Origin Story
This exquisite Geisha varietal comes from the Iloma AMCOS (Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Society) in the fertile highlands of southern Tanzania at 1,800 meters above sea level. The Geisha varietal, originally from Ethiopia and made famous in Panama, is one of the world's most celebrated and sought-after coffee varieties, known for its extraordinary floral complexity and tea-like elegance. Cultivated by smallholder farmers who are members of the Iloma cooperative, these beans are meticulously hand-picked at peak ripeness and processed using the fully washed method—pulped, fermented for 24-36 hours, and dried on raised African beds for 12-18 days. This careful processing creates outstanding clarity, structure, and aromatic brightness that allows the Geisha varietal's unique characteristics to shine. Tanzania's volcanic soils and ideal microclimate produce a Geisha with distinctive character—less fruit-forward than Central American Geishas, but with remarkable floral complexity and refined sweetness.
Producer Details
Cooperative: Iloma AMCOS (Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Society)
Region: Southern Highlands, Tanzania
Altitude: 1,800 MASL
Process: Fully Washed (wet-processed)
Varietal: Geisha (rare heirloom varietal)
Farmers: 300+ smallholder families in the cooperative
Fermentation: 24-36 hours underwater fermentation
Harvest Season: June - September
Sustainability & Certifications
✓ Cooperative Model: Democratic farmer-owned cooperative ensuring fair profit distribution
✓ Shade-Grown: Cultivated under banana and indigenous tree canopy
✓ Organic Practices: Natural composting and minimal intervention farming
✓ Direct Trade Partnership: Long-term relationship with Iloma AMCOS, premiums 40% above market
✓ Water Management: Eco-pulpers and water recycling systems at washing stations
✓ Quality Investment: Cooperative invests in training, equipment, and quality control
✓ Fair Wages: Premium pricing for rare Geisha varietal ensures living wages
✓ Community Development: Cooperative funds support education, healthcare, and infrastructure
Tasting Profile
Aroma: White florals, bergamot, jasmine tea, delicate citrus blossom
Flavor Notes: Jasmine, bergamot, white tea, honey, sweet citrus, refined floral complexity
Acidity: Bright and refined, sweet-citrus with malic undertones
Body: Silky and tea-like, elegant mouthfeel
Finish: Clean and lingering with floral and citrus notes
Complexity: Exceptional - layers of floral and citrus evolve as the cup cools
Brewing Recommendations: Outstanding as pour-over (V60, Chemex), showcases varietal character
Why Geisha is Special
Geisha (also spelled Gesha) is one of the world's most prized coffee varietals, known for its extraordinary floral aromatics, tea-like body, and complex flavor profile. Originally from Ethiopia, it gained fame in Panama where it set auction records. Tanzanian Geisha offers a unique expression—the volcanic soils and high altitude create a coffee with remarkable clarity and refined sweetness. This is a rare opportunity to experience one of coffee's most celebrated varietals from an emerging origin.
Traceability
This coffee is fully traceable to the Iloma AMCOS cooperative and the specific farms in Tanzania's Southern Highlands. 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.
At 1718 Coffee, we're committed to knowing the people behind every bean we source. Questions about this rare Tanzanian Geisha's journey from the Southern Highlands to your cup? We're here to share the story.
