Coffee isn’t just coffee. Much like apples - where you have Granny Smiths, Pink Ladies, and Red Delicious - coffee has its own wide range of varieties, each with unique characteristics that influence what ends up in your cup. While you may have heard of the two main types of coffee - Arabica and Robusta - there’s a whole world of coffee tree varietals that fall under these two categories, and they have a lot to do with the flavour, aroma, and quality of your brew.
At Fish River Roasters, we’re all about celebrating the story behind every cup of coffee, from the way it’s grown to the way it’s brewed. Here’s a closer look at coffee tree varieties and what they mean for your coffee experience.
Arabica vs. Robusta: The Basics
Before diving into the specifics, it’s worth understanding the differences between the two main branches of coffee trees:
Arabica: Known for its exceptional flavour and quality, Arabica coffee thrives in higher altitudes and cooler climates. However, it’s more difficult to grow, producing smaller yields and being more susceptible to diseases.
Robusta: True to its name, Robusta is hardy and disease-resistant. It’s easier to grow and yields more coffee per tree, but it typically lacks the complexity and quality of Arabica.
Arabica coffee has many varieties underneath its main branch. Like many agricultural plants, coffee trees have been cross-bred to highlight plant genetic characteristics. Sometimes this is to create a more disease-resistant plant, grow more coffee per tree, or give certain types of flavours. Other varietals have come about through natural mutations of the original plant varietal. Let's look at some of the more common varietals you might see.
1. Typica
Typica is a bit of a rockstar in coffee history. This variety is the “parent” of many of today’s coffees. The story goes that a French naval officer, Gabriel De Clieu, smuggled a Typica coffee plant from the Palace of Versailles in 1723 and brought it to the Caribbean. From there, it spread throughout the Americas, forming the backbone of many coffee-growing regions.
In the cup: Typica coffees are mild, sweet, and nutty.
2. Bourbon
Bourbon is a natural mutation of Typica, discovered on the Indian Ocean island of Reunion (formerly known as Bourbon). It’s a favourite in Central America, where it thrives and develops its distinct flavour profile. You’ll even find sub-varieties like Red Bourbon and Yellow Bourbon, each with subtle differences.
In the cup: Bourbon coffees are known for their toffee-like sweetness and red fruity notes.
3. Caturra
Caturra is a natural mutation of the Bourbon variety, first discovered in Brazil in the 1930s. Known for its high yields and short stature, this variety has become a staple for coffee farmers looking for productivity and quality.
In the cup: Crisp, clean, and often citrusy.
4. SL28 and SL34
The SL varieties come from Kenya’s Scott Labs, a research facility dedicated to improving coffee production. These Bourbon-based varietals are prized for their drought resistance, high yields, and exceptional flavour.
In the cup: SL28 and SL34 deliver the bright acidity and big body that Kenyan coffees are famous for. Think bold citrus with a juicy finish.
5. Gesha (or Geisha)
If there’s one coffee variety that’s captured the imagination of specialty coffee lovers, it’s Gesha. Originally from Ethiopia, this heirloom variety gained fame when producers in Panama discovered its extraordinary potential. Known for its delicate floral notes, Gesha has become one of the most sought-after—and expensive—coffees in the world.
In the cup: Delicate floral notes.
Why Do Varieties Matter?
Coffee varieties influence everything from how a tree grows to how the coffee tastes in your cup. At Fish River Roasters, we embrace the diversity of coffee varieties, carefully selecting beans that showcase their origins and unique characteristics.
Next time you’re sipping on your morning cup, take a moment to think about the coffee tree that started it all. Whether it’s a Typica, Bourbon, or one of Ethiopia’s wild heirlooms, each variety brings something unique to the table.
