For many of us, the morning ritual is sacred. The sound of the grinder, the aroma filling the kitchen, that first warm sip that signals the start of a new day. But sometimes, that beloved cup comes with a side effect we’d rather avoid: the jitters, the anxiety, or the afternoon crash that follows a high-caffeine dose. What if you could have the complex, satisfying flavor of a great coffee without the intense buzz? This isn’t a hypothetical question. The answer lies in a unique and ancient coffee variety called Laurina.
Laurina coffee, often nicknamed ‘Bourbon Pointu,’ is a natural genetic mutation of the Bourbon variety. It’s a delicate, pointed bean that was once nearly lost to history. Its claim to fame is a remarkably low caffeine content—typically about half that of a standard Arabica bean. But the real magic isn’t just what it lacks; it’s what it offers. Laurina is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth, sweet, and nuanced flavor profile, often with notes of citrus, floral tones, and a clean finish that allows the true character of the coffee to shine through without the masking bitterness of high caffeine.
What Makes Laurina Coffee So Different?
The story of Laurina begins on the island of Réunion (once called Bourbon) in the Indian Ocean. It’s a tall, narrow plant with pointed beans, which is where its “Pointu” nickname originates. For centuries, it was cultivated and appreciated, but its low yield and susceptibility to disease made it fall out of favor with farmers seeking higher production. It was actually believed to be extinct for a time before being rediscovered and painstakingly revived by dedicated growers and researchers.
The key difference is in its genetics. Laurina naturally produces very little caffeine as a defense mechanism. This lower caffeine level changes the plant’s chemistry in other ways, too. Caffeine is inherently bitter, so without it, the other natural sugars and flavor compounds in the bean become the stars of the show. This results in a cup that is often described as incredibly bright, sweet, and complex, with a light body and almost tea-like characteristics. It’s a delicate coffee that asks to be savored, not rushed.
Who is Laurina Coffee For?
You might be wondering if this unique coffee is right for your routine. Laurina is an excellent choice for a few specific coffee lovers. First and foremost, it’s for those who are sensitive to caffeine. If you love the taste of coffee but find that a regular cup leaves you feeling anxious or interferes with your sleep, Laurina provides a wonderful alternative that doesn’t force you to choose between flavor and comfort.
It’s also a fantastic option for anyone who enjoys drinking coffee later in the day. An afternoon cup of Laurina is far less likely to disrupt your evening wind-down. Beyond sensitivity, Laurina is a treasure for coffee connoisseurs and adventurers. It offers a distinct tasting experience that highlights terroir and processing methods in a way that higher-caffeine coffees often obscure. It’s a chance to taste coffee in a purer, more unadulterated form.
Brewing the Perfect Cup of Laurina
Because of its delicate nature, Laurina benefits from a gentle touch when brewing. To truly appreciate its subtle flavors, you’ll want to avoid methods that extract too much bitterness. Pour-over methods like the Hario V60 or Chemex are ideal. They allow for precise control over water temperature and pour speed, highlighting the coffee’ inherent brightness and clarity.
A good starting point is a medium grind size, similar to what you’d use for most other pour-over Arabica coffees. Use water that is just off the boil (around 200°F or 93°C) and aim for a brew time between three and four minutes. Since Laurina is less bitter, you might find you enjoy it without any added sugar or milk, which allows you to experience its full spectrum of natural sweetness and floral notes.
Finding and Enjoying This Rare Bean
It’s important to note that Laurina is still a relatively rare and speciality product. You won’t typically find it on the shelf at your local supermarket. Your best bet is to seek out reputable specialty coffee roasters who focus on sourcing unique and high-quality beans. Many of these roasters offer Laurina as a limited release or a single-origin option.
When you do find it, take a moment to appreciate the journey of this bean. From its near extinction to its revival, each cup represents a piece of coffee history. Enjoy it slowly, paying attention to the flavors that emerge as it cools. You might notice a pronounced citrus acidity at first, followed by a sweet, almost sugary finish and a remarkably clean aftertaste.
A Welcoming Step into the World of Specialty Coffee
Laurina coffee is more than just a low-caffeine option; it’s an invitation to experience coffee differently. It challenges the notion that a strong caffeine kick is synonymous with a quality coffee experience. Instead, it asks us to focus on flavor, aroma, and the sheer pleasure of a beautifully balanced cup.
It serves as a perfect introduction to the wider world of specialty coffee, demonstrating how factors like variety, origin, and processing can dramatically shape what’s in your mug. Whether you’re exploring it out of necessity or curiosity, Laurina offers a unique and memorable coffee moment that is both gentle on the system and rich in taste.
In the end, Laurina coffee proves that sometimes, less really is more. Less caffeine means you can enjoy more cups throughout the day without worry, and it allows for more of the coffee’s authentic flavor to come forward. It’s a testament to the incredible diversity of the coffee plant and a wonderful option for anyone looking to expand their palate and find a smoother, more nuanced daily brew. This rare bean offers a chance to slow down and truly taste your coffee, making each sip a quiet celebration of flavor itself.