La Reunion Bourbon Pointu

La Reunion Bourbon Pointu

• Altitude: 1300 metres
• Rainfall: 1200mm
• Drying Method: Sun Dry
• Soil Type: Volcanic
• Shade: Cocoa and Vanilla Trees
• Harvest: Twice a year
• Annual Quantity: 5 tonnes

Estate Name: Cooperative Region: West Reunion Island, Indian Ocean

Historic Profile: In 1708 the French bought coffee seeds from the British East India Company and planted them in the mountains of Reunion Island. Reunion Island (La Reunion) was formally known as Bourbon Island as it used to be home to more bourbon coffee plants per square meter than anywhere else in the world.

Centuries later the French believed bourbon coffee was extinct but in 1999, 30 plants were found in the highest altitudes of the islands mountain regions. Bourbon Pointu is now being revived by local farmers but due to the sustainable farming methods being implemented, volumes are very low. Bourbon Pointu translates to sharp bourbon which is related the shape of the plants leaves and not the taste!

Connoisseurs describe the taste as intense as its complex aromas make a unique cupping experience it is also naturally very low in caffeine. King Louis XV and Napoleon III were avid drinkers.