Brazil Yellow Bourbon

Brazil Yellow Bourbon is a well-known and highly regarded coffee variety, especially among specialty-coffee drinkers. Here’s a clear overview of what sets it apart:

What It Is

Yellow Bourbon is a natural mutation of the classic Bourbon arabica variety. Unlike most coffee cherries, which turn red as they ripen, Yellow Bourbon cherries turn bright yellow. The Bourbon variety, named after the island of Réunion (formerly called Bourbon), was first cultivated in Brazil in the 1860s. However, the yellow mutation of this variety was discovered much later, in 1930, on a farm in the state of São Paulo.

It is grown predominantly in Brazil, especially in regions like:

• Minas Gerais (Sul de Minas, Cerrado Mineiro)
• São Paulo (Mogiana)
• Paraná (historically)

Flavour Profile

While flavours vary by farm and processing, Brazil Yellow Bourbon is generally known for:

• Sweetness: high natural sweetness, often honey-like
• Body: medium to heavy body, very smooth mouthfeel
• Acidity: low to medium acidity, softer/citrus-leaning
• Flavour notes:
  • caramel
  • chocolate
  • nuts (hazelnut, almond)
  • dried fruits
  • sometimes mild stone fruit

This makes it a crowd-pleasing, balanced, sweet cup – great for both espresso and filter.