Origin Story
This exceptional Geisha Gold comes from the renowned Nariño region of Colombia, one of the country's richest coffee-growing lands, cultivated by smallholder farmers at elevations between 1,860-1,990 meters above sea level. The Geisha varietal, originally from Ethiopia and celebrated worldwide for its extraordinary floral complexity, thrives in Nariño's unique microclimate of volcanic soils, cool temperatures, and consistent rainfall. This natural-processed lot showcases the innovation of Colombian producers who are experimenting with processing methods to create unique flavor profiles. The natural process—where whole cherries are dried on raised beds for 25-35 days—creates explosive fruit flavors of juicy red cherries, ripe stone fruits like peach and apricot, complemented by notes of white tea and honeyed sweetness. The combination of the prized Geisha varietal, Nariño's ideal terroir, and meticulous natural processing produces a coffee of exceptional complexity and elegance that represents the cutting edge of Colombian specialty coffee.
Producer Details
Region: Nariño, Colombia
Altitude: 1,860-1,990 MASL
Process: Natural (sun-dried whole cherries on raised beds)
Varietal: Geisha (rare heirloom varietal)
Farmers: Smallholder families in the Nariño highlands
Drying Method: Raised African beds, 25-35 days with careful monitoring
Harvest Season: April - June
Sustainability & Certifications
✓ Shade-Grown: Cultivated under native shade trees in traditional coffee gardens
✓ Organic Practices: Natural composting, no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers
✓ Direct Trade Partnership: Long-term relationship with Nariño producers, premiums 45% above market for rare Geisha
✓ Water Conservation: Natural processing eliminates water waste from washing
✓ Quality Focus: Rigorous cherry selection and processing monitoring for consistency
✓ Fair Wages: Premium pricing for specialty Geisha lots ensures living wages
✓ Community Investment: Producer groups invest in education, healthcare, and processing equipment
✓ Innovation Support: Encouraging Colombian farmers to experiment with rare varietals and processing methods
Tasting Profile
Aroma: Juicy red cherries, ripe stone fruits, white tea, honeyed sweetness
Flavor Notes: Red cherry, peach, apricot, white tea, honey, tropical fruit complexity
Acidity: Bright and juicy, reminiscent of ripe stone fruit
Body: Full and rich with velvety mouthfeel
Sweetness: Pronounced honey-like sweetness from natural processing
Finish: Long and smooth with lingering fruit and floral notes
Complexity: Exceptional - layers of fruit, floral, and honey evolve as the cup cools
Brewing Recommendations: Outstanding as pour-over (V60, Chemex), cold brew, or light espresso
Why Colombian Geisha is Special
While Geisha is most famous from Panama, Colombian Geisha represents an exciting development in specialty coffee. Nariño's unique terroir—high altitude, volcanic soils, and ideal microclimate—creates a Geisha with distinctive character. The natural processing adds explosive fruit flavors while maintaining the floral elegance the varietal is known for. This is a rare opportunity to experience one of coffee's most celebrated varietals from an emerging Colombian origin, showcasing how Colombian producers are pushing boundaries and creating world-class specialty lots.
Traceability
This coffee is fully traceable to the Nariño region and the specific producer groups cultivating Geisha. We maintain detailed records including lot numbers, harvest dates, and processing notes. Each lot is cupped and scored at our Dubai facility by founder Mohamed Hamdou, and this exceptional coffee is featured in our advanced cupping sessions to demonstrate the unique characteristics of the Geisha varietal and how natural processing enhances its complexity.
At 1718 Coffee, we're committed to knowing the people behind every bean we source. Questions about this rare Colombian Geisha Gold's journey from Nariño's highlands to your cup? We're here to share the story.
