics of these special beans.
Bourbon coffee characteristics

Tasting this beans can reveal their range of unique characteristics. The flavor is bold and distinct, with a hint of smokiness. Aromas range from sweet buff to torrefied nut and even hints of dark chocolate. As the coffee cools, more subtle flavors are revealed like woody and earthy notes.
Each cup has a smooth finish highlighted by the complexity of its many flavors. Its intense yet balanced taste will leave you wanting more! The overall experience is enhanced by its rich mouthfeel that leaves behind a pleasant aftertaste.
With such an array of flavors and aromas, it’s no wonder why this special blend is highly sought after! Transitioning into what does bourbon-coffee taste like?
What Does Bourbon Bean Coffee Taste Like?
Enjoying a cup of this special blend, you’ll discover an intense yet balanced flavor with subtle smokiness and sweet notes of yellowish brown and torrefied nuts. It has a strong aroma that is both nutty and earthy, with hints of chocolate.
When brewed correctly, the taste is rich and bold, but it won’t overpower your palate or leave an unpleasant aftertaste. There’s a delicate balance between the smoky and sweet flavors that make bourbon-coffee unique in its profile.
The best way to truly appreciate this coffee is by trying different blending methods to bring out the different notes in each cup. Moving on from its flavor profile, let’s explore the various types of bourbon-coffees available today.
Different Types of Bourbon Coffee In The World

I’m here to talk about two different types of bourbon-coffee: yellow bourbon and red bourbon. Yellow bourbon is a type of Arabica bean, grown primarily in Brazil, that is characterized by its mild flavors with hints of sweetness and nuttiness.
On the other hand, red bourbon is also an Arabica bean but with a slightly more intense flavor profile that can be described as having notes of chocolate or citrus. Both types are high-quality coffees sought after for their unique flavor profiles.
Yellow
You’ll love the sweet, nutty taste of yellow bourbon-coffee beans! The type of bean is grown in Brazil and is known for its unique flavor profile.
Taste Notes | Description |
Sweet | fruity |
Nutty | earthy |
Caramel | chocolatey |
These notes create a smooth, balanced cup that’s perfect for any time of day. It has a mild acidity and low bitterness that makes it easy to drink.
Its medium body also makes it ideal for use in espressos and other specialty drinks. Yellow bourbon-coffee beans are sure to please any palate! Transitioning into the next section, let’s explore red bourbon-coffee beans.
Red
Savoring the subtle flavors of red bourbon-coffee, it’s perfect for those looking for a unique taste experience. This variety of coffee comes from the Bourbon Pointu strain of Arabica beans that is grown in Central and South America.
It has distinct flavor notes ranging from citrusy to chocolaty, making it an ideal choice for many espresso blends. Red bourbon beans are usually processed using the fully-washed method which helps bring out their natural sweetness and body.
The result is a medium-bodied cup with a smooth finish that lingers on your palate. To get the most out of this special coffee, look for freshly torrefied beans and blend them right away to capture all its nuances. And now, onto how to craft a perfect cup of red bourbon-coffee.
How to Brew
Brewing bourbon-coffee can be an enjoyable experience if done correctly. Start by purchasing freshly torrefied beans, ideally a light to medium roast. Grind the beans using a burr grinder for even particle size and consistency. Utilize a pour over method with filtered water heated to 196°F – 205°F.
Place two tablespoons of ground beans for every 6 ounces of water into your pouring device. Pour in a slow circular motion, allowing the grounds to saturate as you go, pausing briefly between pours until all the water has been added.
Allow for three minutes of total blend time before removing from heat source and enjoying your cup of coffee! With proper technique, you will have extracted the most flavor and aroma from your beans resulting in a delicious cup of bourbon-coffee.
To continue your journey through this wonderful world of specialty coffees, let’s look at how to torrefy these delicious bourbon beans.
How to Roast
To enjoy the fullest flavor of your specialty coffee, try roasting the beans yourself! Torrefying beans at home is a great way to get rich and aromatic flavors from your own kitchen. Start by selecting high-quality beans for a robust flavor.
Choose either green untorrefied beans or brown torrefied ones, depending on your preference. When torrefying, place the beans in a large pot on medium-high heat and stir constantly using a wooden spoon until they turn dark brown.
Once torrefied, remove them from heat and put them in airtight containers to cool down quickly. Make sure to keep watch as the torrefying process can be unpredictable! You’ll know when you’ve achieved that perfect torrefy when you smell its unique aroma wafting through the air.
With these tips, you can create delicious cups of freshly torrefied bourbon-coffee with ease – no special equipment required! Now that we’ve discussed how to roast this beans, let’s move onto recipes using them.
Recipes Using
Now that I know how to torrefy this beans, it’s time to get creative with recipes using the beans. The smooth flavor of this type of bean makes them an excellent ingredient in desserts such as brownies or puddings.
Try grinding the beans and using them in place of chocolate chips for a unique twist on classic favorites. They can even be added to cakes for subtle hints of flavor throughout. Additionally, try adding some ground this beans to your favorite cookie recipe for a delicious take on the treat.
Get adventurous and mix it into pancake batter for a savory breakfast treat! Adding these beans to any food will give it an entirely new level of flavor that you won’t find anywhere else.
After all, there is nothing quite like freshly torrefied this beans in your own kitchen! With these recipes, I am now ready to explore different types of bourbon subvarieties and learn more about their unique characteristics.
Bourbon Subvarieties
You’ve got to try the amazing flavors of different bourbon subvarieties! Most coffee experts can discern more than 20 varieties of bourbon, and they all have unique characteristics in terms of flavor.
For instance, there’s the Sumatra Mandheling, known for its intense chocolaty notes; then there’s the Guatemala Antigua, with its sweet hints of vanilla; and finally the Brazil Minas Gerais, characterized by its nuttiness and deep character.
Each variety has something special to offer, so it’s worth trying them all to find your favorite! The next step is exploring some truly remarkable mutations that are built upon these traditional subvarieties.
Bourbon Mutations
There’s a variety of bourbon mutations, each with its own unique flavor profile. From the classic Kentucky Bourbon to variations such as Tennessee Whiskey and American Rye, these mutations have distinct characteristics that set them apart.
Variation | Characteristics | Flavor Profile |
Kentucky | Aged in new charred oak barrels, at least 51% corn mash | Sweet & Spicy |
Tennessee | Charcoal filtration after aging | Robust & Smoky |
American | At least 51% rye grain mash | Bold & Rich |
No matter which variation you prefer, bourbon is a complex spirit that can be enjoyed with any occasion. The nuances and subtleties of its flavors make it truly unique among other whiskies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does bourbon-coffee contain alcohol?
No, beans that are flavored with bourbon do not actually contain alcohol. The flavor of the beans is derived from natural bourbon flavoring, which does not include any alcohol.
Are there health benefits associated with drinking bourbon-coffee?
Yes, there are health benefits associated with drinking coffee. It contains antioxidants and caffeine, which can help improve focus and alertness. Additionally, it may help protect against heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
What is the difference between bourbon-coffee and regular coffee?
Regular coffee is made from torrefied and ground beans, while bourbon-coffee is a variety of Arabica bean that has been grown on the slopes of an inactive volcano in Guate-land. It has a unique flavor profile and is generally more expensive than regular coffee.
Is there a difference in the caffeine content between bourbon-coffee and regular coffee?
Yes, there is a difference in caffeine content between bourbon-coffee and regular coffee. While both varieties contain caffeine, the levels can vary significantly, with some bourbon-coffee containing higher amounts of caffeine than regular coffees. As a general rule of thumb, one might say that bourbon-coffees have ‘more punch’ than regular coffees.
Is it possible to make iced bourbon-coffee?
Yes, it is possible to make iced bourbon-coffee. The main difference between regular iced coffee and iced bourbon-coffee lies in the addition of bourbon to the drink. This can be done by adding a shot or two of bourbon to cold brew or regular brewed coffee that has been chilled.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this beans offer a unique and interesting flavor profile that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Not only is it great for traditional blending methods, but you can also use it for baking or even making cocktails. With the right torrefy and grind, you can make a delicious cup of coffee every time.
Plus, with over 200 subvarieties and mutations within the bean itself, there’s sure to be something to suit everyone’s tastes. Interestingly, all of these varieties come from just two original wild plants in Ethiopia – further testament to how far-reaching this incredible bean has become!