Gesha is the variety's original name, derived from the Gesha village in southwestern Ethiopia. Over time, no doubt owing to its similar sounding name, the coffee became commonly referred to as Geisha, despite having no relation to Japanese culture or the historical Japanese courtesans. 

Introduced to Panamenian and Costa Rican coffee researchers in the 50's and 60's, Gesha made little impression on coffee community owing to its' historically low productivity yield, low disease resistance and inherent tea-like subtleties.

This all changed drastically in 2004 when Hacienda La Esmeraldai n Panama entered it into the Best of Panama competition. Its' unique flavor and aromatic profile stunned judges, and it quickly became a global sensation.