What is Geisha strain and why does it matter that it's 100% pure?

What is the Geisha variety?

Geisha (also spelled Gesha ) is a variety of Coffea arabica native to Ethiopia and rediscovered in Panama in the mid-20th century. Since then, it has gained worldwide acclaim for its unique sensory profile and exceptional performance at high altitudes.

Today it is grown in select regions of Colombia, where it reaches extraordinary levels of complexity if managed properly.

What is the sensory profile of Geisha coffee?

A well-cultivated and well-processed Geisha can offer:

• Floral notes such as jasmine, rose or orange blossom
• Fruits such as mandarin, mango or peach
• Bright and elegant acidity
• Light and clean body
• Long, sweet and complex finish

These attributes make it one of the most highly valued coffees in international competitions and auctions.

What does it mean for a coffee to be 100% Geisha?

A 100% Geisha coffee is composed only of beans from that genetic variety , without blending with others. This guarantees a pure and authentic expression of its profile.

On the other hand, if a cafe says “with Geisha” or simply “Geisha” without specifying, it could be:

• A blend with other more common varieties
• A lot where only part is Geisha
• A coffee with commercial attributes but without traceability

This dilutes its character and diminishes the sensory experience this strain can offer.

Why is purity important in Geisha?

Because Geisha is a delicate, low-yielding, and demanding variety to grow , its value lies precisely in its rarity and unique genetic expression.

By offering Geisha 100%:

• The work of the producer and the roaster is respected
• Traceability and consistency are guaranteed
• You access the true sensory experience of this variety

At C•DELEÓN , we work only with 100% pure Geisha, without mixtures or shortcuts , grown in Colombia with natural processes such as carbonic maceration.
We don't do it out of fashion, but out of conviction: we believe that specialty coffee should be honest, traceable, and exciting from the first sip.