Introduction:This article delves into the Pink Bourbon honey-processed coffee beans from Finca Cadras in Guatemala’s newly emerging Nuevo Oriente region. From regional terroir and varietal characteristics to pour over brewing parameters, it provides a detailed analysis of its citrus, honey lime water, caramel, and roasted almond cocoa finish, along with practical V60 hand pour recommendations to help coffee enthusiasts easily replicate professional-grade flavors at home.
Guatemala is one of the world’s renowned high-quality coffee-producing countries, divided into eight major coffee-growing regions. Each region, thanks to its unique geography and climate, produces beans with distinct flavor profiles. Among them, the Nuevo Oriente region, though relatively new to coffee production, benefits from its volcanic soil and abundant rainfall, yielding coffees with bright acidity and rich aromas that have gradually garnered international attention.
The star of this article is the Pink Bourbon variety grown at Finca Cadras in the Nuevo Oriente region, processed using the honey method. Pink Bourbon is a rare mutation of the Bourbon variety, with its cherries turning a striking pink color upon ripening. Not only is its appearance unique, but its flavor profile is also highly layered. This honey-processed coffee exhibits bright citrus and honey lime water aromas, with a caramel sweetness in the mid-palate, and a finish that lingers with roasted almonds and dark-roasted cocoa notes. The overall mouthfeel is smooth, with a pronounced sweetness.
The Nuevo Oriente region is located in a less-developed part of Guatemala and features volcanic soil composed of mineral-rich metamorphic rocks. Coupled with the area’s frequently cloudy and rainy climate, it provides the humidity and nutrients necessary for coffee tree growth. As most farms in the region are small, family-run estates, the recent surge in global demand for specialty coffee has led many farmers to transition from other crops to coffee cultivation. This shift has rapidly elevated both the quality and reputation of coffee from the Nuevo Oriente region.
These Pink Bourbon honey-processed coffee beans are grown at an altitude of approximately 1,500 meters, qualifying them as SHB (Strictly Hard Bean) grade. Coffee grown at high altitudes typically has denser beans, resulting in more intense and complex flavors. In terms of flavor, besides a pronounced citrus note, you can also detect an oolong tea-like aromatic quality, paired with moderate caramel sweetness and nutty aftertaste. The overall flavor profile is clean and balanced, making it an excellent choice for coffee lovers who enjoy both fruity brightness and sweet richness.
If you’d like to brew this coffee at home using a pour over method, here are professional-grade reference parameters: it is recommended to use a V60 dripper, with a coffee-to-water ratio set at 1:14 — that is, 16 grams of coffee grounds to 224 grams of water. Begin with a 30-second bloom using about 32 grams of hot water, with water temperature controlled between 89 to 90°C. The grind size is recommended to be medium-fine, similar to setting 4 on a Hario Mini Mill grinder.
During the actual extraction, the first stage involves pouring about 140 milliliters of hot water. Once the water level in the dripper visibly drops, proceed to the second stage and pour up to 220 milliliters in total. The entire extraction time should be controlled around 2 minutes and 15 seconds. These parameters help fully highlight the citrus and floral notes of the Pink Bourbon honey-processed beans, while also allowing the caramel sweetness in the mid-palate and the roasted almond and cocoa notes in the finish to shine through, accompanied by a hint of unique smokiness and chocolatey aftertaste.
It’s worth noting that taste preferences vary from person to person, so you can fine-tune factors such as water temperature, grind coarseness, or pouring rhythm based on your actual tasting experience. For example, if you prefer a brighter acidity, you may slightly increase the water temperature or shorten the extraction time; if you favor a richer sweetness and body, you can lower the water temperature or extend the brewing time slightly. Mastering these variables will help you find the brewing method that best suits your personal taste.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
