Colombia | La Muralla | Pink Bourbon Honey

The specialty coffee sector's fascination with new arabica varieties, evident in competitions, recently spotlighted the Pink Bourbon during the 2023 World Barista Championship. This variety, known for its subtle pink hue and intricate flavor profile, has garnered increasing interest. Despite limited verified information about its origins, Pink Bourbon has gained popularity among roasters and coffee shops.

Producers like Rodrigo Sanchez Valencia, from Finca Monteblanco, played a key role in discovering Pink Bourbon in southern Huila, Colombia, around 2013. While earlier claims suggested it was a hybrid of Red and Yellow Bourbon, recent research proposes Ethiopian landrace origins, though this remains unverified.

Growing Pink Bourbon poses challenges, demanding meticulous care and isolation for successful cultivation. Rodrigo highlights its resilience to diseases, while others note variations in susceptibility depending on terroir. Pink Bourbon, with its distinctive pink hue, stands out not only visually but also for its sweet, complex flavor profile, featuring citrus, floral, and honey-like notes.

Different processing methods, such as cold fermentation or anaerobic fermentation, enhance Pink Bourbon's unique characteristics. Rodrigo emphasizes the variety's adaptability to various techniques, while producers like Boram Um and Isaiah Sheese experiment with methods like anaerobic fermentation and thermal shock to elevate its flavor notes, contributing to its growing acclaim.

*Credit: https://perfectdailygrind.com/2023/10/pink-bourbon-specialty-coffee/