If you've ever browsed specialty coffee selections, you might have come across names like Geisha, Pacamara, or Wush Wush. These rare coffee varieties often come with a higher price tag and an almost legendary reputation among coffee enthusiasts. But what makes them so special? Let’s take a journey through some of the world’s most unique coffee varieties and uncover their origins, flavors, and why they stand out.
Geisha: The Coffee That Changed Everything
Originally from Ethiopia, the Geisha variety remained relatively unknown until the early 2000s when it gained worldwide fame in Panama. In 2004, a Panamanian farm called Hacienda La Esmeralda entered Geisha into the Best of Panama competition, and it completely transformed the specialty coffee world. Judges were amazed by its delicate floral aroma, tea-like body, and complex citrus notes.
Geisha trees are tall and require specific growing conditions, often thriving at high altitudes with cooler temperatures. Their low yield and careful cultivation make them one of the most expensive coffees in the world. Today, Geisha is grown in several countries, including Colombia, Costa Rica, and Ethiopia, but Panama remains its most iconic home.
source: Coffee roasters Unidos
- Flavor Profile: Floral, tea-like, jasmine, bergamot, peach, and tropical fruit notes
- Why It’s Expensive: Low yields, specific growing conditions, and meticulous processing
- Where It’s Grown: Panama, Colombia, Ethiopia, Costa Rica, Guatemala
Wush Wush: A Hidden Ethiopian Gem
Wush Wush is another Ethiopian variety that, for a long time, was overshadowed by more well-known Ethiopian heirloom coffees. It wasn’t until farmers in Colombia began cultivating Wush Wush that it gained recognition for its vibrant fruitiness and deep complexity. Some describe it as similar to Geisha but with an even richer, syrupy body.
The variety grows best in high-altitude regions, and because of its limited production, it remains a rare find. Coffee lovers seek it out for its unique combination of tropical fruit, floral notes, and a honey-like sweetness that lingers in every sip.
source: Perfect Daily Grind
- Flavor Profile: Bright acidity, tropical fruit, floral, and tea-like qualities
- Why It’s Expensive: Limited production, small yields, and high demand
- Where It’s Grown: Ethiopia, Colombia
Pacamara: A Big Bean with Bold Flavor
Pacamara is a hybrid of two other coffee varieties—Pacas and Maragogipe—created in El Salvador. It is known for its large bean size and intense, layered flavor profile. Unlike Geisha or Wush Wush, which lean towards delicate and floral notes, Pacamara often brings a heavier body with bright citrus acidity, chocolate undertones, and hints of tropical fruit.
What makes Pacamara special is its unpredictability. Depending on where it’s grown and how it’s processed, it can take on wildly different characteristics, from bright and juicy to deep and earthy. Many coffee competitions feature Pacamara coffees because of their complexity and ability to surprise even experienced tasters.
source: Perfect Daily Grind
- Flavor profile: Citrus, chocolate, tropical fruits, floral notes
- Why it’s expensive: Limited availability, challenging cultivation, and high sensory quality
- Where it’s grown: El Salvador, Nicaragua, Guatemala
SL28 & SL34: The Treasures of Kenya
If you’ve ever had a cup of Kenyan coffee with striking blackcurrant and citrus flavors, chances are it was made from SL28 or SL34. These varieties were developed in the 1930s by Scott Agricultural Laboratories in Kenya, with the goal of producing high-quality, drought-resistant coffee plants.
SL28 is known for its exceptional sweetness and acidity, often reminiscent of red berries and wine, while SL34 offers a slightly fuller body with deep, juicy fruit flavors. Kenyan farmers continue to cultivate these varieties at high altitudes, where the cool climate enhances their bright and complex profiles.
source: Perfect Daily Grind
- Flavor Profile: Bright acidity, citrus, blackcurrant, winey sweetness
- Why It’s Expensive: Requires careful farming, often grown at high altitudes, and is highly sought after for its vibrant cup profile
- Where It’s Grown: Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Colombia
Want to experience a classic Kenyan variety for yourself?
Our Kenya Kegwa AA SL34 Washed is a great place to start, with its signature bright acidity, rich black cherry and hibiscus notes, and a smooth, full body.
Sudan Rume: A Wild and Rare Discovery
Sudan Rume is one of the rarest coffee varieties, originating from the Boma Plateau in South Sudan. Unlike other varieties that have been selectively bred for higher yields or disease resistance, Sudan Rume remains close to its wild origins, making it difficult to cultivate but highly prized for its extraordinary flavor.
With floral, honeyed sweetness and a subtle spice, Sudan Rume is often used in coffee competitions and special micro-lots. It’s not easy to find, but when it appears on the market, it’s an opportunity to taste a piece of coffee history.
Café Granja La Esperanza, source: La Cabra
- Flavor profile: Floral, honey, berries, spicy undertones
- Why it’s expensive: Limited availability, low productivity, and exceptional flavor
- Where it’s grown: South Sudan, Colombia
Why Are These Coffees So Expensive?
Rare coffee varieties often come with higher prices for a few reasons. Many of them have lower yields compared to more common coffee plants, making each harvest smaller and more valuable. They also require specific growing conditions, careful harvesting, and expert processing to bring out their best flavors. Finally, demand plays a huge role—coffees like Geisha and Wush Wush have gained international fame, pushing prices even higher due to their reputation.
Are They Worth Trying?
For coffee lovers looking to explore beyond the usual flavors, these rare varieties offer something truly special. Whether it’s the floral elegance of Geisha, the bold richness of Pacamara, or the juicy complexity of SL28, each one tells a story of its origins and craftsmanship. If you ever get the chance to try one of these exceptional coffees, take the opportunity—you might just discover your new favorite cup.
