Beverage
Bourbon Pointu
C tier
Bourbon Pointu (also known as Laurina) is a dwarf, low-caffeine mutation of Bourbon arabica from Réunion, with pointed beans and compact plants. Historically rare and nearly lost to commerce, it was revived for luxury and specialty markets seeking delicate cups and reduced caffeine without robusta’s harshness. Flavour is typically refined and tea-like—floral, citrus, honey—with light body and soft bitterness. Small lots are roasted lightly for filter and ceremonial café service rather than bulk espresso blending.
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Characteristics
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Traits
Grading systems
Grades are placed along a shared scale so systems can be compared side by side.
History
Pointed-bean Bourbon mutants were noted on Réunion among island arabica plantings.
Bourbon Pointu gained local recognition before global arabica expansion favoured other lines.
Laurina was studied in breeding collections for its low caffeine trait.
Commercial decline left Bourbon Pointu nearly extinct outside research plots.
Revival projects re-established Bourbon Pointu on Réunion for premium export.
Luxury and specialty roasters marketed Laurina and Bourbon Pointu as rare low-caffeine arabica.