Hacienda La Esmeralda Blue Label Geisha Renamed to Las Rocas Volcanic Rock Coffee - Flavor Characteristics of New Blue Label Geisha Coffee Beans

In November of this year, FrontStreet Coffee received the first batch of Las Rocas brand Geisha coffee beans. You might find this name unfamiliar, and you'd be right - this brand is newly established this year, a fresh Panamanian Geisha brand. While the exterior may seem novel, the essence within feels familiar.

That's right - this Las Rocas Volcanic Rock Geisha coffee is actually the famous Hacienda La Esmeralda's Blue Label Geisha (Gesha 1500). Surprised?

The End of an Era and a New Beginning

When FrontStreet Coffee learned that Hacienda La Esmeralda would no longer produce the Blue Label series in 2021, we felt truly disappointed. As a barista myself, while noble Geisha commands noble prices, only the Blue Label Geisha's accessible price made me feel a sense of human connection. Despite its lower price point, the Blue Label beautifully represents Hacienda La Esmeralda's Geisha flavor profile. Let me briefly explain the story behind the Red, Green, and Blue Labels.

Understanding the Label System

Hacienda La Esmeralda has 22 distinct plots, each with subtle differences in altitude. The most significant characteristic of Red Label Geisha coffee is that it specifies which specific plot this batch of Geisha comes from, and the altitude must be between 1600-1800m. This allows us to choose suitable flavors based on the subtle taste differences between plots. Every year, coffee bean seekers gather at Hacienda La Esmeralda to debate whether this year's Red Label from the Mario plot is better, or if the Velo plot is superior. The quality requirements are naturally the highest, which explains why Red Label Geisha coffee beans are typically large and full.

The Green Label selects plots similar to the Red Label, but it doesn't emphasize specific plots - meaning Geisha beans from various small plots can be mixed. You might think Green Label is what's left after selecting Red Label, but that's not the case. Historically, Hacienda La Esmeralda's production order is: auction batches, Red Label batches, Blue Label batches, then Green Label batches. This results in the first Red Label harvest being from the early season, while Green Label comes from the late season. The later the coffee matures, the sweeter it becomes.

The Blue Label batches select Geisha coffee beans from 1500 meters altitude, making it distinct from the Red and Green Label production lines. Due to the lower altitude compared to the former, its quality naturally isn't as high, but it's important to understand that Hacienda La Esmeralda's Geisha is like Apple's iPhone - even non-flagship products outperform competitors' offerings. Therefore, while Blue Label Geisha might not be considered top-tier within Hacienda La Esmeralda, it's still exceptional when compared to others.

The Return of a Familiar Favorite

This year, the Blue Label is gone, but the Las Rocas Volcanic Rock Geisha has emerged. Same land, same trees. When FrontStreet Coffee received this Las Rocas Volcanic Rock Geisha, we compared its appearance - isn't this just the Blue Label? We immediately roasted a sample batch for cupping. "Ah! Still that familiar taste - jasmine flower aroma, citrus, honey, and a hint of pomelo."

For those who loved the Blue Label Geisha, there's no need to mourn anymore. That familiar Blue Label you cherished - it has returned.

Important Notice :

前街咖啡 FrontStreet Coffee has moved to new addredd:

FrontStreet Coffee Address: 315,Donghua East Road,GuangZhou

Tel:020 38364473