What difference does it make that my El Savador coffee is a red bourbon?
Inverness Coffee Roasting Co’s Coffee of the Month for March 2021 is El Salvador Tampagusto Red Bourbon.
While Tampagusto is the name of the farm on the West of El Salvador where the green beans are grown, Red Bourbon refers to the varietal.
But what is a varietal?
Like grapes to wine, there are different varieties of coffee bean giving rise to different characteristics in coffee which informs the taste profile of each coffee.
The two main coffee species are Arabica and Robusta. It used to be that the Arabica vs Robusta debate was simple: Arabica good, Robusta bad. But there is a growing debate on this.
When you’re drinking specialty, it will most probably be Arabica (although there are exceptions).
The Arabica bean is long and ovular and the resulting brew is aromatic and flavourful, with notes that can be described as floral, fruity, citrus, earthy, buttery, chocolate, caramel, honey, or sugar. The taste can also range from sweet to tangy, depending on where the bean is grown and how it is processed.
The robusta bean on the other hand is small and round but contains twice the amount of caffeine than arabica.
This video gives a good insight into arabica v robusta
Any naturally occurring subspecies of coffee is called a varietal, and any cultivated one a cultivar. These are your Bourbons, Caturras, Catimors, Catuais, Geishas, Pacamaras and many more!
How do dancing goats and priests fit into the history of coffee? You’ll need to check out “The Legend that is Coffee” to find out.
Any naturally occurring subspecies of coffee is called a varietal, and any cultivated one a cultivar. These are your Bourbons, Caturras, Catimors, Catuais, Geishas, Pacamaras and many more!
Each varietal has a different profile, so start taking notes of what you’re drinking. You’ll soon discover where your preferences lie.
Bourbon
As your March 21 Coffee of the month is a bourbon, we thought you might like to know a wee bit more about this varietal
Originating on the island of Bourbon, now known as Reunion Island. This Varietal is an early mutation from the Ethiopian Arabica species of which there are red, yellow and orange cherries. The bourbon varietal is known for its stunning complex but balanced flavours.
Yellow Bourbons have a substantial amount of fructose, creating a sweet and juicy cup, while Red and Pink Bourbons have a substantial amount of glucose, creating a silkier body and cup.
The Bourbon variety is dense, high in glucose, and with a complex chemical composition, it requires care during roasting. Roasters can manage this by controlling the temperature at the beginning of the roast, to develop the Bourbon’s sweet qualities and silky body – or the desired roast level.
Different brew methods will extract different qualities from this variety: The Chemex will create a clean cup that retains the Bourbon’s sweetness and complexity, while the French Press will enhance its silky and creamy body.
We’re passionate about the craft of roasting coffee beans by tasting and nurturing flavours that can be captured for our quality coffees! If you would like to order something that isn’t listed please get in touch.
