Premium Coffee Variety

Yellow & Red
Bourbon

Discover the exceptional quality and rich heritage of Yellow and Red Bourbon coffee varieties, cultivated in the pristine highlands of Baoshan, Yunnan Province.

Yellow and Red Bourbon Coffee Cherries
1800m
Altitude
85+
Cup Score

Bourbon Variety Knowledge

Understanding the genetic heritage and unique characteristics that make Bourbon coffee one of the world's most prized varieties

Genetic Heritage

Bourbon coffee is one of the oldest and most important Coffea arabica cultivars, originating from the island of Bourbon (now Réunion) in the Indian Ocean. This variety represents a natural mutation of the original Typica variety brought by the French in the early 18th century.

The Yellow and Red Bourbon varieties we cultivate in Baoshan are distinguished by their cherry color at maturity. Red Bourbon is the traditional form, while Yellow Bourbon is a natural color mutation that often produces sweeter, more complex flavors.

Origin
Bourbon Island
Species
Coffea arabica
Bourbon Coffee Plant Genetics

Quality Traits

Exceptional cup quality with complex flavor profiles, natural sweetness, and balanced acidity that makes Bourbon highly sought after.

Yield Characteristics

Moderate to high yield potential with consistent production, though generally lower than commercial varieties but higher quality.

Adaptability

Excellent adaptation to high-altitude environments, thriving in the unique terroir of Yunnan's mountainous regions.

Cultivation & Processing

Our meticulous approach to growing and processing Bourbon varieties ensures optimal flavor development and quality consistency

Cultivation Methods

1

Shade Growing

Cultivated under native shade trees at 1200-1800m altitude, creating optimal microclimates for slow cherry maturation and complex flavor development.

2

Organic Practices

Sustainable farming methods using organic fertilizers, natural pest control, and soil conservation techniques to maintain ecosystem balance.

3

Selective Harvesting

Hand-picking only fully ripe cherries during multiple harvest passes, ensuring optimal sugar content and flavor concentration.

Bourbon Coffee Cultivation

Processing Methods

Washed Process

Our primary method for Yellow and Red Bourbon, highlighting the variety's inherent clarity and brightness.

  • • Immediate pulping within 6 hours of harvest
  • • 12-24 hour fermentation in mountain spring water
  • • Sun-drying on raised beds for 10-15 days
  • • Careful moisture monitoring to 11-12%

Natural Process

Specialty lots processed naturally to enhance the variety's natural sweetness and body.

  • • Whole cherry drying on African beds
  • • Regular turning every 2 hours during daylight
  • • 3-4 week drying period with weather protection
  • • Enhanced fruit-forward flavor profiles
Coffee Processing Methods

Global Market Performance

Bourbon varieties have shown exceptional market performance and growing demand among specialty coffee roasters worldwide

Market Trends 2020-2024

Demand Growth +35%
Price Premium +28%
Export Volume +42%

Key Export Markets

North America 45%
Europe 35%
Asia-Pacific 20%

Quality Recognition

Cup Score Average 85.2
Awards Won 12
Certifications 5

Recent Performance Highlights

2024

Best Yunnan Coffee Award

87.5

Highest Cup Score Achieved

250%

Production Increase Since 2020

15

Countries Exported To

Bourbon in Baoshan

The remarkable journey of Bourbon varieties in Yunnan's Baoshan region, from introduction to becoming a world-class specialty coffee

Baoshan Coffee History

Historical Timeline

1950s

First introduction of coffee cultivation to Baoshan region through agricultural development programs.

1980s

Introduction of Bourbon varieties from Central and South America, recognizing Baoshan's ideal growing conditions.

2000s

Expansion of Bourbon cultivation and development of processing expertise, establishing quality standards.

2010-Present

Recognition as premium specialty coffee origin, with Bourbon varieties leading export quality and market recognition.

Geographic Distribution

Our Bourbon varieties are cultivated across three main regions within Baoshan, each offering unique terroir characteristics that contribute to distinct flavor profiles.

Lujiang Valley
1200-1500m • 45% of production
Changning Highlands
1400-1700m • 35% of production
Tengchong Mountains
1500-1800m • 20% of production

Cultivation Impact

The introduction and success of Bourbon varieties has transformed Baoshan into one of China's premier coffee regions, supporting local communities and establishing international recognition.

2,500
Farming Families
8,000
Hectares Cultivated
65%
Bourbon Varieties
40+
Years Experience

Flavor Profile & Characteristics

Discover the distinctive taste characteristics that make our Yellow and Red Bourbon varieties exceptional choices for specialty coffee applications

Red Bourbon

Red Bourbon Coffee

Flavor Notes

Dark Chocolate Red Fruits Caramel Nutty

Characteristics

Body Full & Rich
Acidity Balanced & Bright
Sweetness Brown Sugar
Finish Long & Complex

Yellow Bourbon

Yellow Bourbon Coffee

Flavor Notes

Honey Citrus Vanilla Floral

Characteristics

Body Medium & Silky
Acidity Vibrant & Clean
Sweetness Natural Honey
Finish Elegant & Lingering

Professional Cupping Scores

8.5
Aroma
Fragrant & Complex
8.7
Flavor
Rich & Distinctive
8.3
Acidity
Bright & Balanced
8.6
Body
Full & Smooth
85.2
Overall
Specialty Grade

Physical Characteristics

Understanding the physical attributes of our Bourbon varieties, from plant morphology to bean specifications

Plant Characteristics

Tree Structure

Medium to tall stature (2.5-3.5m), with robust branching and dense foliage providing excellent cherry protection.

Leaf Morphology

Large, dark green leaves with pronounced veining and wavy edges, optimized for photosynthesis at high altitudes.

Cherry Development

Larger cherry size compared to Typica, with distinct color development - deep red or bright yellow at full maturity.

Bourbon Plant Characteristics

Bean Specifications

Coffee Bean Specifications
Screen Size 16-18
Shape Oval
Density High
Moisture 11-12%

Quality Metrics

Quality Control
Defect Rate <2%
Uniformity 95%+
Water Activity 0.55-0.60
Bulk Density 650-700 kg/m³

Processing Results

Processed Coffee Beans
Yield Ratio 18-20%
Color Blue-Green
Hardness SHB
Preparation European

Experience Baoshan Bourbon

Partner with BeanoCoffee to bring the exceptional quality of our Yellow and Red Bourbon varieties to your customers. Professional sourcing, reliable supply chain, and uncompromising quality standards.

Premium Quality
85+ Cup Score Guarantee
Sustainable
Organic & Fair Trade Certified
Reliable
Year-Round Supply Chain

Ready to Start Your Bourbon Journey?

For Wholesale Inquiries

cathy@beanocoffee.com
+86 13795308071

Technical Support

Baoshan, Yunnan Province, China