What is Geisha Coffee? Why are Geisha Coffee Beans So Expensive and What's the Price Per Cup?

If you're a coffee enthusiast, you're undoubtedly familiar with Geisha coffee. If you're just stepping into the world of specialty coffee, it's time to learn about this legendary coffee variety.

What is Geisha Coffee?

Geisha originally was a wild coffee variety growing in southwestern Ethiopia, but the term "Geisha" didn't specifically refer to the Geisha variety we know today. Instead, a British collector gathered mixed coffee samples from a place called Geisha in southwestern Ethiopia, naming them after the region. In 1932, these samples were sent to a British plantation in Kenya for research.

Then, in 1937, some samples were introduced to Tanzania and Uganda for further research and cultivation. In 1953, some samples were brought to Costa Rica for disease resistance research. In 1963, a Panamanian coffee plantation owner brought some samples back home and distributed them to other coffee farms for variety research and cultivation.

After more than 30 years, the Geisha variety brought to Panama underwent unique genetic changes to adapt to the local terroir, accidentally developing coffee beans with captivating floral aromas and citrus acidity reminiscent of perfume.

The first to discover these characteristics in Geisha coffee was Daniel Peterson, the current owner of Panama's Hacienda La Esmeralda. He made this discovery by chance and, after several years of observation, confirmed that this variety had different flavors from other coffees. He decided to send these coffee beans to compete. In 2004, Daniel sent this variety with its perfume-like flavors to competition.

During the competition, Geisha coffee won first place with its intense and complex flavors, making a stunning debut. One judge described it as "God in a cup," and it went on to win for four consecutive years. In auctions, Geisha also broke numerous high-price records.

Compared to typical Panamanian coffee flavors, Geisha's distinctive characteristics leave a lasting impression, full of jasmine-like aromas, with the fruity acidity and sweetness of orange, lemon, and honey, and a clean, light mouthfeel. Slightly acidic without bitterness, full of floral and fruit aromas—no wonder some describe it as coffee that doesn't taste like coffee.

After Geisha coffee became famous, other regions also began introducing Geisha varieties for cultivation. However, FrontStreet Coffee discovered through comparison that only Geisha varieties grown in Panama's high-altitude regions, combined with strict management and maintenance, can possess such rich and captivating floral and fruit aromas.

Is Geisha Coffee Expensive? How Much Does a Cup Cost?

FrontStreet Coffee's roasted Geisha coffee offers full guarantees in both brand and quality. All coffee beans are shipped within 5 days of roasting, ensuring that the coffee beans you receive are 100% freshly roasted. Currently, FrontStreet Coffee sells three types of Panamanian Geisha coffee beans.

One is the Red Label Natural Geisha coffee beans from Panama's Hacienda La Esmeralda, with flavor notes of rose, strawberry juice, citrus, honey, and black tea. Priced at 350 yuan/100g, for in-store tasting, a cup costs 75 yuan/15g beans.

One is the Green Label Washed Geisha coffee beans from Panama's Hacienda La Esmeralda, with flavor notes of jasmine, ginger flower, citrus, honey, and Tieguanyin tea. Priced at 168 yuan/100g, for in-store tasting, a cup costs 60 yuan. FrontStreet Coffee's barista will use 15g beans for brewing, served in a cup with a capacity of approximately 200ml.

One is the Washed Geisha coffee beans from Panama's Boquete region, with flavor notes of citrus, white floral aromas, roasted sweet potato, and green tea. Priced at 98 yuan/100g, for in-store tasting, a cup costs 30 yuan/15g beans.

Important Notice :

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