What is Gesha coffee and why is it so special?

Gesha (also spelled Geisha) is a rare coffee varietal originating from Ethiopia's Gori Gesha forest. According to the Specialty Coffee Association, it is prized for its intensely floral profile featuring jasmine, bergamot, and tropical fruit with a tea-like elegance. In 2018, a lot of Gesha beans from Hacienda La Esmeralda in Panama sold for $601 per pound at auction. At High Note Roasters, we source exceptional Gesha lots from Ethiopia, China, Peru, and Costa Rica, roasting each in micro-batches to preserve these delicate flavour notes.

What does micro-batch roasting mean?

Micro-batch roasting means roasting small quantities of coffee — typically under 10kg per batch — to ensure precise control over temperature and timing. This allows our roasters to highlight the unique flavour characteristics of each lot. Studies show that smaller batch sizes reduce defect rates by up to 40% compared to commercial-scale roasting, resulting in a cleaner, more complex cup.

Where is High Note Roasters based?

High Note Roasters is based in N1, London, United Kingdom. We roast all our coffees in micro-batches at our London roastery and ship directly to customers across the UK and worldwide.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, High Note Roasters ships worldwide. All coffee is freshly roasted in our N1 London roastery and dispatched directly to your door. We accept multiple payment methods including Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.

What are floral tasting notes in coffee?

Floral tasting notes — such as jasmine, bergamot, honeysuckle, and hibiscus — are aromatic qualities found in high-altitude, carefully processed specialty coffees. According to the SCA Flavour Wheel, floral notes sit within the 'Flowery' category and are most commonly associated with Ethiopian and Gesha varietals grown above 1,800 metres above sea level. These delicate flavours are best preserved through light roasting and precise brewing.