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Coffee Varieties & Specialty Beans

# What Is Bourbon Coffee? Understanding This Popular Coffee Variety

 

Written by [Jay](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/authors/coffeejay/)

Category: [Coffee Varieties & Specialty Beans](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/coffee-varieties/)Tags: [Coffee Variety](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/tags/coffee-variety/) [Coffee Beans](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/tags/coffee-beans/) [Origin](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/tags/origin/)

## Quick answer

**Bourbon** on a coffee bag names **a variety**, rather than an added drink. It is an interesting starting point, but not a complete flavour description. Look at where the coffee comes from and how it was processed too.

## Key takeaways

- Bourbon on a coffee bag names a variety, rather than an added drink.

- Roasters may describe Bourbon coffees as sweet, balanced, or rounded, but those words vary with growing conditions, processing, and roast.

- Check the origin and processing information along with the variety.

 

![Roasted coffee beans spilling from a cup.](https://www.coffeejay.com/assets/editorial/coffee-beans-spilling-from-cup.avif)

Roasted coffee beans spilling from a cup.

## What might Bourbon coffee taste like?

 

Roasters may describe Bourbon coffees as **sweet**, balanced, or rounded, but those words vary with growing conditions, processing, and roast. Two bags with **the same variety** name can taste different. Look at **the tasting notes** for the actual coffee rather than expecting one fixed Bourbon profile.

 

## Use the label as one part of the picture

 

Check **the origin** and **processing** information along with the variety. A farm or region name may be more specific than a country label, while a blend may combine Bourbon with other beans. None of those details alone guarantees a certain flavor. **A roast date** can help you understand when the coffee was roasted, and clear brewing guidance may help you get started.

 

## How to try it

 

Brew **the beans** using a method you know and take note of sweetness, acidity, body, and finish. If the cup seems flat, review freshness and storage; if it is too sharp or bitter, change one brewing variable. For context, read about [**Arabica** versus **Robusta**](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/coffee-basics/arabica-vs-robusta/) and [coffee processing methods](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/coffee-basics/washed-natural-honey-processed-coffee/).

 

## Do not confuse a variety with a finished flavor

 

Bourbon is a coffee **variety**, while **roast** and processing describe other stages of the product. A bag may also name a farm, region, or blend. Read those details together; **the variety** name alone cannot tell you how sweet, bright, or full-bodied the brewed coffee will seem.

 

If you see a flavor note you enjoy, use it to decide whether to try that specific bag, not as a guarantee that every Bourbon coffee will taste alike. Brew **a small amount** first and **compare** it with a coffee you already know. This keeps expectations connected to the actual lot and **preparation**.

 

### Record what you would buy again

 

Note the producer or **origin**, process, **roast date**, and brewing method along with your impression. Those details will help you recognize what worked if you choose another bag later.

 

## What “Bourbon” means on a coffee label

 

In this context, **Bourbon** names a coffee variety. It does not mean that the roasted **beans** contain bourbon whiskey or that the cup must taste like a particular spirit. If a product has been infused or flavored, the seller should describe that separately; do not infer it from **the variety** name.

 

Look for **the origin** and processing details alongside Bourbon, then judge the specific roasted coffee. A variety can be a useful part of **a label**, but two bags with the same name can still differ in how they were grown, handled, roasted, and brewed. **Taste before adding** milk to get a clearer first impression.

## Further reading

For background on [coffee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffea_arabica) and [**coffee beans**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee_bean), see Wikipedia.

[Back to Learn library](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/)

## Frequently asked questions

What might Bourbon coffee taste like?

Roasters may describe Bourbon coffees as sweet, balanced, or rounded, but those words vary with growing conditions, processing, and roast. Two bags with the same variety name can taste different. Look at the tasting notes for the actual coffee rather than expecting one fixed Bourbon profile.

Written by [Jay](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/authors/coffeejay/). [Read our editorial approach](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/editorial-policy/).

## Related guides

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- [SL28 Coffee: A Guide to This Famous Kenyan Coffee Variety](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/coffee-varieties/sl28-coffee/)

- [Peaberry Coffee Beans: What They Are and How They Taste](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/coffee-varieties/peaberry-coffee-beans/)