Disclosure: Pull & Pour received coffee samples for this post, however, as always, all opinions are 100% my own.
The Gesha (or Geisha) variety began in Ethiopia and slowly made its way around the world, including to Panama. It’s become incredibly popular and while some Geshas can be over rated, many are incredibly special coffees that drive a steep price. La Esmeralda is one of those incredibly special Gesha coffees. I was able to try some of Theodores’ incredibly limited supply of both this washed Gesha and the Especial Noria naturally processed—both were incredibly special and unique. Below is a review of the washed Gesha, but you can read the companion review of the naturally processed Especial Noria here.
The coffee hits you from the start with a fragrance that is strong, sweet and full of floral tropical fruit notes (banana, pineapple, etc.). The fragrance is really just a foreshadowing of the flavor to come though. This coffee is pure bliss to drink. Its light, silky mouthfeel is full of delicate notes of tropical fruit, jasmine, blueberry and subtle citrus. The acidity wasn’t as pronounced, but the coffee had a rich, honey sweetness that was full of fruit notes. The finish lingered with a floral aftertaste.
This coffee is incredibly complex. It is at the same time delicate and rich, floral and fruity. The transition it undergoes as it cools is truly unique and with each brew I loved the point right before room temperature most, where the fruit notes and sweetness seemed to reach their climax. Given the limited quantity of the coffee, I stuck to pour over brew methods with it, but I am certain it would make an incredibly unique espresso once dialed in.
The Bottom Line
While expensive, this coffee is a truly special and amazing coffee. If you can afford the price tag, you won’t regret buying this coffee. What’s crazy, is as good as this coffee is, I think the Especial Noria is even just a bit better.
