My first experience with this exquisite variety dates back to 2019. Kim Ossenblok was returning from World of Coffee with samples of the Best Panama. Some were fetching thousands of dollars per pound! And at his coffee studio in Barcelona, ​​we tasted some of the auctioned lots.

Geisha coffee is often associated with Panamanian coffees, when in reality, cultivation of the variety only began there in the 1960s. It is a variety originally from Ethiopia and was discovered in the 1930s in the mountains around a village called Geisha. The trees are tall and can be distinguished by their elongated leaves.

Unique and complex

In the cup, it displays sweetness, clarity, and a predominantly fruity flavor. It's also recognized for its distinctive bergamot oil and orange peel notes. It's often compared to the delicacy of Earl Grey tea . These coffees excel with any brewing method. However, due to their characteristics, they don't pair well with milk.

The reason for the absence of Geisha in cafes

There simply aren't enough coffee shops willing to buy batches of this variety to offer their customers. We understand that consumers don't like the idea of ​​having to pay four to five times more than they would for their coffee . It's true that most don't have the knowledge to understand its price and complexity. Some consumers consider it too delicate.

In conclusion, the idea of ​​the Geisha as a consumer café will remain a fantasy. Until businesses are persuaded by their customers to consider buying it, we, the most discerning specialty coffee lovers, will continue to enjoy limited editions from roasters focused on providing the best cup experience.

Our May menu features two Geishas, ​​each with a different origin and preparation process, for you to enjoy and share with whomever you like. We recommend starting with our Tanzania Acacia Hills washed and then moving on to the Panama Cuatro Caminos unwashed.

Iván Osorio, Head of Beans