Pink Bourbon Coffee

The Pink Bourbon variety is rapidly increasing in popularity, securing a notable position within the competitive coffee industry. This rising trend enhances coffee diversity and offers more choices for coffee enthusiasts. Pink Bourbon has garnered significant attention due to its unique appearance and distinctive flavor, making it highly desirable in the specialty coffee scene.

Characteristics of Pink Bourbon

Appearance

One defining feature of Pink Bourbon beans is their delicate, pale pink color. This visually distinctive trait makes Pink Bourbon particularly eye-catching at coffee competitions and exhibitions.

Flavor Profile

Pink Bourbon typically exhibits vivid floral and fruity notes accompanied by a gentle sweetness. This unique flavor profile makes it highly sought after by baristas and coffee enthusiasts alike.

Origin and Background of Pink Bourbon

Information on the origins of Pink Bourbon is relatively scarce, limiting a comprehensive understanding of this distinctive variety. Unlike more established varieties such as Geisha, Pink Bourbon lacks thoroughly documented historical accounts. Nevertheless, it has gained traction among roasters and cafés in recent years, demonstrating the potential to reach similar prominence as Geisha and other high-value varieties.

The success of Pink Bourbon largely hinges on the diligent efforts of coffee growers and roasters, who consistently refine cultivation and processing methods to highlight its optimal flavor characteristics. Like Geisha, Pink Bourbon's unique profile positions it as a premium, specialty coffee variety, attracting attention from discerning coffee drinkers.

Pink Bourbon first emerged during the 1980s in San Adolfo, located in the Acevedo region of Huila, Colombia. While its precise origin remains uncertain, it began to spread due to its notable resistance to coffee leaf rust, robust adaptability to environmental conditions, and higher yields. These attributes were particularly appealing to farmers coping with coffee diseases and climate-related challenges.

Genetic Heritage and Controversy

A common assumption has been that Pink Bourbon resulted from a natural hybridization between Red and Yellow Bourbon varieties. However, recent studies challenge this theory, suggesting that Pink Bourbon may instead trace its lineage back to Ethiopian landrace varieties. Despite this intriguing hypothesis, scientific validation remains incomplete, necessitating further research to conclusively determine the genetic origins of Pink Bourbon.

Cultivating Pink Bourbon

Successfully cultivating Pink Bourbon is challenging, even under optimal environmental conditions. Producers must meticulously care for the plants and ensure isolation from other varieties to guarantee effective cross-pollination.

Pink Bourbon coffee cherries sometimes appear longer and thinner, resembling Gesha or Ethiopian landrace varieties, although rounder cherries are occasionally observed, likely due to higher altitude cultivation. A striking feature is their signature pale pinkish color—often appearing as a salmon or orange hue. Additionally, Pink Bourbon plants typically exhibit slender, light green or yellow-green leaves, with new foliage initially presenting an orange tint.

Sensory Experience of Pink Bourbon Coffee

Pink Bourbon draws attention not just for its vividly colored cherries but also for its sweet, complex taste. It usually presents pronounced acidity reminiscent of citrus fruits, delicate white floral notes, and a honey-like sweetness.

In terms of flavor, Pink Bourbon often resembles washed Ethiopian or Panamanian Gesha coffees, showcasing distinct floral notes, hints of pink lemonade, honeysuckle, and jasmine, complemented by an elegant, silky mouthfeel. This richly flavored coffee often reveals fruity characteristics such as peach, papaya, and melon, alongside additional floral tones including rose and jasmine, accented by subtle green tea notes. Balanced acidity and body further contribute to its delightful drinking experience, making Pink Bourbon a highly sought-after specialty coffee.