What Do Red Label and Blue Label Geisha Coffee Beans Mean? Which is Better: La Esmeralda's Red or Green Label Coffee?

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FrontStreet Coffee - Introduction to Esmeralda Estate Geisha Grades

【Esmeralda Estate】

As a pioneer in Geisha cultivation, Esmeralda Estate (La Esmeralda) has always been widely discussed. It is the most prominent estate in the Boquete region, so much so that many claim there are only two types of Geisha varieties—Geisha from Esmeralda Estate and all other Geishas. Of course, the increasingly high auction prices of Esmeralda Estate's competition-grade Geisha year after year often secure their position at the forefront of the industry.

Esmeralda Estate has three different grades of Geisha: the competition-grade "Red Label Geisha," the micro-batch grade "Green Label Geisha," and the regular grade "Blue Label Geisha."

FrontStreet Coffee's Geisha is from Esmeralda Estate, and all three coffees are considered the signature treasures of our store. It features rich jasmine and honeydew melon aromas that are elegant and captivating. The subtle honey fragrance brings you the joy of harvest season. Upon careful tasting, it reveals a bright, subtle acidity with the juiciness of berries. From 70°C to slightly cooled, it presents a beauty of balance with subtle changes.

After years of experimentation, Esmeralda Estate discovered that Geisha beans harvested from coffee trees growing at altitudes above 1,400 meters can showcase the special flavors that Geisha beans should have. Therefore, the main grading is based on planting height, supplemented by actual cupping results, dividing Geisha beans into "Red, Green, Blue Label" grades.

Red Label【Competition Batch】

Grown at altitudes of 1,600-1,800 meters, cupping score above 90 points. Mainly produced in Jaramillo and Cañas Verdes estates, representing the highest quality Geisha beans.

Geisha beans harvested from the highest mountain areas of Boquete possess special, bright floral and citrus aromas. Coffee of this grade is processed into natural or washed green beans, with yeast processing methods added in 2018, and can only be obtained through the annual global auction.

Green Label【Reserve Batch】

Grown at altitudes of 1,600-1,800 meters. Micro-batch coffee beans from three different estates: Jaramillo, Quiel, and Cañas Verdes.

Although not the highest competition-grade beans, this grade of Geisha still carries the classic flavors of Geisha coffee beans—floral, fruity, citrus aromatics, thick and juicy texture. Carefully selected perfectly ripe coffee fruits create rich sweetness, bright fruit acidity, and delicious flavors. This grade of Geisha beans is also available in both washed and natural processing.

Blue Label【Selection Batch】

Grown at altitudes of 1,500 meters. Blended beans from three different estates: Jaramillo, Cañas Verdes, and El Velo. Slight floral notes, fruit acidity, and sweetness, with a relatively less full-bodied texture compared to Red Label. Clean and refreshing. This grade of Geisha beans is only available in washed processing.

So many people ask which one tastes better, which is hard to say. After all, everyone has different preferences when choosing beans, and the three different grades of Geisha also have different target audiences. Selection should be based on personal taste preferences. The flavors of different grades have significant differences.

Knowledge Extension:

Based on cupping performance and cultivated varieties, the market is segmented into three major brands for sales (Esmeralda Special, Diamond Mountain Grows, Palmyra). Since 2012, Geisha has been added, becoming the fourth major brand.

Important Notice :

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