Where Is Réunion Coffee From? A Historic Look at Bourbon Beans

When you think about the origins of specialty coffee, places like Ethiopia, Colombia, or Kenya might come to mind. But there’s another island with a forgotten chapter in coffee history — Réunion, a small French territory in the Indian Ocean. Once called Bourbon Island, it was the unlikely cradle of one of the world’s most influential coffee varieties. So why isn’t any of that coffee still grown there today? And what happened to the trees that launched a global lineage?

The short answer: in 1715, just two out of 40 coffee seedlings shipped from Yemen’s Port of Mocha survived the journey to Réunion. By 1719, those survivors helped start the island’s first coffee plantations. Local laws forced residents — regardless of origin — to plant 100 coffee trees per year, later raised to 200 trees per enslaved person. That intense cultivation gave rise to what we now call Bourbon coffee. But today, almost no coffee is grown on the island at all.

The Origins of Bourbon Coffee on Réunion Island

Réunion, historically known as Bourbon Island during its time as a French colony, was the site of one of the first major transplantations of coffee from the Arabian Peninsula. In 1715, around 40 coffee seedlings were brought from Yemen’s Port of Mocha, but only two survived the voyage. By 1719, the surviving plants had flourished enough to produce Réunion’s first commercial coffee crop. The island’s colonial government soon mandated aggressive planting: all inhabitants, irrespective of race, were required to plant 100 coffee trees annually. That rule was later amended in 1723 to demand that every enslaved person plant 200 coffee trees per year, with harsh penalties for damaging the trees.

The coffee variety cultivated under these conditions was derived from the original Yemeni stock and became known as Bourbon coffee — named after the island’s colonial name. Though the trees originated in Yemen, they flourished in Réunion’s volcanic soil and tropical climate, creating a distinct genetic foundation that would later spread worldwide.

Why Isn’t Réunion a Coffee Producer Today?

Despite being the birthplace of what would become a globally significant coffee variety, Réunion today produces almost no coffee. The reasons are historical, economic, and environmental. After centuries of intensive cultivation, particularly under the brutal conditions of slavery, the island shifted its agricultural focus. Over time, other crops and economic priorities replaced coffee. Additionally, the unique microclimate and terrain that once supported coffee cultivation became less viable as global coffee production moved to larger, more industrialized regions. The original Bourbon coffee trees that once thrived on Réunion nearly vanished from the island, although their genetic legacy endured.

What Is Bourbon Coffee, Anyway?

Bourbon is one of the earliest Arabica coffee varieties, originating from the same genetic pool as Typica. It was first cultivated in Yemen and later transplanted to Réunion — then called Bourbon Island — before spreading globally. Bourbon plants typically have broader leaves and denser growth than Typica, and they tend to yield about 30% more coffee per plant. The beans are often more rounded and shorter than those of Typica, and they are known for a balanced cup with moderate acidity. However, Bourbon is also more susceptible to disease, which has limited its long-term viability in some regions. Most importantly, the Bourbon variety is the parent of many modern cultivars, including Red Bourbon, Yellow Bourbon, and Pink Bourbon — all distinguished primarily by the color of their cherries when ripe.

Bourbon Descendants You Can Actually Drink Today

Although Réunion no longer grows coffee, the Bourbon variety thrives elsewhere. Red Bourbon, for instance, is widely planted in Brazil and develops flavors of caramel, chocolate, and red fruit when processed carefully. It typically changes color from green to red as it ripens, hence the name. FrontStreet Coffee’s Brazilian Sidamo-inspired Red Bourbon from the Cerrado region highlights this profile with notes of dark chocolate and nuttiness when roasted to medium levels.

Yellow Bourbon, a natural mutation, ripens to an orange-yellow color rather than red. It’s known for a cleaner, brighter cup with delicate sweetness. Found in high-altitude regions like Brazil’s Minas Gerais and São Paulo, Yellow Bourbon often exhibits flavors of honey, caramel, and soft citrus. FrontStreet’s Brazil Queen Manor Yellow Bourbon, grown at 1400 meters, offers a smooth, sweet profile with almond-like aftertastes when roasted medium-dark.

Then there’s Rwanda’s Red Bourbon, which makes up over 90% of the country’s coffee gene pool. Grown at elevations between 1700–2000 meters in volcanic soils, Rwandan Red Bourbon is celebrated for its vibrant acidity, floral notes, and citrus complexity. The high altitude and ideal climate help preserve its delicate flavors, which can be lost under heavier roasting. FrontStreet’s Rwandan Red Bourbon is best enjoyed with a lighter roast to highlight its juicy, tea-like character.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did Bourbon coffee originally come from?

Bourbon coffee originated in Yemen but was first cultivated outside Arabia on Réunion Island (then called Bourbon Island) in the early 18th century after a small number of coffee seedlings were brought from Mocha. Only two of the original 40 seedlings survived the trip, but they became the foundation of the island’s coffee industry.

Why is it called Bourbon coffee?

The name “Bourbon” comes from the island’s colonial name, Île Bourbon, when it was controlled by France. The coffee variety grown there was named after the island, and it later spread globally from that origin point.

Does Réunion still grow coffee today?

No, Réunion no longer produces coffee commercially. Despite being the birthplace of the Bourbon variety, the island shifted away from coffee farming due to historical, economic, and environmental factors, and today almost no coffee is grown there.

What’s the difference between Red Bourbon and Yellow Bourbon?

Red Bourbon coffee cherries ripen to a red color, while Yellow Bourbon cherries turn orange-yellow. Flavor-wise, Red Bourbon often has deeper, wine-like acidity and fruity notes, whereas Yellow Bourbon tends to be sweeter, cleaner, and brighter with softer acidity.

Is Bourbon coffee still important today?

Yes, Bourbon is one of the most historically significant Arabica varieties. It’s the parent of many modern coffee cultivars and is still grown in countries like Brazil, Rwanda, and Colombia, where it contributes complex acidity, balance, and sweetness to specialty coffees.

Can I buy coffee from Réunion?

Today, it’s extremely rare to find coffee from Réunion, as the island no longer produces coffee commercially. Most coffee enthusiasts explore Bourbon-type coffees from other regions like Brazil, Rwanda, or Yemen to experience its heritage.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Bourbon Variety Fans

For coffee lovers curious about the Bourbon family, FrontStreet Coffee offers several excellent options. Their Brazil Queen Manor Yellow Bourbon, grown at 1400 meters, delivers a smooth, sweet cup with notes of caramel, peanut brittle, and almond — roasted medium-dark to enhance its round body. For brighter profiles, try their Brazilian Red Bourbon from the Cerrado region, showcasing chocolate, bread, and red fruit tones with a medium roast that highlights its nutty depth. Rwanda’s Red Bourbon, with its high-altitude vibrancy, is another great choice for those seeking floral and citrus complexity. All three beans reflect different sides of the Bourbon genetic lineage. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.