It sounds Japanese, but it comes from Panama: Geisha coffee. This is an Arabica variety that became famous thanks to the Hacienda “La Esmeralda”. Since the coffee plant was discovered out of necessity – the coffee rust had attacked several plants and only the geisha plants were still intact – they have been awarded several times and worldwide.
The coffee tastes so different than other coffees. It has very floral notes, lacks the usual toasted aroma and has a soft body. Coffee drinkers will miss the powerful mouthfeel. Overall, the geisha is more reminiscent of black tea. The humid and cool climate in Panama ensures slow and gentle growth, during which the numerous fruity aromas can develop. Because this coffee is so different from others, it is also not suitable for all markets. Japan and China, both typical tea drinking nations with a young coffee culture, are the biggest buyers. It is recommended to enjoy the geisha as slowly brewed filter coffee.
