What Makes Geisha Coffee Unique?

At first glance, Geisha coffee beans may not appear particularly special — they look much like any other variety. Yet, Geisha coffee beans are among the most prized in the world. Also known as Gesha coffee beans, this ancestral variety produces some of the most fragrant brews — coffee that captivates the senses with every sip. 

Without a doubt, Geisha coffee is one of the most exclusive specialty coffees, and at Hayman Coffee, we’re proud to offer it in a range of formats. Let’s explore what makes this exceptional variety so remarkable.

Geisha Coffee’s Origin

Geisha coffee is named after a region in Ethiopia, where it has been cultivated for hundreds of years. Among the many Arabica heirloom varieties, Geisha stood out for its remarkable quality. However, Geisha coffee plants produce low yields, so merchants favored more productive varieties in the international coffee trade.

British experts identified this rare variety in the 1930s and began introducing it to other parts of the world. It wasn’t long before Gesha coffee found a new home in Central America, particularly Panama, where, in the hands of skilled farmers, it truly reached its full potential. Today, Panama Geisha is regarded as one of the finest specialty coffees in the world.

Panama Geisha Coffee Beans

Panama’s coffee industry took shape in the early 20th century. Farmers grow the finest beans at high altitudes in western Panama’s Chiriquí Province, nestled between Costa Rica and the Pacific Ocean, at elevations ranging from 1700 to 1,900 meters.

Here, the beans undergo the natural or ‘dry’ process, in which the cherries are left to dry in the sun for extended periods without mechanical intervention. During this time, the cherries ferment naturally, allowing the beans within to develop complex flavors - often sweet, fruity and floral.

Although Panamanian coffee has gained global recognition, it accounts for only 0.1% of the world’s production.

Geisha Coffee’s Flavor and Aroma

What does Geisha coffee taste like? Geisha coffee is expressive. Its sweet aroma is both fruity and bold. Notes of jasmine and honeysuckle mingle with undertones of chocolate and black tea. Tropical fruit aromas, such as mango and mandarin, are often present, while the aftertaste recalls candied orange peel.

Light roasts highlight the variety’s natural aromas, resulting in silky, medium-bodied brews that are easy to enjoy at any time of the day. There’s immense pleasure to be found in a cup of top-quality Geisha coffee.

Try Geisha Coffee Today

Geisha coffee is certainly rare — and even more noteworthy when grown in Panama’s tropical rainforests. This exceptional coffee doesn’t come cheap, and it’s difficult to find. However, Hayman Coffee has partnered with Panama’s most dedicated plantations to bring you this exclusive coffee variety — ensuring not only outstanding quality but also ethical and sustainable farming practices.

Explore our catalogue and order your Geisha coffee in the format you prefer — whole beans, ground, or coffee pods and coffee capsules. You can also include Geisha coffee in your subscription. Is Geisha coffee as good as it sounds? You’ll have to try it yourself and find out.