In specialty coffee, the name on the bag often tells you more than just where the coffee was grown. Just like wine grapes, coffee plants come in different varieties (or varietals), and those genetics play a major role in how the coffee tastes in the cup.
Two varieties that have gained significant attention in recent years are Pink Bourbon and Geisha. Both are known for producing exceptionally complex coffees with lively aromatics and delicate flavor profiles.
While these varieties can be grown in several coffee-producing countries, Colombia has become one of the places where they are producing particularly beautiful cups.
At Five Star Coffee Roasters, we’re currently roasting both a Colombian Pink Bourbon and a Colombian Washed Geisha, and they offer a great opportunity to explore how these two distinct varieties express themselves in the cup.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes them special.
What Is Pink Bourbon Coffee?
Pink Bourbon is one of the most intriguing coffee varieties to come out of Colombia in recent years.
The name comes from the pink color of the cherries when they ripen on the tree, which sets them apart from the red and yellow cherries typically associated with Bourbon varieties.
For many years, producers assumed Pink Bourbon was simply a mutation of the traditional Bourbon variety. However, more recent genetic research suggests Pink Bourbon may actually share genetic ties to Ethiopian landrace varieties, which could help explain its lively and aromatic flavor profile.
Because of its delicate genetics and the care required to cultivate it successfully, Pink Bourbon remains relatively rare compared to more widely planted varieties like Caturra or Castillo.
Typical Pink Bourbon Flavor Profile
Pink Bourbon coffees are known for their:
- bright citrus acidity
- floral aromatics
- honey-like sweetness
- balanced, silky body
Flavor notes often include:
- mandarin or orange
- peach
- honey
- jasmine
- tropical fruit
Many coffee professionals appreciate Pink Bourbon because it often combines the sweetness associated with Bourbon varieties with the floral complexity more commonly found in Ethiopian coffees.
Is Pink Bourbon Coffee Rare?
Compared to traditional coffee varieties like Caturra or Castillo, Pink Bourbon is still relatively rare.
There are several reasons for this.
It Can Be More Difficult to Grow
Pink Bourbon plants tend to be more delicate and require careful cultivation, which means not every farm chooses to plant large amounts of it.
It Requires Careful Harvesting and Processing
Because Pink Bourbon cherries can be more delicate, producers often harvest them carefully and process them with extra attention to preserve quality.
Demand Is Increasing
As more specialty coffee roasters and consumers discover the variety’s unique flavor profile, demand for Pink Bourbon has grown significantly.
While more farms are beginning to plant it, Pink Bourbon still represents a relatively small portion of global coffee production, making it an exciting variety for specialty coffee drinkers to explore.
Why Geisha Coffee Is So Famous
Geisha (often spelled Gesha) is one of the most famous coffee varieties in the world.
The variety originated in the Gesha region of Ethiopia, where it was first documented in the 1930s. Decades later, it was planted in Central America (most famously in Panama) where it gained international attention after winning major coffee competitions.
Geisha quickly became known for producing some of the most aromatic and complex coffees in the world, often commanding extremely high prices at specialty coffee auctions.
Today, Geisha is grown in several coffee-producing countries including:
- Honduras
- Panama
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Guatemala
- Ethiopia
Each region produces slightly different expressions of the variety, but the defining characteristic remains the same: extraordinary aromatics and clarity in the cup.
Typical Geisha Flavor Profile
Geisha coffees are often recognized for:
- jasmine florals
- bergamot citrus
- tropical fruit notes
- tea-like body
- exceptional clarity
Common tasting notes include:
- jasmine
- bergamot
- peach
- mango
- lemongrass
Compared to many traditional coffee varieties, Geisha often produces a cup that feels lighter and more delicate, almost like drinking a floral tea with fruit sweetness.
Why Is Geisha Coffee So Expensive?
Geisha coffee is often considered one of the most expensive coffees in the world, and several factors contribute to its high price.
Lower Yields
Geisha plants typically produce smaller harvests than many commercial coffee varieties, which means farmers produce less coffee per tree.
Specific Growing Conditions
Geisha tends to perform best at higher elevations with careful cultivation, which limits where it can be successfully grown.
High Demand
Because Geisha coffees are known for their incredible aromatics and complexity, they are highly sought after by specialty coffee roasters and coffee competitions.
Competition Recognition
Many Cup of Excellence winners and record-setting coffee auctions have featured Geisha coffees, further increasing their reputation and demand.
For these reasons, Geisha is often produced in small lots with extremely high quality standards, making it one of the most prized coffees in specialty coffee.
Pink Bourbon vs Geisha: Flavor Comparison
While both varieties can produce complex and vibrant coffees, they offer different experiences in the cup.
Pink Bourbon
Cup profile:
- citrus brightness
- honey sweetness
- floral aromatics
- balanced acidity
- medium body
Pink Bourbon often feels sweet, vibrant, and approachable, making it a great variety for coffee drinkers who want to explore more complex coffees without sacrificing balance.
Geisha
Cup profile:
- jasmine florals
- bergamot citrus
- tropical fruit
- tea-like body
- extremely aromatic
Geisha tends to be more delicate and expressive, making it a favorite for pour-over brewing and coffee tasting experiences.
How We’re Roasting These Varieties at Five Star
At Five Star Coffee Roasters, we roast coffees like Pink Bourbon and Geisha with profiles designed to highlight their natural character rather than overpower it.
Our current releases include:
Colombian Pink Bourbon
A lively coffee with blueberries, sugar cane, and honey-like sweetness.
Colombian Washed Geisha
An elegant coffee known for it's delicate jasmine, peachy sweetness, and hints of bergamot.
These coffees showcase how beautifully these varieties can express themselves when grown in Colombia’s high-elevation coffee regions.
Best Brew Methods for Pink Bourbon & Geisha
Because both varieties are known for their clarity and aromatics, manual brewing methods tend to produce the best results.
Recommended Brew Methods
Hario V60 Pour Over
Chemex
Kalita Wave
AeroPress
These brewing methods allow the delicate flavors and aromatics to shine.
How to Brew Geisha Coffee
Because Geisha coffee is known for its delicate aromatics, brewing methods that highlight clarity tend to work best.
Best Brew Methods
Pour Over (Hario V60 or Chemex)
Kalita Wave
AeroPress
These brewing methods preserve the coffee’s floral aromatics and bright acidity.
Brew Ratio
Start with a 1:16 ratio.
Example:
20g coffee
320g water
Water Temperature
200°F (93°C)
Brew Tip
Using filtered water and a burr grinder will significantly improve the clarity of the cup, especially with delicate coffees like Geisha.
Final Thoughts
Pink Bourbon and Geisha are two varieties that highlight just how diverse and exciting specialty coffee can be.
While these varieties are grown in several coffee-producing regions around the world, the Colombian coffees we’re currently roasting at Five Star showcase just how beautifully they can express themselves.
Whether you’re drawn to the balanced sweetness of Pink Bourbon or the floral complexity of Geisha, both offer a chance to experience coffee from a completely different perspective.
