How to Brew Pink Bourbon Fellow Farm for a Fruity and Aromatic Cup

Pink Bourbon is one of the most exciting coffee varieties to emerge from specialty farms in recent years, and Fellow Farm has become synonymous with producing exceptional lots of this rare cultivar. Known for its vibrant fruitiness and complex aromatics, Pink Bourbon offers a cup profile that is both elegant and surprising. Whether you are a seasoned home brewer or just starting your specialty coffee journey, mastering the pour-over method for this bean will unlock its full potential.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step brewing recipe tailored to Pink Bourbon Fellow Farm, covering everything from grind size and water temperature to extraction tips that highlight its signature fruity and aromatic qualities. By the end, you’ll be able to brew a cup that rivals your favorite café.

Understanding Pink Bourbon and Its Flavor Profile

Pink Bourbon is a rare coffee variety that originated in Ethiopia but has found a remarkable home in Colombia and other South American countries. It is a natural mutation of the Bourbon variety, characterized by its pinkish cherries when ripe. This variety is prized for its complex acidity, often featuring notes of red fruits, berries, and a delicate floral aroma. Fellow Farm, known for its meticulous cultivation and processing, produces a Pink Bourbon that consistently delivers these vibrant characteristics.

When brewing Pink Bourbon, the goal is to preserve its delicate aromatics and bright acidity while achieving a balanced sweetness. The coffee’s inherent fruitiness can easily become overpowering if over-extracted, so precision in your brewing parameters is key. Understanding the flavor profile helps you make informed decisions about grind size, water temperature, and brew time to highlight the best aspects of the bean.

• Tasting notes: red berries, stone fruit, jasmine, and a hint of citrus.
• Acidity: bright and juicy, similar to a well-balanced wine.
• Body: medium, with a silky mouthfeel.

Essential Equipment for the Perfect Pour-Over

To brew Pink Bourbon Fellow Farm optimally, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment. The V60 is a popular choice for this variety because its conical shape and large hole allow for a faster flow rate, which can highlight the coffee’s bright acidity. Alternatively, a flat-bottom brewer like the Kalita Wave can produce a more even extraction, resulting in a rounder cup. Both are excellent, but we’ll focus on the V60 for this guide.

In addition to a brewer, you’ll need a gooseneck kettle for precise water control, a digital scale to measure coffee and water accurately, and a quality burr grinder. A grinder with consistent particle size is crucial for even extraction. If you’re looking for a reliable option, consider a hand grinder like the Comandante or an electric one from Baratza. Remember, the quality of your water matters too—use filtered water with a neutral pH for the best results.

• V60 dripper and paper filters (or a Kalita Wave for a different profile).
• Gooseneck kettle with temperature control.
• Digital scale accurate to 0.1g.
• Burr grinder for consistent grind size.

The Ideal Grind Size and Water Temperature

Grind size is one of the most critical variables in pour-over brewing. For Pink Bourbon, a medium-fine grind is generally recommended, similar to the texture of table salt. This size allows for a balanced extraction, bringing out the coffee’s sweetness without over-extracting the bitter compounds. If your brew tastes too sour or acidic, try a slightly finer grind; if it’s bitter or astringent, go coarser.

Water temperature also plays a vital role. For light to medium roasts like Pink Bourbon, a water temperature between 195°F and 205°F (90°C–96°C) is ideal. Starting at 200°F (93°C) is a safe middle ground. If you want to emphasize the fruity notes, you can experiment with slightly cooler water (around 195°F) to reduce extraction of bitter compounds, but be cautious not to go too low, as under-extraction can lead to sour flavors.

• Grind size: medium-fine (like table salt).
• Water temperature: 200°F (93°C) as a starting point.
• Adjust grind size based on taste: finer for more extraction, coarser for less.

Step-by-Step Pour-Over Recipe for Pink Bourbon

Now, let’s dive into the actual brewing process. This recipe is designed for a 1:16 coffee-to-water ratio, which is a great starting point for highlighting the coffee’s fruity and aromatic qualities. For a single cup, use 15 grams of coffee and 240 grams of water. Begin by placing a paper filter in the V60 and rinsing it with hot water to remove any paper taste and preheat the brewer. Discard the rinse water.

Add the ground coffee to the filter and gently tap to level the bed. Start your timer and pour 45 grams of water in a circular motion to saturate all the grounds, ensuring an even bloom. Let it sit for 30–45 seconds to allow the coffee to degas. Then, continue pouring in stages: add water up to 120 grams, then 180 grams, and finally 240 grams, always in a slow, controlled spiral. Aim for a total brew time of 2:30 to 3:00 minutes. If your brew finishes too quickly, grind finer; if it takes longer, grind coarser.

• Ratio: 1:16 (15g coffee to 240g water).
• Bloom: 45g water, 30–45 seconds.
• Pour in 3-4 stages to maintain consistent extraction.
• Total brew time: 2:30–3:00 minutes.

Tuning Your Brew: Extraction Tips and Troubleshooting

Even with a solid recipe, you may need to fine-tune your brew to match your taste preferences. If your cup tastes too sour or acidic, it’s likely under-extracted. Try grinding finer or increasing the water temperature slightly. Conversely, if the coffee tastes bitter or hollow, you may be over-extracting—grind coarser or lower the water temperature. Keep a brew log to track your adjustments and results.

Another tip is to experiment with the pour structure. A slower, more controlled pour can increase extraction, while a faster pour may reduce it. Also, consider using a coffee like Esperanza or Shakiso Hadeso from NOMAD to compare how different origins respond to the same recipe. This can help you develop a better intuition for dialing in your brews.

• Sour taste: grind finer or increase water temp.
• Bitter taste: grind coarser or decrease water temp.
• Keep a brew log to replicate successful recipes.

Brewing Pink Bourbon Fellow Farm is a rewarding experience that showcases the beauty of specialty coffee. By following this guide and fine-tuning your technique, you’ll be able to enjoy a cup that is bursting with fruity and aromatic complexity. If you’re ready to try this exceptional coffee, explore the Pink Bourbon Fellow Farm available at NOMAD and elevate your home brewing game.