Geisha or Gesha coffee is a rare and highly prized coffee variety that originated in Ethiopia, where it was first discovered in the 1930s. However, it was not until the 2000s that Geisha coffee gained popularity among coffee enthusiasts, particularly in Panama, where it was grown and developed into the highly sought-after coffee variety it is today. Today it is one of the most expensive coffees and sought-after coffee varieties due to its exquisite flavor profile and limited availability.
| Coffee Beans | Geisha or Gesha (Coffea arabica var. Geisha) |
| Discovered | 1930s in Ethiopia |
| Major growing areas | Panama, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, and Tanzania |
| Flavor Profile | Floral and fruity notes with hints of jasmine, bergamot, and tropical fruit |
| Aroma | Floral or fruity |
| Best Roast | Light Roast |
| Best Brewing Method | Pour-over or drip method |
Gesha or Geisha ?
It is named after the ‘Gesha’ village in Ethiopia. The name “Geisha” coffee is actually a misspelling of the original name “Gesha” coffee. The coffee variety was named after the Gesha village in Ethiopia where it was first in the 1930s. When the coffee was introduced to Panama in the 1960s, it was mistakenly spelled as “Geisha” on a coffee farm’s inventory list, and the name stuck. Over time, the misspelled name “Geisha” became more widely used and popularized, particularly in the specialty coffee industry. Thus the name ‘Geisha’ has nothing to do with the Japanese, word ‘Geisha’, which is a traditional Japanese female entertainer who acts as a hostess.
Geisha Beans: Growing, Roasting and Brewing
Geisha coffee requires specific conditions to thrive, including high altitudes, ample rainfall, and well-draining soil. It is typically grown in mountainous regions with elevations of 1,500 meters or higher, where the cooler temperatures and abundant rainfall create ideal growing conditions for the coffee plants. The coffee plants also require regular pruning and fertilization to ensure healthy growth and optimal yield.
Geisha beans are typically grown in small quantities and require meticulous care and attention throughout the growing and harvesting process. The beans are hand-picked and carefully processed to ensure that their delicate flavour profile is preserved. Geisha beans’ unique flavor profile is because they are grown at high altitudes.
When it comes to roasting and brewing Geisha coffee, it is important to use a light to medium roast to bring out its delicate and complex flavor profile. The coffee should be brewed using a pour-over or drip method to allow the flavors to fully develop. Geisha coffee is known for its floral and tea-like fruity flavor profile, with notes of jasmine, bergamot, and tropical fruit. It is best enjoyed black to fully appreciate its unique flavor profile.
Is Gesha Coffee Expensive ?
Due to their rarity and high demand, Geisha beans can be quite expensive. They are often used in specialty coffee blends and are prized by coffee connoisseurs for their unique flavour profile, and are considered. well worth the investment. Geisha beans have become a symbol of quality and excellence in the specialty coffee industry and have won numerous awards and accolades.
In 2004, a Panamanian coffee farm called Hacienda La Esmeralda entered a batch of Geisha beans in the Best of Panama coffee competition and won first place, sparking a surge in demand for this rare and unique coffee bean. Geisha coffee has been winning the competitions since.
Just to give you an idea about the Geisha Coffee’s demand and its price setting records year after year. In 2004, Geisha from Hacienda La Esmeralda sold at auction for $21 per pound, and by 2017, these beans were selling for $661 per pound, finally surpassing four figures in 2019 at $1,029 per pound. The latest auction price for Geisha Coffee in 2022 is $2000.49/pound.
Gesha and Arabica
It is interesting to note that Gesha coffee is related to Arabica. Gesha coffee is a sub-variety of Arabica coffee that is known for its unique and exquisite flavor profile, which is characterized by floral and fruity notes with hints of jasmine, bergamot, and tropical fruit. While Gesha coffee is a sub-variety of Arabica coffee, it is distinct from other Arabica coffee varieties due to its unique flavor profile and limited availability.
These days Gesha or Geisha coffee is grown in several countries, including Panama, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, and Tanzania. However, Panama is known for producing some of the highest quality and most sought-after Geisha coffee in the world and fetches premium price. So for those on budget, the gesha beans from Columbia or Costa Rica can be a cheaper option.
In summary, Geisha beans are a rare and highly sought-after coffee bean variety known for their delicate and complex flavour profile. They are grown in small quantities in Central and South America and require meticulous care and attention throughout the growing and harvesting process. While they can be quite expensive, Geisha beans are prized by coffee connoisseurs for their unique flavour profile and are well worth the investment for those looking for a truly unforgettable coffee experience.
