The Story of Bourbon Coffee from Réunion Island

In 1715, just 40 coffee seedlings from Yemen’s Port of Mocha arrived on Réunion Island (then called Bourbon Island)—but only two survived. By 1719, those survivors had sparked the island’s first thriving coffee plantations, leading to the export of its very first coffee beans. What happened next shaped a coffee variety still recognized today.

The answer is clear: Réunion Island’s coffee, grown from those original Yemeni plants, became known worldwide as ‘Bourbon coffee’—a distinct Arabica variety born in the colony, named after the island itself.

The Origins of Réunion Coffee

In 1715, around 40 coffee trees from Yemen’s Mocha port were shipped to Réunion Island. Tragically, only two survived. By 1719, the first coffee plantations were already flourishing and selling their first beans. The colonial government soon enforced strict planting laws: all residents, regardless of race, were required to plant 100 coffee trees per year. In 1723, the law was amended to mandate that all slaves plant 200 Mocha coffee trees annually, with the death penalty for anyone damaging a coffee tree. At the time, the island was a French colony known as Bourbon Island, and the coffee grown there became known as ‘Bourbon coffee.’

Where Réunion Coffee Was Grown

Réunion Island’s unique conditions led to the development of a distinct coffee variety. The coffee beans produced were smaller than typical Arabica beans, leading to the recognition of the Bourbon coffee tree as a new variety. Though this ‘Bourbon-type’ Arabica went on to be widely planted and cherished globally, coffee cultivation on Réunion itself has nearly disappeared today.

The Unique Characteristics of Bourbon Coffee

Coffee from Réunion, commonly referred to as ‘Bourbon coffee,’ had notable qualities:

• Flavor: Rich and well-balanced
• Recommended Roast Level: Medium to dark roast
• Rating: ★★ (Good)

Bourbon coffee originated from the same Arabica lineage as Typica, but it diverged in key ways. Bourbon trees have broader leaves, grow more densely, and yield about 30% more coffee per plant. Their beans are typically rounder and shorter, often exhibiting medium acidity—but they are also more susceptible to disease. Bourbon is a branch of the Arabica species, usually producing red fruit (known as Red Bourbon), though other color mutations like Yellow Bourbon and Pink Bourbon also exist.

Why Réunion Stopped Growing Coffee

Today, Réunion Island produces almost no coffee at all. The unique Bourbon variety that originated there has been cultivated worldwide, but the island’s own coffee industry has vanished. The island’s role as the birthplace of this historic coffee variety remains a key chapter in coffee’s global story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What year did coffee first arrive in Réunion Island?

Coffee first arrived in Réunion Island in 1715, when approximately 40 coffee seedlings were brought from Yemen’s Port of Mocha. Only two of those seedlings survived.

Why is Réunion coffee called Bourbon coffee?

Réunion Island was a French colony known as Bourbon Island at the time. The coffee grown from the original Yemeni seedlings was named ‘Bourbon coffee’ after the island, and this name was also applied to the Arabica trees and their descendants exported from there.

What does Bourbon coffee taste like?

Bourbon coffee is known for a rich, well-balanced flavor profile. It is typically recommended for medium to dark roasting and is considered to be of good quality (rated ★★).

Is Bourbon coffee still grown on Réunion Island?

No, Réunion Island no longer grows coffee commercially. Although the Bourbon variety originated there, coffee production on the island has nearly ceased entirely.

What makes Bourbon coffee different from other Arabica varieties?

Bourbon coffee differs from Typica, its parent Arabica variety, in several ways: it has broader leaves, denser growth, about 30% higher yield, rounder and shorter beans, and medium acidity. However, it is also more prone to disease.

Are there different types of Bourbon coffee?

Yes, besides the common Red Bourbon, there are also mutations such as Yellow Bourbon and Pink Bourbon, each with slightly different characteristics.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans Related to Bourbon

While Réunion no longer grows coffee, the Bourbon variety lives on in global farms. FrontStreet Coffee offers several Bourbon-related coffees that showcase its legacy. Their Brazil Queen Manor Yellow Bourbon (1400m) delivers a bright, clean cup with creamy, peanutty, and chocolatey notes—medium roast highlights its balanced acidity and a sweet sugarcane finish. For red fruit lovers, Rwanda Red Bourbon (1700–2000m) emphasizes floral and citrus brightness thanks to a lighter roast. Both beans reflect the genetic heritage of the original Bourbon trees from Réunion. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.