Colombia – Marisela Sanchez Geisha (Washed) | Specialty Coffee Beans UK
Marisela Sanchez estate Geisha from El Portal, Palestina, Huila, Colombia: An exquisite washed Geisha coffee from a family estate preserved since the 1950s, grown at 1,650 masl. Light roast for filter and espresso with notes of floral, sultana and majestic complexity. Produced by Marisela, the matriarch of the Sanchez family. This is coffee steeped in heritage. Freshly roasted in the UK; choose whole bean or a grind tailored to your method.
🌟 Rare Geisha microlot: Available for a limited time to ensure you receive it at peak freshness (within 7 weeks of arrival). This small-yield lot prioritises quality and rarity.
Key facts
- Origin: Colombia — Huila — El Portal, Palestina — Sanchez family estate
- Producer: Marisela Sanchez
- Variety / Process / Altitude: Geisha · Washed · 1,650 masl
- Roast profile: Light — Espresso / Filter
- Tasting notes: Floral, sultana, majestic
- Best for: V60, AeroPress, French press, Espresso
Tasting & experience
This Geisha coffee offers the variety's hallmark elegance and complexity. Delicate floral aromas—jasmine and bergamot—open the cup, whilst the palate reveals sultana sweetness with layers of stone fruit and tropical nuances. The washed processing ensures exceptional clarity, allowing the Geisha's ethereal, tea-like quality to shine. The light roast preserves the coffee's refined character without sacrificing body or structure. Brew at 93 °C for filter methods to highlight the floral aromatics and silky texture. As espresso around 92 °C, expect a delicate, perfumed shot with remarkable sweetness—ideal at 1:2.5 ratios for a longer, more expressive extraction.
Origin & traceability
Marisela is the matriarch of the Sanchez family estate, diligently preserving her family's legacy within the world of specialty coffee. Nestled in El Portal, Palestina, the family's modest estate has been in their care since the 1950s, when the Colombian government granted the land to Marisela's parents. For decades, this fertile region in Huila—renowned globally for its exceptional coffee—has been their home and livelihood.
Now in the hands of the second generation, the estate has been divided into smaller plots, each independently owned and managed by Marisela's siblings and extended family. The central processing and drying station remains at Marisela's home, serving as the heart of the operation. As she nears retirement, Marisela has chosen to focus her energy on supporting her local community and producing smaller-yield coffees that prioritise quality and rarity. This exquisite Geisha lot is a shining example of the meticulous care and dedication she pours into every aspect of her work. This is coffee steeped in heritage. This is what history tastes like.
Roast & brewing suitability
Roasted light to honour the Geisha variety's delicate floral character and complex fruit profile, this coffee performs beautifully across both filter and espresso methods. The lighter development preserves the coffee's ethereal aromatics and tea-like body whilst maintaining enough sweetness and structure for espresso extraction. For filter brewing, expect a transparent, perfumed cup with remarkable clarity. As espresso, the Geisha delivers a uniquely elegant shot—floral, sweet and complex—that challenges conventional espresso profiles. This coffee rewards precision and patience in dialling in.
Brew guides
V60 · 250 ml
15 g coffee · 250 g water · 2:30–3:00 total · 93 °C · medium-fine grind.
AeroPress · 200 ml
15 g coffee · 200 g water · 1:45 total · medium grind.
French press · 500 ml
33 g coffee · 500 g water · 4:00 steep · coarse grind.
Espresso (guide)
18 g in → 45-50 g out · 30–35 s · 92 °C (longer ratio for Geisha's delicate profile).
Grind selection guide
| Method | Recommended grind |
|---|---|
| V60 / Filter | Medium-fine |
| AeroPress | Medium |
| French press | Coarse |
| Espresso | Fine |
Freshness & storage
Roasted fresh to order. Best enjoyed within 4–6 weeks of roasting. Store in a cool, dry place; reseal after opening.
Sustainability & quality
The Sanchez family's multigenerational commitment to their land and community reflects a deeply rooted approach to sustainable coffee farming. By focusing on small-yield, quality-driven lots rather than volume, Marisela supports both her local community and the preservation of specialty coffee traditions in Huila. The family's long tenure on this land—granted by the Colombian government in the 1950s—demonstrates a legacy of responsible stewardship and dedication to exceptional coffee production.
Shipping & subscriptions
UK delivery available. Optional subscriptions for regular deliveries.
FAQs
What makes Geisha coffee special?
Geisha is prized for its delicate floral aromatics, tea-like body and exceptional complexity. It's one of the world's most sought-after coffee varieties.
Is this coffee good for V60?
Yes—Geisha's ethereal character shines in filter brewing. Use 93 °C water and a medium-fine grind to highlight its floral complexity.
Which grind should I pick for espresso?
Choose the "Espresso" grind (fine). Start with a 1:2.5 ratio (18g in, 45g out) for a longer, more expressive extraction.
When was this coffee roasted?
We roast fresh to order to ensure maximum freshness. Roasting typically occurs within days of your order.
How should I store it?
Keep the bag resealed in a cool, dry place; avoid fridges or freezers once opened.
Why is this coffee more expensive?
Geisha is a rare, low-yield variety requiring specific growing conditions. This small-lot production focuses on quality over quantity, reflecting its exceptional cup profile.
Why is this coffee seasonal?
We offer this rare Geisha microlot for a limited time (7 weeks) to ensure you receive it at peak freshness and optimal flavour.
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