Gesha Village is a tremendous project run by Rachel Samuel and Willem Boot. The 471-hectare farm, located in Ethiopia's West Omo zone just a few kilometers from the border of South Sudan, was started to return the gesha varietal to its homeland. Today, the farm grows Gesha 1931, Gori Gesha, and few non-gesha varietals like SL28 and the Illubabor Forest varietal. The farm is divided into 8 blocks: Shewa-Jibabu, Shaya, Bangi, Oma, Surma, Narsha, Dimma, and Gaylee. The first three are designated for Gori Gesha, the second three for Gesha 1931, and the last two for Illubabor Forest. Utilizing a variety precise processing protocols, they produce exceptional coffees, the best of which are sent to their yearly auction. 

It was a real treat to participate in the 2026 Pride of Gesha Auction and a thrill to win this lot from the Narsha region. This is the first season that dark rooms were used in the drying process, and I think this technique imparts additional complexity and heightened intensity of florals in the cup.

In the cup, I find a prominent red berry acidity and tartness that reminds me of Kenyan SL28, complimented with intense bergamot, and an onslaught of white florals like elderflower and jasmine.