Pink Bourbon – New potential of the specialty coffee world
Pink Bourbon is a newly emerging Arabica coffee variety that has gained recognition in the specialty coffee community recently. It featured in the finals of the 2023 World Barista Championship, helping Boram Um secure the championship title. So, what advantages or unique characteristics does Pink Bourbon offer in terms of flavor?
True Origin of Pink Bourbon
The exact origin of Pink Bourbon remains uncertain, according to industry research. Rodrigo, producer and owner of Aromas del Sur, stated that the Aromas del Sur team discovered Pink Bourbon in 2013. They believe it first appeared in the San Adolfo area of Acevedo, Huila, in the 1980s and originated from southern Huila, Colombia. Many sources also suggest that Pink Bourbon is a natural hybrid of Red Bourbon and Yellow Bourbon. However, in late September 2023, Café Imports published a report claiming that genetic testing, conducted in collaboration with RD2 Vision, indicates that Pink Bourbon may originate from a native Ethiopian variety.
Unique Biological Characteristics of Pink Bourbon
Pink Bourbon stands out for its unique biological traits. Its leaves are long and come in light green or yellow-green colors. The coffee cherries are distinctively colored from orange to pink-orange, making them easily recognizable. Notably, Pink Bourbon is resilient, high-yielding, and has significant potential for both quality and flavor. It also shows strong resistance to coffee leaf rust and adapts well to its environment.
Despite its advantages, Pink Bourbon faces challenges from other diseases and fungi. Additionally, it requires careful cultivation and must be isolated from other varieties to ensure successful cross-pollination and maintain purity. Therefore, it is often grown in tightly controlled environments, particularly on high-altitude farms, where ideal conditions can enhance flavor and quality to specialty coffee standards.
Flavor Profile of Pink Bourbon
Many producers appreciate Pink Bourbon for its rich flavor characteristics, comparable to premium coffee varieties. They agree that it exhibits high acidity and diverse flavor notes. Depending on the growing region, it may feature sweet notes of tropical fruits (like peach, papaya, and melon) alongside delicate floral aromas (such as jasmine, rose, and green tea). Furthermore, the coffee has a smooth texture and achieves nearly perfect balance in body and acidity, making it pleasant to drink.
Unlocking the Potential of Pink Bourbon through Processing Techniques
Pink Bourbon cherries contain higher sugar levels compared to other varieties, making them stand out when using different processing methods. During the World Barista Championship, Isaiah showcased Pink Bourbon provided by producer Lucy Galindez from Finca Bella Vista, Colombia. The coffee was processed by Diego Bermudez of Finca El Paraiso, known for his shock fermentation technique. Isaiah noted that tasting Pink Bourbon processed with Diego’s two-stage shock fermentation elevated the coffee’s flavors to an astonishing level.
According to some producers, anaerobic fermentation techniques can best highlight Pink Bourbon’s flavor profiles, with proper drying of the coffee cherries being crucial. Many believe that Pink Bourbon could develop a similar potential to Gesha in the specialty coffee sector.
Conclusion
The world of coffee is vast, filled with wonders yet to be discovered. Pink Bourbon, like any other coffee variety, possesses unique traits and charm. Each mystery may hold a unique potential worth exploring. If you want to experience the exciting flavors of specialty coffee, visit XLIII Coffee – a brand developed from the former 43 Factory Coffee Roaster!
Related Questions
1. What is the origin of Pink Bourbon according to the latest research?
According to a Café Imports article from September 2023, genetic testing with RD2 Vision suggests that Pink Bourbon may originate from a native Ethiopian variety.
2. What are the standout biological characteristics of Pink Bourbon?
Pink Bourbon has long leaves in light green or yellow-green, and cherries that range from orange to pink-orange. It is resilient, high-yielding, and resistant to leaf rust.
3. Why does Pink Bourbon require careful cultivation and controlled environments?
Pink Bourbon is susceptible to diseases and fungi, necessitating careful handling and isolation from other varieties to ensure successful cross-pollination and maintain purity.
4. What are the distinctive flavor notes of Pink Bourbon?
Pink Bourbon features high acidity and diverse flavor notes, including sweet tropical fruits like peach and papaya, as well as delicate floral aromas like jasmine and rose, with a smooth texture and perfect balance.
5. What potential does Pink Bourbon have in the specialty coffee field?
Many producers believe Pink Bourbon could develop potential similar to Gesha, especially when utilizing advanced processing techniques to fully unlock its distinctive flavors.