Where To Buy Geisha Coffee

Panama Geisha Coffee Growing Region

Panama Geisha is grown in the highlands of the Boquete region in the Chiriqui Province of western Panama. The particular coffee that won these awards was Esmerelda Special grown by the farm Hacienda La Esmerelda where elevations are from 1,450 to 1,700 meters above sea level ) on the slopes of Volcan Baru.

Where Does Geisha Coffee Come From

Geisha coffee first originated in Ethiopia in the Gori Gesha forest. The plant was exported to Central America, specifically Costa Rica in 1950 for further studying and cultivation at the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center.

It later found its way to Panama and the famous Hacienda la Esmeralda specialty coffee company. Hacienda la Esmeralda introduced Panama Geisha coffee to the world in 2004 at the Best of Panama coffee auction.

The taste evaluators were blown away by the quality of the bean as well as the unusual lingering aftertaste of jasmine and cherries.

The coffee started becoming very popular, becoming one of the most expensive coffees in the world by 2018 when a single kilo of coffee was sold at $1,420 Australian dollars.

Nowadays, there are a couple of coffee farms in Panama that specialise in growing this popular variety such as the Lamastus Family Estates.

Panama Geisha Coffee Brewing Tips

For tips on brewing the perfect cup of Panama Geisha coffee see our section on coffee brewing. Geisha coffees demand the utmost care when brewing – not only are they some of the higher priced coffees on the market, but they have so much to offer that time should be taken to brew properly and enjoy.

We also provide detailed coffee flavor profiles of gourmet coffee and instructions on preparing Espresso Drink Recipes.

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Is It Geisha Coffee Or Gesha Coffee

The coffee now goes by two names due to its complex history. Lets now get into that part.

The coffee is known worldwide as Geisha, the same name as Japanese entertainers. Due to this, people thought the coffee had something to do with Japan! Coffee shop owners sold it in cafes with Japanese imagery.

Is it Geisha or Gesha coffee?

However, before it hit the world with its taste, the coffee was being sold by the locals with the name Gesha coffee after the Ethiopian forest the coffee bean originated in.

The name took on a different meaning by adding one extra letter and calling it Geisha coffee.

Growers have repeatedly tried to correct the misunderstanding, but now the coffee is stuck with the name. If you are a true coffee-lover, it would be correct to call it Gesha coffee.

How Does Geisha Coffee Score

The Specialty Coffee Association utilizes a 100-point scoring system. Geisha coffee manages to score above 90 every time!

So, a high scoring record and stringent requirements just for its harvesting?

No wonder the coffee is said to be so expensive. The coffees aroma that distinguishes it from other coffee also elevates it to the top of the price list.

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A Tasty Experience When Visiting Panama

If traveling to Panama you MUST try a cup of Panama Geisha Coffee. The most well-known brand which placed Panama Geisha coffee on the map is Panamas Esmeralda Special. Any coffee youve tasted before will not compare with the tasting experience of drinking a cup of Panama Geisha coffee. The particularity of this coffee bean variety is its citrus-like flavor, jasmine aroma, balanced acidity and long finish many coffee experts have called it almost PERFECT!

If you happen to be a coffee lover and youre planning a trip to Panama, you can have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to indulge in a cup of coffee so rare that it became one of the priciest coffee beans ever sold in auction. Panama Geisha coffee is found in the ranks of Indonesias Kopi Luwak coffee, an exotic coffee thats only roasted after its been eaten and pooped out by palm civets! Panama Geisha coffee might come right from the coffee tree but it has reached an astonishing bid price of $130 USD a pound. Drinking a cup of Panama Geisha coffee while visiting Panama City or Boquete, where the Esmeralda Special is grown, can become one of the special highlights of your Panama travel. If youre a coffee lover and have not planned a trip to Panama, you are missing out! Now you know your next vacation destination. In fact, Hacienda Esmeralda holds an auction every year in May for their special Geisha Coffee.

Panamas Geisha Coffee: A Little Taste of its History

Geisha Coffee in Panama: Almost Perfect

Tasting Notes:

How Is Geisha Processed

There are three ways to process Geisha coffee:

• Washed: The most common processing method. Fresh coffee cherries are moved to a pulling mill where the fruit is separated from the bean. After, the mucilage is removed with water before leaving the beans to dry. Once the coffee is dry then it is ready to roast.
• Natural: This method is prefered by most consumers and growers but it is also the trickiest to achieve. The coffee cherry is left to dry in the sun for several days and then stored. This method can be easily ruined by heavy rain or insects that are attracted to the fruit.
• Honey: This method is a combination of the previous two mentioned processes. The coffee cherry es removed from the bean but the mucilage is left intact. This process results in a bean that has a golden colour, a honey-like texture and is often sweeter.

In the three cases, the ripest coffee cherries are always used to ensure a distinct flavour profile.

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Black Toucan Coffee Geisha Coffee

Theres no need for you to settle for bad coffee. Instead, sip a cup of Black Toucans exquisite honey-processed Geisha coffee. Like Volcanicas product, each coffee bean in this bag comes from a single estate in Costa Rica, not Panama.

After theyre hand-picked, Black Toucans Geisha coffee beans are honey-processed and medium-roasted before being packaged and shipped to your door. Once you brew them, you end up with a pot of refreshingly fruity coffee littered with notes of jasmine, mango, peach, apple, sugar cane, and caramel so good!

Verdict: Is Geisha Or Gesha Coffee Worth It

Yes, the flavor of geisha coffee is amazing, but unless you are growing the coffee beans yourself, it may not be ideal to purchase a cup of Panama geisha coffee every single day. Even though the taste from every bean will fill your heart’s content, geisha coffee may serve better as special, once in a while indulgence, instead of a staple on the menu.

Even so, the unique aroma, and the mesmerizing flavor notes you’ll experience drinking geishas is a must for coffee lovers like us, and the amazing taste of this coffee may have you planning your next trip to Panama.

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Where Can I Buy Geisha Coffee In Panama City

You can buy authentic Geisha Coffee in Panama City. Here is a list of specialty coffee shops in Panama City where you can have a taste of the worlds most expensive coffee:

Café Unido. This is the largest chain of specialty coffee shops in Panama City. There are five branches of Café Unido namely Café Unido Le Mare in Planta Baja, Café Unido Calle 54 Este in Cul-De-Sac Cafe Unido Casco Viejo Cafe Unido Multiplaza ad Cafe Unido Town Centre. It offers different varieties of Geisha coffee including Elida Geisha. Other Geisha coffee offered in its cafes included La Harpia Geisha coffee and Geisha beans from Carmen Estate, among others.

Bajareque Coffee House. This pioneered the specialty coffee shop in Panama City. It is located in the old part of Panama City, Casco Viejo. It offers the famous Elida Geisha Coffee and other types of specialty coffees. It is located in Calle 1 near Platea.

Leto Coffee Brew Bar. Coffee Brew Bar is another popular café where you can purchase Panama Geisha Coffee. It is managed by Venezuelan brothers Cesar Eduardo Bermejo and Cesar Andrés Bermejo, who are winners of the 2017 Barista and Brewers Cup Competitions.

It has two branches namely Leto Coffee Brew Bar San Francisco which is located in Plaza 76, Calle 76 San Francisco entrando por El Rey y Cremapan and Leto Coffee Brew Bar Costa Del Esta which is located in Ave Costa Mar, Plaza The Corner, Local 8.

What Are Other Panama Coffee Brands

While the Elida Geisha Coffee has a very limited supply, other Panama coffee brands can allow you to experience a taste of Geisha at much cheaper rates, which are nonetheless expensive. This includes the La Hacienda Esmeralda Geisha, Panama FST Washed Geisha Coffee Whole Beans, Teasia Coffee, Panama Boquete, Cafe Duran, Lavanta Coffee Roasters, Palo Alto Boquete Coffee, Volcanica Coffee, Cafe Indigo, Cafe Rogusta Panama and Panama Coffee Gold Reserve, among others. You can buy Geisha coffee from these brands online.

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Geisha Coffee Beans Where To Buy

Where’s the best place to buy fresh Geisha Coffee beans?

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Replies

• Ellen MuthMarch 19, 2016 at 4:33am

  I sell a number of different Geisha beans including Panama La Esmeralda Geisha from Boquete. If you click on shop and then choose the category “Rare/Exotic” you will see more than 5 different Geisha beans all of which we roast to order. We sell whole bean unless you request they be ground. Geisha is usually roasted Light but b/c we custom roast you may always request they be done otherwise. muthcoffeebeans.com

  muthcoffeebeans.com -& nbspmuthcoffeebeans Resources and Information. muthcoffeebeans.com is your first and best source for all of the information youre looking for. From general topics to more of what you would expect

• H Gene Lawrence > Ellen MuthMarch 19, 2016 at 11:42amThis OP was over three years old.

The Lifetime Production Of The Tree Is Yours

Buy the amount of trees you like, Geisha Gold takes care of the operation. Our Geisha trees are located at altitudes ranging from 1,600 to 1,700 meters above sea level in the Southwestern slopes of the Baru Volcano, in the North of Boqueron District.

The trees can be purchased from our three distinctive altitudes ranging from 1,600 to 1,700 meters above sea level.

• Zone 1: Geisha trees growing at 1700 masl.
• Zone 2: Geisha trees growing at around 1650 masl.
• Zone 3: Geisha trees growing at around 1600 masl.

Each tree you buy entitles you to the entire yield of the tree for its lifetime .

Choose below the desired zone for your trees. If you want to buy more than 1,000 trees, please refer to our Premium Programwhich have additional benefits for you.

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Whats The Big Rush To Try Geisha Now

Youll want to try Geisha coffee now before the price increases. Geisha coffee, particularly the Panama variety, is already obscenely expensive. And the bad news is its only going to get more expensive soon.

As an already rare and popular commodity, Geisha coffee commands solid demand in even small quantities.

The logistics of cultivation and global export are suffering from supply chain disruptions of the last year and growing concern of climate changes upsetting the delicate balance of factors central to Geisha coffee production.With demand showing no sign of decreasing and supply having a limited capacity, at best, the economics of this situation are abundantly clear. What costs $600 to fill today may cost double, triple, or more in the coming decade.

Dont delay if you love great coffee and have yet to experience Geisha. Besides, lifes too short to drink mediocre coffee. Get some of the good stuff sooner rather than later.

Its worth it for now.

Why Is Panama Geisha So Expensive

SCA points can determine the quality of cup, with Geisha consistently scoring more than 90 four . The reasons why geisha is so expensive are complex. It has a stunning aroma, the growing conditions are unique, and expert advice is highly valued. It is not a simple process to grow geisha to learn how to cultivate them properly.

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Can I Drink Panama Geisha Coffee In Starbucks

No, you cannot get a Panama Geisha coffee in Starbucks. It is not available in Starbucks or any other popular chain of commercial cafes primarily because of the rarity of the coffee, the low supply in consideration of its demand and expensive price tag.

Aside from its meticulous cultivation, Geisha coffee is produced and sold only in specialty markets to maintain its exclusivity. It loses its novelty when it becomes available to commercial stores known to serve the masses.

For a brief period in 2014 however, Starbucks in selected branches in Japan used Panama Geisha bean to make its most premium coffee. In general, however, Starbucks prefers choosing cheaper coffee beans for its premium coffees. It also explains that the expensiveness of the coffee is primarily caused by the scarcity of its supply.

Where Are The Best Geisha Beans Grown And Processed

While the origins of the original coffee cherry variant trace to Ethiopia, the most coveted Geisha coffee is grown almost exclusively in a remote mountainside region of Panama.

Large farms operate using traditional methods and local labor producing crops before exporting their award-winning wares around the globe.

Specifically, land off the slopes of Volcan Baru near Boquete in Panama offers fertile volcanic soil and long seasons of tropical sunlight that is almost impossible to match anywhere else on the planet.

Weather and soil conditions unique to this region provide the foundation for the Geisha beans exquisite, subtle flavors.

The history of Geisha cultivation in Panama has made the nation famous worldwide for its first-class coffee. Special care and craftsmanship go into this valuable export.

Premier plantations take advantage of the environment and benefits of this ecosystem. Sarah Woods notes in her travel guide to Panama that microorganisms serve a crucial role for many organically tended operations in the region.

These time and labor-intensive processes preserve the high quality that has received exciting recognition in the last few years.Years of growing cycles develop the delicious taste of only the finest coffee cherries. Growers spend even longer becoming adept at handpicking the cherries at peak ripeness.

Locals whove grown up working Geisha crops learn to notice even the slightest blemish or imperfection.

• Picked
• Roasted
• Bagged

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Factors That Make Geisha Coffee Expensive

Some factors contribute to geisha coffees extreme pricing. First, these beans produce an impressive cup of coffee, any way you brew it. Geisha coffee consistently scores high in competitions and coffee snobs around the world. Its less acidic than other varieties and blends florals with honey and cocoa.

The other major factor in pricing is the process of growing the beans. These plants grow at high altitudes, meaning less effective photosynthesis. Growers need to pick beans at the ideal time to ensure they meet quality standards and deliver the unique flavor profile that made them famous.

Coffee cherries used for geisha varieties are the ripest on the plants and are methodically inspected for quality. Some plantations embraced technology to inspect and select the best cherries for a more uniform batch.

Additionally, there is some level of prestige attached to geisha coffee. Growers and roasters can command more money for the cherries and beans because it is an award-winning coffee with a massive fan following. Its also available in limited qualities, making it more exclusive than some other varieties.

Major coffee panels, including the Specialty Coffee Association, regularly score Panamas geisha coffees well above the competition with scores of 90 out of 100 or higher. Thanks to the attention on the world stage, geisha coffee commands outrageous prices.

You might also be interested in our Luwak coffee guide.

Is It Spelled Gesha Or Geisha

This remarkable coffee bean variety comes from and is named after Ethiopias Gesha region. However, somewhere along the way, Gesha was misspelled as Geisha , and today, most of the world knows them as Geisha coffee plants rather than using the correctly spelled term. Sometimes, bags of these types of coffee beans are sold with pictures of Geishas printed on them, despite having no real relation to the Asian performing artists!

Unless one of the brands we highlight uses the incorrect spelling on a bag of its beans, well default to using the correct spelling Gesha for the duration of this article. This is not only for accuracys sake but also because its preferable to drop the unnecessary letter out of respect for the region from which this joe came.

Quick Summary: Best Geisha Coffee

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To Buy Or Not To Buy: The Geisha Coffee Bean Question

Is the hype worth it or not? Should you spend your hard-earned money on Geisha coffee beans or not?

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Why Is Geisha Or Gesha Coffee So Expensive

The high price of Geisha coffee is a product of the bean’s rarity and superiority. Adding to this is the fact that the production costs associated with growing Geisha coffee are also high. Geisha coffee plants are delicate and require very specific climates to grow fruitfully. They are also particularly susceptible to certain coffee diseases. From the perspective of coffee farmers, this specific varietal is immeasurably finicky.

Lastly, this plant has exceptionally low yield which is why it’s so rare and expensive. Given how rare this coffee is, it’s not a surprise that Geisha coffee cherries are always hand-picked to manually ensure the quality of and proper ripeness each bean. As is the case with any fruit, the beans are carefully selected for their size, texture, color, and aroma.

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What Does the Best Geisha Coffee Taste Like?

As far as taste goes, Geisha is renowned for its uniquely pungent floral flavor tapered by a signature refined sweetness and clean taste. Depending on the specific variety you’re drinking, you may taste a very wide range of floral and fruity flavors. This includes papaya, berry, peach, pineapple, citrus, mango, berry, and jasmine to name but a few. If you have a hard time imagining exactly what that would taste like, you’re not alone as Geisha delivers a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

• Mild acidity
• Refined floral and fruity flavors
• Complex flavor notes

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