Varieties are genetic subgroups within a coffee species — comparable to grape varieties in wine. They influence flavour, yield, and disease resistance.

What Is a Coffee Variety? (Bourbon, Typica, Geisha, etc.)

Varieties are genetic subgroups within a coffee species — comparable to grape varieties in wine. They influence flavour, yield, and disease resistance.

Why that matters

When people say “Arabica,” they’re referring to the species Coffea arabica. Within that species, there are hundreds of varieties — each with its own genetic profile, growth habit, and flavour potential. The wine analogy helps: Arabica is the “grape,” Bourbon or Typica are the “grape varieties.”

Typica and Bourbon are considered the two original varieties. Typica originates from Ethiopia and was brought to Latin America via Yemen and India. Bourbon developed on the island of Réunion (formerly “Île Bourbon”) as a natural mutation of Typica. Both are parents or ancestors of most modern Arabica varieties.

Caturra is a natural mutation of Bourbon discovered in Brazil — more compact, higher-yielding, but more susceptible to disease. Catuai is a cross between Caturra and Mundo Novo and is widespread in Latin America. SL28 and SL34 were bred in Kenya and are known for their complex acidity profiles.

Geisha (or Gesha) is the current star variety. Originally found in Ethiopia, it was brought to Panama in the 1930s. It lay dormant for decades until it achieved record prices at the “Best of Panama” auction in 2004. The flavour: jasmine-like, tea-like, with notes of bergamot. However, the plant yields little, which explains the high price.

For the flavour in the cup, the variety is one of several factors — alongside terroir, processing, and roasting. But it lays the genetic foundation: certain varieties can develop aromas that are genetically impossible for others.

At Green Wall Coffee

On our coffee bags at Sophienstraße 27 in Berlin-Lichtenberg, the variety is always listed — just like origin and processing. When I explain to guests why our Ethiopian Heirloom tastes different from the Colombian Caturra, I use the wine comparison: “These are different grape varieties.” Most people immediately understand why coffee’s diversity goes far beyond “strong or mild.”

Related Questions

• What is Geisha coffee and why is it so expensive?
• What is the difference between Arabica and Robusta?
• How many coffee species exist worldwide?

More depth on this topic in the article How to Make Perfect Espresso. Or stop by at Sophienstraße 27 — Mon–Fri 8am–5pm, Sat 10am–5pm.