I am thrilled to announce that the Oro Dominicano Estate in the Dominican Republic is preparing a special 100% Bourbon micro-lot for us this year (right now actually)!
We are currently roasting their standard blend of Caturra, Typica, and Bourbon from last year's harvest, and it is wonderful. Sweet and gentle with citrus, chocolate, and a very subtle vanilla / floral aroma. I actually enjoyed a Chemex of this coffee this morning, and picked up on a delicious cherry note that I've never noticed in it before.
Our current lot is the featured coffee in this month's edition of Coffee Review, and brought in a well-deserved 92 point rating. We think the micro-lot from this year's harvest could be even better. Bourbon coffees can be spectacular when handled properly, often with a distinct currant note and butterscotch-like sweetness. Compared to the current lot, I expect the Bourbon to be even sweeter, with less citrus (I am guessing that this comes predominately from the Caturra component), with more berry/currant notes. This will be processed using the same fermentation and washing procedures, sorted to a screen size 18, and will be packaged in Grain Pro bags.
Look for this coffee later this summer.
-Jon