Costa Rican Honey Process GEISHA

Geisha is the undisputed highest rated coffee on earth. Both natural and honey process Geishas are rated higher than washed process. Geisha beans were taken from the Geisha region of Ethiopia by a Panamanian farmer, and suddenly, the coffee from the resultant plants were dominating every single global coffee competition there was. The coffee was selling for up to $2,000/lb. The government of Ethiopia got so upset that they banned plantable coffee beans from ever leaving their country again.

I don’t think you will ever again find honey processed Geisha beans. Honey process means the rind was taken off the cherries, but then the mucilage was left on during the drying process, imparting further sweetness to the beans. This will also give it more crema in espresso, while still having clarity of flavor. The flavor profile delivers strong jasmine notes, followed by secondary notes of Guava, Cardamom, Rosehips, and Strawberry – a very complex and unique mélange.

These were grown at the Cerro Dragon Micro Mill by a passionate grower in the Tarrazú region, at 1,700 MASL. As Geisha is planted in other areas, it’s becoming a little bit more affordable (I used to sell this same coffee for $50/lb), but it’s still very rare.