In the world of coffee , there is one variety of Arabica that regularly breaks records at auctions and in quality ratings. It is often referred to as the ‘champagne of coffees’. This is the variety you will find under the name Geisha or Gesha.
Although Arabica coffee (Coffea Arabica) is generally considered to be of higher quality and finer than Robusta, Gesha represents the absolute pinnacle of what this botanical species has to offer. Why is this specialty coffee so expensive, where does it actually come from, and what’s the right name for it? We have prepared a comprehensive overview for you.
Where does this rare variety come from?
Although we most often associate this variety with Panama, its roots go back to Ethiopia, the cradle of coffee.
- Ethiopian origin: the variety was discovered in the 1930s in the forests near Mount Gesha in southwestern Ethiopia.
- Journey to America: In the 1950s, it was taken to a research centre in Costa Rica (CATIE) because of its resistance to some coffee tree diseases.
- Panama Breakthrough: It arrived in Panama in the 1960s, but was ignored for a long time. The breakthrough came in 2004, when Hacienda La Esmeralda Farm presented this coffee at the Best of Panama competition. Its taste was so shocking and different that it immediately won and revolutionised the world of specialty coffee.
Geisha vs. Gesha: what is the difference in name?
This is one of the most common questions asked by baristas and enthusiasts alike. Both names refer to the same botanical variety of Arabica, but their use has a historical context.
- Gesha: This is technically a more accurate name because it refers to the geographical origin – Mount Gesha in Ethiopia. In recent years, the coffee industry has been returning to this name to honour the variety’s Ethiopian roots.
- Geisha: This name was probably created by a transcription error or transliteration from the original records when the variety was exported from Ethiopia. The name ‘Geisha’ has taken hold especially in Panama and Central America.
Important note: The name has no cultural connection to Japanese geisha. This is purely a phonetic similarity that was created when the name of the Ethiopian locality was romanized.
What distinguishes Gesha’s flavour profile?
If you are used to the traditional nutty-chocolate taste of regular Arabica from Brazil, Gesha will come as a shock to you. It is known for its incredible complexity and smoothness.
A typical profile includes:
- Floral notes: most often jasmine, which is a signature for this variety.
- Fruity: strong notes of citrus (bergamot, tangerine), peach or tropical fruit.
- Body: Reminiscent of tea rather than classic coffee. It is silky, light and elegant.
Thanks to these qualities, Gesha regularly scores more than 90 points in the SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) evaluations, making it one of the absolute world leaders.
Why is Gesha so exclusive and expensive?
The price of this specialty coffee is not just a marketing ploy. It reflects the difficulty of growing it, its low yields and high demand. The Gesha coffee plant has a low root system and is less efficient at absorbing nutrients, so it has to be grown at very high altitudes to develop its full potential.
Record-breaking auction 2025: Interesting tidbit from the world
Proof of the exclusivity of this variety are the astronomical sums that buyers from all over the world are willing to pay for it.
Did you know that? Last year (2025) a new world record was set at the prestigious Best of Panama auction. Washed Geisha from the legendary Hacienda La Esmeralda farm went for a whopping US$30,204 per kilo. This amount confirms that Gesha is still the undisputed queen of Specialty coffee and an investment commodity.
Taste Geshu in Goriffee
Although Geshe is often spoken of mainly in the context of Panama, the variety has also achieved excellent results in other Latin American countries, where farmers have invested a great deal of effort in its cultivation.
Here at Goriffee we also regularly offer Geshe from Costa Rica or Colombia. These coffees offer a fantastic entry into the world of luxury varieties – they retain the typical floral-fruity profile and elegance, but are more affordable than the record-breaking Panamanian lots. Keep an eye on our limited edition offer as these coffees usually sell out very quickly.
Colombia Gesha Flower Bomb
Ochutnajte výnimočnú výberovú kávu z kolumbijskej farmy Finca Nogales. Gesha je vo svete výberovej kávy považovaná za najexkluzívnejšiu odrodu, ktorá je pre svoju vzácnosť a nezameniteľný, jemný charakter pripomínajúci jazmínový čaj vyhľadávaná gurmánmi po celom svete.
