What is the Yellow Bourbon coffee varietal?

Yellow Bourbon is a colour variant of Bourbon characterised by yellow-coloured ripe cherries - the result of reduced anthocyanin expression, the same pigment that produces the red colouration in standard Bourbon.

Primarily associated with Brazil, where it's widely grown alongside Red Bourbon, particularly in Minas Gerais. It was historically misidentified as lower quality, but selective improvement work - especially by the IAC - produced Yellow Bourbon selections that cup well. Some of Brazil's most celebrated naturals and pulped naturals are Yellow Bourbon lots.

In the cup: sweetness, round body, mild acidity consistent with the Bourbon family. Well-processed Yellow Bourbon from Cerrado or Sul de Minas produces clean, approachable lots with caramel and fruit-forward notes. It's a variety that rewards processing care - the best Yellow Bourbon lots show why Brazil can compete seriously in specialty, not just commercially.