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Origin, Development, History, and Culture of Panama Hacienda La Esmeralda Geisha Blue Label Washed Premium Coffee Beans

Published: 2026-01-27 Author: FrontStreet Coffee

Last Updated: 2026/01/27, The pronunciation of Geisha is the same as "geisha" in Japanese, hence it is also known as Geisha coffee. Because the tree variety is taller than typical coffee trees, it was originally planted in a small area within the estate and used as a windbreak. The estate owner's son, wanting to participate in the annual Best of Panama coffee competition, searched through all coffee tree varieties in the estate for testing, which gave Geisha the opportunity to make its grand debut.

Introduction to Geisha Coffee

Geisha, pronounced similarly to the Japanese word "geisha," is also known as Geisha coffee. Originally grown as windbreak trees in a small area of the estate, these coffee plants are taller than typical coffee varieties. The owner's son, seeking to participate in Panama's annual finest coffee competition, tested all coffee varieties throughout the estate, giving Geisha its grand debut. Since then, it has participated in various world coffee competitions, winning eleven championships in total.

Flavor Profile

Flavor Notes: Oolong tea aroma, peach fragrance, and honey sweetness create a refreshing and comfortable experience—bright yet balanced with exceptional aromatic complexity. The entire aroma envelops a caramel-like sweetness. Upon tasting, the tongue detects distinct fruit acidity, which becomes gentle and rounded in the mouth. The fruit sweetness and aftertaste are intense, reminiscent of drinking fresh fruit tea—clear and deeply satisfying. As the temperature decreases, the acidity becomes more refined. The elegant character is remarkably persistent, leaving one thoroughly satisfied!

Product Information

Manufacturer: Coffee Workshop
Address: FrontStreet Coffee, No. 10 Bao'an Qian Street, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou
Contact: 020-38364473
Shelf Life: 90 days
Net Weight: 100g
Packaging: Bulk
Origin: Panama

Detailed Specifications

Product: Panama Geisha (Hacienda La Esmeralda)
Country: Panama
Grade: Blue Label
Region: Slopes of Baru Volcano
Roast Level: Light Roast
Processing Method: Washed
Variety: Geisha
Estate: Hacienda La Esmeralda
Flavor: Oolong tea aroma, peach fragrance, honey sweetness

The History of Geisha Coffee

The Geisha variety was discovered in 1931 in the Geisha forest of Ethiopia and then sent to the Coffee Research Institute in Kenya. In 1936, it was introduced to Uganda and Tanzania, followed by Costa Rica in 1953. For many years, Geisha remained largely unnoticed until Don Pachi brought it from the small town of GESHA in southwestern Ethiopia to Costa Rica. Geisha then traveled southward to Panama, where Hacienda La Esmeralda separated it from other varieties and propelled it to victory in the national coffee championship.

Geisha possesses rich sweetness, an exceptionally clean cup profile, and abundant aromas that extend from berries and citrus to mango, papaya, and peach. A distinctive bergamot-like aftertaste is also among its typical cupping characteristics. To this day, Geisha remains the champion among coffee varieties.

Panama's Coffee Excellence

Panama represents one of the most important regions on the world coffee map. Each year, coffee beans from its auctions command prices exceeding hundreds of dollars per pound.

Panama Coffee Auctions

What exactly are the Panama coffee auctions? In 1996, during the lowest period of international coffee prices, seven coffee estates in the Boquete and Volcan regions foresaw the dawn of the specialty coffee era. They organized and established the renowned Panamanian Association of Special Coffees of Panama (SCAP). In 2013, the highest bid for washed Geisha at the Best of Panama (BOP) auction exceeded $160 per pound, while the natural Geisha category was won by a natural Geisha from Hacienda La Esmeralda at over $350 per pound.