Bourbon Pointu (Laurina) – Réunion – Washed: The Legendary Coffee of Louis XV — Naturally Low-Caffeine, Floral and Honey-Sweet (Light-Medium Roast)

Description

Industry Context

Bourbon Pointu — also known as Laurina — is one of the most storied and rarest coffees in the world. A favourite of King Louis XV of France, this extraordinary variety was once reserved for royalty. It is distinguished not only by its elegant floral and fruit-driven cup profile but also by its naturally low caffeine content, roughly half that of standard Arabica (approximately 0.6% compared to the typical 1.2%). This is a coffee that challenges the very definition of what coffee can be — delivering a cup that is delicate, sweet, and almost entirely devoid of bitterness.

For those sensitive to caffeine yet unwilling to compromise on flavour, or for the collector seeking rarity and narrative, Bourbon Pointu represents an unparalleled offering.

Origin & Varietal

Region: Réunion (formerly Bourbon Island); also cultivated in Colombia
Altitude: 1,200 – 1,700 m
Variety: Bourbon Pointu (Laurina)
Processing: Washed
Roast level: Light-Medium
Caffeine content: Approximately 0.6% (standard Arabica: ~1.2%)

The Bourbon Pointu variety was first discovered in 1810 on Réunion Island, named for its elongated, pointed bean shape — distinct from the rounder form of typical Bourbon varieties. Its naturally low caffeine content, coupled with an exceptionally refined floral sweetness, captured the attention of French royalty and established its reputation as a coffee of noble lineage.

By 1942, however, Bourbon Pointu had all but vanished from commercial cultivation. High production costs, exceptionally low yields, and widespread susceptibility to disease and pests drove the variety to the brink of extinction. It was not until 1999 that Japanese coffee researcher Yoshiaki Kawashima rediscovered it in a remote grove of ancient trees on Réunion Island. Through more than two decades of dedicated propagation and cultivation, this “royal coffee” has been revived — though it remains one of the rarest coffees available today.

Even with renewed cultivation, global annual production of Bourbon Pointu is a fraction of one percent of standard Arabica volumes. To drink it is, in itself, a fortunate encounter.

Flavor Profile

Aroma (Ground): Rich floral notes of peach blossom and jasmine emerge first, followed by a sweet, candied fruitiness reminiscent of peach and fruit drops.

Aroma (Brewing): As hot water is poured, the floral character intensifies and expands, revealing peach and citrus fruit notes while honey-like sweetness forms a sustaining base.

Flavor Progression:

• Hot: A complex floral bouquet of peach blossom and jasmine unfolds gently. Bitterness is virtually absent from the first sip
• Warm: Sweet, delicate peach and citrus fruit acidity emerges — soft, clear, and juice-like in its lightness
• Cool: Honey-like sweetness persists throughout, with a finish defined by lingering floral and sweet notes — clean, clear, and enduring

This is a coffee that fundamentally redefines expectations. It tastes more like a floral fruit tea than a traditional coffee — bitter is a word that has no place here. With only half the caffeine of a standard cup, it offers a transparent, sweet experience that even the caffeine-sensitive can enjoy without hesitation or compromise.

Brewing Guidelines

• Pour-over (V60) — Recommended: 1:16 ratio / 91-92°C / Medium-fine grind — maximises the release of floral aromatics; the preferred method
• AeroPress: 1:15 ratio / 90°C / Medium-fine grind — delivers a clean cup with concentrated sweetness
• Cold Brew: 1:14 ratio / Ambient temperature / Coarse grind — steep refrigerated for 14-16 hours for a delicate, floral cold-brew experience

Recommended For

• Ideal for: Caffeine-sensitive individuals who appreciate the ritual and flavour of coffee; those who enjoy floral, fruit-forward profiles; collectors and gift-givers seeking something truly special; enthusiasts drawn to coffees with rich historical narratives and legendary provenance
• Not recommended for: Those who prefer full-bodied, dark-roast, or intensely bitter coffee profiles; drinkers seeking high-volume, cost-efficient daily options

Available Weights

• 4 oz (113 g)
• 18 oz (510 g)

Storage & Freshness

This coffee is packaged immediately after roasting in one-way valve bags to degas while preventing oxygen ingress. Light-roast coffees have a more porous structure than darker roasts and lose flavour more rapidly once opened. We strongly recommend transferring the beans to an airtight container after opening and consuming within one week of opening for optimal flavour expression. Store in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight.