Rare and exclusive, Geisha (or Gesha) are world renowned as the crown jewel of coffees!  The Geisha variety is native to Ethiopia where it was discovered in the 1930's in the mountains around the Southwestern town of Gesha, Ethiopia. While Geisha is  often associated with coffees from Panama, farming of this crop didn't start until the 1960's. Compared to Bourbon coffee trees, the Geisha trees grow tall and can be distinguished by their beautiful and elongated leaves. 

 Hacienda La Esmeralda Special Panama Geisha. 

The coffee was lightly scented with the aroma of blueberries while roasting, bursting with bergamot oil upon grinding and tasted like Earl Grey when cupped. Six years ago, this phenomenal coffee left me yearning to dive into the world of Geisha (or gesha) coffee.

In the cup, the Esmeralda Geisha displays a good sweetness, clarity and sparkling flavor that may range from berry, citrus, mango, peach, pineapple, guava, and jasmine. Quite a bouquet for some palates. They are also recognized by the distinctive bergamot oil and orange peel taste, often described as Earl Grey tea!

City roasts make for a vibrant cup with refreshing citrus flavors, subtle herbal notes, a silky caramel sweetness (that intensifies with increasing roast temp.), and a black tea finish.

City+ roasts builds up on this coffee's dark berry and stone fruit flavors (like peach preserve and apricot) and makes for a more bodied cup that fades into a smooth cacao-laden finish. This coffee's acidity level is moderate and thus makes for a bold, creamy espresso with flavors of dried stone fruit and dark chocolate.