Pink Bourbon: a Colombian Specialty Coffee Like No Other

Published On: January 31, 2024

The realm of specialty coffee is dynamic and always evolving, with coffee aficionados constantly on the lookout for new flavours to captivate their taste buds. In this continual exploration of specialty coffee, it comes as no surprise that coffee competitions often become an incubator for the emergence of distinctive and alluring coffee varieties. 


This is exactly what happened at the 2023 World Barista Championships. 


During the final round of the competition, two finalists used the Pink Bourbon varietal in their brewing. Known for its slight pinkish hue and unique flavour profile, there has been burgeoning interest in this varietal, but its debut at the 2023 Championships thrust it into international spotlight. 


Origin of Pink Bourbon

Like many other new or “rediscovered” arabica varieties, the exact origins of Pink Bourbon are veiled in mystery. However, Rodrigo Sanchez Valencia, a producer at Finca Monteblanco and Aromas del Sur, is often credited for helping to discover the Pink Bourbon varietal. 

According to him, Pink Bourbon is believed to be native to Southern Huila in Colombia. First appearing in the San Adolfo area of the Acevedo municipality in the 1980s, coffee producers began to favour this variety due to its resistance to the coffee leaf rust (la roya) disease.

Fun fact: Contrary to popular belief, Pink Bourbon isn’t a hybrid of the Red and Yellow Bourbon varieties. In a study by Café Imports and RD2 Vision, genetic testing has shown that Pink Bourbon likely has its roots in an Ethiopian landrace variety.

Challenges of cultivating Pink Bourbon

Cultivating Pink Bourbon successfully is no mean feat. Even in optimal conditions, producers need to meticulously maintain plants and keep them isolated from other varieties to ensure successful pollination. 

The experience of growing Pink Bourbon also differs by region. While Rodrigo, based in Colombia, praises the varietal’s resilience and productivity, its growth in Brazil is vastly different.

The 2023 World Barista Champion, Boram Um, who used Pink Bourbon from his farm in Brazil in his winning routine, states that the varietal is very susceptible to certain diseases and fungi. Thus, he had to take pains to grow his Pink Bourbon in a safe and controlled environment. 

A sparkling flavour profile

As mentioned above, one of the varietal’s most distinctive traits is its slightly pinkish hue, with the cherries appearing a striking salmon colour. 

Pink Bourbon boasts a unique combination of acidity and sweetness - citrus fruit flavours balanced by delicate notes of white florals and honey. 

Isaiah Sheese, who also used Pink Bourbon in the 2023 World Barista Championships and placed fourth, characterises the varietal as similar to washed Ethiopians and Panamanian Geshas, with pink lemonade, honeysuckle and jasmine notes, complete with an elegant silky texture.

Unique processing methods

Another exciting aspect of Pink Bourbon is its versatility in processing. Rodrigo explains that Pink Bourbon cherries have a higher sugar content, making them adaptable to a diverse range of processing methods. From conventional methods to more interesting processes, like cold fermentation and thermal shock, there is a lot of room to experiment with this varietal. 

At the World Barista Championships, Boram chose to use anaerobic fermentation to bring out the flavour profile of his Pink Bourbon, highlighting its floral and honey notes. 

The future of Pink Bourbon

With interest in this varietal steadily rising, it’s evident that market potential for specialty coffee like Pink Bourbon is huge. However, scaling up production can be challenging for some farmers. 

Nevertheless, the success that Rodrigo and other Colombian producers have experienced with Pink Bourbon makes growers optimistic about its place in the Colombian specialty coffee arena. 

Now, if you’re looking to dabble in the world of Pink Bourbon, you’re in luck because we do have one; our February bean of the month - La Aldea.

One of our newest coffees, La Aldea comes from the Ordoñez farm in San Agustin, Huila. Led by Wilson Ordoñez, the family emphasises a blend of traditional and mechanical processes to honour the intrinsic value of every coffee bean.

La Aldea is also incredibly versatile, making it perfect for any brew - from espresso to pour-over. Its delightful blend of sweet stone fruit, including Black Plum and Dried Apricot, harmonises perfectly with notes of Assam Tea and Dark Chocolate. This is a coffee that will definitely impress!

 

Learn more about it here



Nubia
Strawberry Jam, Dragon Fruit, Mango Chips, Fig, Dark Chocolate
£24.00
Coffee Tasting Kit (50g, 100g)
Whether you prefer a rich and robust espresso or a smooth and mellow brew, we have the perfect coffee bag to suit your taste.
£28.00
El Fresno
Dark Chocolate, Pistachio, Orange Marmalade, Salted Caramel
£15.00
San Isidro
Strawberry, Guava, Banana Peel, Blackcurrant, Tokaji
£24.00
El Diviso – Christmas Roast
Chai Latte, Orange, Milk Chocolate, Cashews
£20.00
La Roca – Christmas Roast
Blackcurrant Jelly, Chestnut, Apple, Dark Chocolate
£24.00
Lili
Chocolate Truffle, Ripe Mango, Pineapple Jam, Honeydew Melon, Manuka Honey
£24.00
Angie
Raspberry Jam, Lime Sherbet, Chocolate Ganache, Green Apple, Black Grape
£24.00
best-product-cover-image
Nubia
£24.00
Strawberry Jam, Dragon Fruit, Mango Chips, Fig, Dark Chocolate
Size:
Grind:
More Details
best-product-cover-image
Whether you prefer a rich and robust espresso or a smooth and mellow brew, we have the perfect coffee bag to suit your taste.
Size:
Grind:
More Details
best-product-cover-image
El Fresno
£15.00
Dark Chocolate, Pistachio, Orange Marmalade, Salted Caramel
Size:
Grind:
More Details
best-product-cover-image
Chai Latte, Orange, Milk Chocolate, Cashews
Size:
Grind:
More Details
best-product-cover-image
Blackcurrant Jelly, Chestnut, Apple, Dark Chocolate
Size:
Grind:
More Details
best-product-cover-image
Lili
£24.00
Chocolate Truffle, Ripe Mango, Pineapple Jam, Honeydew Melon, Manuka Honey
Size:
Grind:
More Details

Join the community

Sign up to receive exclusive offers, updates and news on our products and services. Join our community of coffee enthusiasts and stay up to date with the latest coffee trends, roasts and brewing techniques.

Sign-up for Newsletter

Journal

VIEW ALL
Feature Image

Ultimate Black Friday Guide: Coffee Lover’s Edition

Read on for everything you need to make Black Friday a hit...

READ MORE
Feature Image

Upgrade your Morning with a Monthly Coffee Subscription

A coffee subscription is more than just a convenience—it's a way to simplify your daily routine and enhance your coffee experience. By automating your orders, you save time, ensure consistent quality, manage your budget better, and avoid decision fatigue. 

READ MORE
Feature Image

Fully-Home Compostable vs. Home Compostable: What’s the Difference?

84% of households recycle incorrectly. The rules and guidelines may seem confusing, but we're here to take the first step. Today, we're breaking down the confusing world of coffee capsules...

READ MORE
Feature Image

Everything You Know About Cold Brew is Wrong - Here’s Why

You may order a cold brew for its reputation of giving a big kick of energy, you may order it because it's the it-coffee of the moment, but what makes it so different to an Americano? Spoiler alert - everything.

READ MORE
Feature Image

What Makes Specialty Coffee Special?

If you’re an avid coffee drinker, chances are that you’ve come across the term specialty coffee at least once in the hunt for that perfect cup of coffee. But what truly makes it so special?

READ MORE
Feature Image

Hario V60 Dripper - Everything You Need to Know

Picture this: It's 2005 and a Japanese glassware-making company called Hario has just introduced a brewer that will revolutionise the coffee scene. Read on and find out all there is to know about the Hario V60 and it's fascinating history. 

READ MORE
Feature Image

Pink Bourbon: a Colombian Specialty Coffee Like No Other

Pink Bourbon - Colombian specialty coffee's latest gem? Learn all about this dazzling new varietal, its unique rise to global recognition and what the future holds for it. And don't forget to try our very own Hermanos Pink Bourbon - La Aldea.

READ MORE
Feature Image

It's A Hermanos Christmas

From Christmas Market prep to festive coffee-roasting to the birth of new seasonal characters like Santa Santiago, it’s been a rollercoaster of a month - and we’re only halfway through. Come along for a ride through the Christmas rush at Hermanos.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Feliz Navidad - Introducing Hermanos Christmas Coffees

We’ve curated two limited edition coffee beans for you this Christmas - Santa Rita Honey and Finca Las Brisas. Take a deep dive into their backstories and find out why they make the perfect Christmas bean.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Stories from Colombia

From Colombia, with love. Follow along as we take you on a trip through the journeys of four Colombian speciality coffee farmers and their families. From seemingly insurmountable hardships to deaths within the family, these farmers have seen it all, done it all, and persevered through it all. And now they want to thank you - for the unwavering support you've shown their beans through the years.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Hermanos Coffee Pods

Crafted by Hermanos, compatible with Nespresso®. Our sustainable single origin pods are finally here! Available in three of our most loved beans, get ready for your very own specialty Colombian coffee experience at the push of a button.

READ MORE
Feature Image

All About Yellow Fruits

This coffee will blow your mind - in the best way possible. With inimitable notes of pineapple mango and manuka honey, one sip is all it takes to fall in love. Get ready for Yellow Fruits to whisk you off to a tropical paradise.

READ MORE
Feature Image

How is Decaf Coffee Made?

Can't handle caffeine? That's where decaf comes in! Learn all about popular decaffeination methods used in specialty coffee and which one we prefer to use for ours.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Light Roast vs. Medium Roast - Coffee Roasting Explained

READ MORE
Feature Image

A Coffee Varietal Guide

The 2 main species of coffee are arabic and robusta, where arabica is mainly used for specialty coffee. Within the arabica family there are different varietals, similar to different apple types (eg. Fuji, gala, granny smith), each varietal boasts distinct flavours and flourishes in different growing conditions. Let's explore the world of Colombian coffee varietals and its diverse tastes.

READ MORE
Feature Image

The Coffee Supply Chain - How Does It Work?

Whatever your connection is to the world of specialty coffee, we’re all at the mercy of the coffee supply chain. And knowing a little more about how it works (and the threats that it faces) can help you understand just how appreciative we should all be of great coffee when it’s available to us.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Colombian Coffee vs. African Coffee: What’s The Difference?

How does Colombian coffee compare to African coffee? We explore the main differences between the two, including roast, processing, and tasting notes.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Hermanos Colombian Coffee Roasters — The Brand Refresh

Over the past seven months, we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to hone our branding and enhance it to better convey our values and our mission.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Gender Equality In The Colombian Coffee Industry — An Introduction

The Colombian coffee industry is reliant on the work of women. Yet, women are often not recognised enough for this contribution..

READ MORE
Feature Image

Choosing A Chocolatey Coffee — Insider Tips

Coffee and chocolate are two of the most popular flavours out there. We’ll talk through the characteristics of chocolatey coffee and what's on offer at Hermanos.

READ MORE
Feature Image

The Colombian Coffee Federation — What Is It And Why Is It Important?

The Colombian coffee industry has an outstanding global reputation, and for good reason. To maintain this quality and put frameworks in place to protect the coffee growers, the Colombian Coffee Federation was created.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Can Coffee Farmers Stop Climate Change Killing Their Crops?

There are around 25 million smallholder coffee producers in the world and over 125 million people who rely on the sector. What can they do to save their crops?

READ MORE
Feature Image

What Are The Key Differences Between Colombian Coffee And Brazilian Coffee?

How similar is Colombian coffee to Brazilian coffee? Despite both countries being in South America and sitting in the coffee belt, they differ vastly from each other.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Colombian Coffee Facts — Everything You Need To Know

We’ve summarised 10 of the best Colombian coffee facts, which you can use to find out more about what makes coffee from Colombia so unique.

READ MORE
Feature Image

How Does Climate Change Affect Coffee Production?

While local adaptation and agricultural innovation is helping some to mitigate the effects of climate change, several studies carried out over the last decade predict we’re looking at a drop of up to 50% of total landmass suitable for coffee production by 2050.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Koji Fermented Coffee: Innovation in the Coffee Industry

We’re invigorated by experimental coffee processing techniques, which is why we're so excited about Koji, our new bean.

READ MORE
Feature Image

What Is Natural Coffee Processing And How Does It Impact Your Coffee?

We dive into the natural processing method, and see how it weighs up against the washed and honey processes.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Our Visit To Colombia: Meeting Coffee Farmers And Discovering New Coffee Beans

Last month we travelled through Colombia. Our aim was to visit as many coffee growers and farms as possible in just a few weeks. Here's what we learnt...

READ MORE
Feature Image

Coffee Freshness - Does Fresh Ground Coffee Taste Better?

We’ll walk you through why coffee freshness is so important, as well as some top tips on how to preserve the freshness of your coffee.

READ MORE
Feature Image

UK Coffee Subscriptions – Coffee Clubs, Bean Boxes and In-Shop Subscriptions Explained

The UK coffee subscription landscape is incredible. Many of the nation’s most established coffee roasters have doubled down on their online subscription models since the pandemic, while a huge number of new and digital-first brands have also entered the market.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Is it Better to Buy Coffee Beans or Ground?

The vast majority of supermarkets and specialty coffee roasters offer both whole beans and pre-ground coffee. But which is the better choice?

READ MORE
Feature Image

Coffee Flavours by Country: How Does Location Affect Flavour?

Factors ranging from climate and altitude to the way local farmers process their beans have an impact on flavour. We explore how coffee origins influence coffee profiles from different countries.

READ MORE
Feature Image

5 Reasons To Visit A Coffee Roastery

A coffee roastery is one of the most exciting places to be if you’re a coffee lover or interested in how the process works. However, there are still misconceptions about what a coffee roastery is and how it relates to the other parts of the global coffee supply chain.

READ MORE
Feature Image

The Beginner's Guide To Different Coffee Types

There are so many different types of coffee out there, from Espresso-based drinks to fancy pour overs like the Chemex and V60. We’ve put together a beginner’s guide to different coffee types to make it easier for you.

READ MORE
Feature Image

What Is A Coffee Roaster? Wholesale, Subscriptions & Coffee Roasting Explained

The majority of coffee shops around the world buy their beans from a wholesale roasting company. But what is a coffee roaster? We explore!

READ MORE
Feature Image

Ground Coffee vs. Instant Coffee: What Are The Main Differences?

If you’re looking to brush up on your coffee knowledge or want to make the change from instant coffee to ground coffee, then you’re in the right place. In this post we explore the many differences between ground coffee and instant coffee, including the type of beans typically used for each, caffeine content, shelf life, taste, and the way these coffees are brewed.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Espresso Explained: What's The Difference Between Espresso And Filter Coffee?

What makes an espresso different to filter coffee? Many factors ranging from the size of the drink, the caffeine content, the taste, and even the aroma all play a part. But most importantly, these coffees differ due to the way they are made.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Coffee Tasting Guide – Top 10 FAQs Answered

There’s a strict protocol to follow if you are coffee cupping, but the general act of coffee tasting can take many forms. Here’s our coffee tasting guide for beginners.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Coffee Tasting Terms Explained — How To Taste Coffee Like A Professional

Whether you’ve got a coffee cupping session coming up, or you just want to learn how to appreciate your morning coffee more, it’s never a bad idea to brush up on your knowledge of coffee tasting terms.

READ MORE
Feature Image

A Visit from the Producers of El Vergel - What We Learnt

From challenges faced by climate change to why they choose to grow specialty coffee over commodity coffee, here’s what we learnt when we interviewed the Tolima-based producers of our popular El Vergel coffee.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Coffee Traceability: What Is It and Why Does It Matter?

The desire for traceability in the specialty coffee industry is growing, with more interest than ever in where coffee comes from, who grows it, and how it gets from farm to cup.

READ MORE
Feature Image

The Cost of Coffee - Why Are Coffee Prices Rising?

The cost of a simple cup or bag of coffee is connected to so many of the world’s most critical issues, ranging from the climate crisis to the global pandemic. We explore what’s really behind the rise in coffee prices.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Natural? Washed? Honey? Coffee Processing Methods Explained

Although you don’t need to know the difference between natural, washed or honey processed coffees to enjoy them, cafes, roasters and specialty coffee retailers are increasingly using these terms as selling points for their beans.

READ MORE
Feature Image

How Does Altitude Affect Coffee: Colombian Coffee

Coffee beans grown at higher altitudes tend to produce coffees that are more complex, rich and distinct due to the cooler temperatures that extend the growth time of the coffee plant, adding more depth in flavour.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Specialty vs. Commodity Coffee: What's the Difference?

There's never been so much interest in specialty coffee as there is now. A growing number of coffee shops and roasters define themselves by their commitment to specialty coffee, and, in a way, their opposition to 'commodity coffee'.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Coffee Tasting Experiences - What to Expect During Your First Cupping Session

Anyone can taste coffee but 'cupping' refers to the standardised process of evaluating coffees used by the coffee industry. We explore what you need to know before your first tasting (or cupping) experience.

READ MORE
Feature Image

How Is Coffee Decaffeinated? - Decaf Coffee Beans

We shed light on what decaf is and how exactly coffee is decaffeinated using methods like the sugar cane decaf process so you can make a more informed decision when choosing your next bag of Colombian decaf coffee beans

READ MORE
Feature Image

What is a Colombian Coffee Cooperative & What's Their Impact?

While the coop system isn’t perfect, it’s played a crucial role in developing the Colombia's specialty coffee market and allowing smallholders to band together and promote the attractiveness of their beans. Learn more! 

READ MORE
Feature Image

How to Buy Specialty Coffee Beans - A Beginner’s Guide

Learn how to start buying better specialty coffee with our beginner’s guide. We discuss roast dates, flavours (notes), supermarkets, descriptions on coffee packets, and provide a simple checklist for when you’re in a fix.

READ MORE
Feature Image

What is Arabica Coffee & Why the World Loves it

Arabica coffee beans offer a smoother, sweeter taste than Robusta. And despite being harder to grow, are widely considered to be the superior bean in the world of specialty coffee.

READ MORE