What is Geisha Coffee Beans? - Coffee Varietals
What is Geisha Coffee?
Geisha coffee, also known as Gesha, is a coffee varietal that has gained immense popularity in the specialty coffee world. Originating from the Gori Gesha Forest in Ethiopia in the 1930s, it was later introduced to Panama in the 1950s. Geisha coffee is celebrated for its unique flavour profile, aromatic qualities, and its status as one of the most sought-after and expensive coffees in the world.
History of Geisha Coffee
Geisha coffee's journey began in Ethiopia and eventually found its way to Panama through a coffee exchange program initiated by the Costa Rican government. Initially, in Panama, it was just another variety among many, not receiving much attention. However, in the early 2000s, the Hacienda Esmeralda in Panama entered their Geisha coffee into a competition, and it won with an unprecedented score, bringing this varietal into the limelight.
Panama Geisha Coffee
While Geisha originated in Ethiopia, it was Panama that transformed the varietal into a global phenomenon. Grown primarily in the high-altitude region of Boquete, Panama Geisha is renowned for producing some of the most expressive and distinctive coffees in the world.
A great Panama Geisha is often intensely floral, with notes of jasmine, bergamot, orange blossom and tropical fruit layered over a tea-like body and vibrant acidity. What makes these coffees so special is their remarkable clarity and aromatic intensity.
Rather than tasting like a traditional coffee dominated by chocolate, caramel or nutty flavours, Panama Geisha often presents more like a delicate floral tea or fine white wine. Combined with low yields, demanding growing conditions and extraordinary cup quality, this has helped establish Panama Geisha as one of the most prestigious and expensive coffees in specialty coffee.
Geisha or Gesha coffee?
The term 'Geisha' is a misnomer that likely originated from a misnaming or purposeful exoticism. The correct term is 'Gesha', which aligns with the name of its original region in Ethiopia. However, 'Geisha' has become more commonly used in the coffee industry.
What is a coffee varietal?
A coffee varietal refers to a subspecies of coffee plants, having its unique characteristics and flavour profiles. Geisha is a varietal of the Arabica species and is known for its exceptional quality and distinct flavour.
Taste profile of Gesha coffee
Gesha coffee is known for its light body and highly aromatic flavour. Tasting notes often include jasmine, tropical fruit, peach, bergamot, and a bouquet of other fruit flavours. It's often compared to fine wine in terms of its refined and floral characteristics.
Where Geisha coffee is grown
Initially found in Ethiopia, Geisha coffee has been successfully grown in Panama, particularly in the Boquete region. The varietal thrives in high altitudes and has since been cultivated in other countries like Colombia, Thailand, and Malawi.
Panamanian Geisha can call for quite a significant price as its flavour profile is renowned for bringing out vibrant florals and its distinct sweet jasmine flavours.
Challenges of growing Geisha coffee varietal
Geisha coffee presents considerable challenges to growers. It requires specific conditions like high altitudes and particular terroir. Moreover, it yields low quantities and requires high inputs, making it a more labor-intensive and costly coffee to produce.
What is the difference between green tip and bronze tip Geisha?
Green Tip Geisha
Green Tip Geisha, a notable subtype of the Geisha varietal, is distinct for its unique leaf coloration. This variant, especially known for its exceptional cup quality, emphasizes floral notes and is characterized by a brighter acidity. The flavour profile of Green Tip Geisha is shaped significantly by its processing method. Typically, this coffee undergoes a natural or dry-processing technique, where the beans are dried inside the coffee cherry. This method imparts a sweeter and deeper-toned flavour compared to the wet-processed coffees. The result is a coffee that offers a nuanced, ethereal yet lush taste experience, featuring an array of flavours such as apricum, star jasmine, pistachio butter, cocoa, and pink peppercorn. It's known for its rich, resonant finish that highlights its unique aromatic and flavour characteristics.
Bronze Tip Geisha
In contrast, the Bronze Tip Geisha is known for its smoother and creamier taste profile, displaying less of the floral characteristics and offering a more pronounced presence of fruit flavours. This variation also gets its name from the appearance of the plant's leaves. The Bronze Tip Geisha's flavour profile is a result of both its genetic makeup and the specific processing techniques employed. These techniques, which include variations of the natural and honey processing methods, allow for extended contact between the coffee seed and fruit pulp. This extended contact is responsible for imparting a fruit-forward profile, which is highly sought after by specialty coffee enthusiasts.
In essence, the Green Tip Geisha is revered for its bright acidity and floral notes, making it a standout choice for those who appreciate these qualities in coffee. Meanwhile, the Bronze Tip Geisha appeals to those who prefer a smoother, creamier coffee with a stronger emphasis on fruit flavours. Both types represent the diversity and richness of the Geisha coffee varietal, each offering a unique and exquisite coffee drinking experience.
Geisha vs other coffee varietals
Compared to other coffee varietals, Geisha stands out for its unique flavour profile and aromatic qualities. It commands higher prices due to its rarity and the intensive labour required for its cultivation. Geisha's taste is distinct from other varietals, often winning competitions and setting record prices.
