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What springs to mind when "Pink Bourbon" is mentioned? Casual coffee lovers may not realize that the bright yet elegant sounding name belongs to an equally bright and elegant type of coffee.
Read below for more on the rare coffee type Pink Bourbon, written by our very own Certified Coffee Expert, Reza Mehrad:
Genetic Background & Origin
Pink Bourbon is an Arabica variety first documented in Southern Hulla, Colombia (Acevedo district) in the 1980s. A local farmer called it "Bourbon Rosado" when he noticed its salmon-pink cherries growing among Red and Yellow Bourbon plants. Decades later, modern genetics overturned this assumption: DNA testing showed that Pink Bourbon is not a Bourbon hybrid at all but most closely related to wild Ethiopian Arabicas. Its exact lineage remains partly mysterious - likely an Ethiopian landrace that traveled to Colombia -- but the name "Pink Bourbon" has stuck for its distinctive cherry colour and Bourbon-like cup.
Cultivation & Agronomic Traits
- Growing Regions: Cultivated primarily in Hulla (Colombia) at high altitudes (~1,600 - 1,800 m). Small trial lots also appear in Brazil and Guatemala, but total acreage is still quite limited.
- Rust Resistance & Yield: When coffee leaf rust hit Colombia, Pink Bourbon survived well -- making it attractive for its resilience and notably higher yields.
- Plant Characteristics: Trees need strict isolation from other varieties to ensure pure self-pollination. New growth often shows an orange tint, and leaves are elongated with a yellow-green hue. Cherries ripen to a pale salmon shade instead of a bright red.
- Processing Flexibility: With high sugar (Brix) content, Pink Bourbon cherries ferment easily and respond well to advanced processing (honey, anaerobic, cold ferment, etc.).
- Disease Notes: Some producers report few problems, but others find it susceptible to pests and fungi, so careful management is recommended.
Cup Profile & Sensory Characteristics
Pink Bourbon brews into a bright, floral, and complex coffee.
- Aromatics: Jasmine, rose, honeysuckle.
- Acidity: Lively, often citrus or pink-grapefruit.
- Sweetness: Natural honeyed notes with a silky body.
- Flavour Notes: Peach, papaya, melon, tropical fruits, and pink lemonade, finishing with jasmine and green tea.
The profile is often compared to washed Ethiopian or Gesha coffees: refreshing, elegant, and layered with fruit-forward acidity balanced by delicate florals.
Specialty Competitions & Recognition
Pink Bourbon has become a competition favourite. In the 2022 Colombia Cup of Excellence, multiple Pink Bourbon lots ranked in the TOp 10, outperforming even Geshas. At the 2023 World Barista Championship, both the champion and several finalists used Pink Bourbon in their routines. This trend continues, with Pink Bourbon frequently showcased on the global stage for its clarity, complexity, and standout flavours.
Industry Impact & Export Markets
Today, Pink Bourbon is a high-value specialty export. Supply remains very limited -- produced mainly in micro-lots -- but demand from international roasters is strong. Coffees labeled as Pink Bourbon often fetch premium prices in specialty markets, reflecting both their rarity and their award-winning reputation. Global importers now seek it regularly, and industry organizations are studying it further to understand its genetics and potential. In short: Pink Bourbon has moved from Colombian hillsides into the global spotlight, prized for its mystery lineage, resilient cultivation, and extraordinary cup quality.
