2026-11-02 · 5 min read
Does Coffee Variety Affect Rating? Gesha, Bourbon, SL28 Data
Do Gesha and Pacamara really score higher than Bourbon or Caturra? We grouped the rated coffees in our index by variety to find out. Blends and mixed lots are excluded.
The Short Answer
Average Rating and Price by Variety
| Variety | Coffees | Average rating | Average price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gesha | 29 | 4.65 | $57.12 |
| Pacamara | 16 | 4.68 | $25.05 |
| SL28 / SL34 / Kenyan | 22 | 4.52 | $23.55 |
| Ethiopian Heirloom | 77 | 4.48 | $21.77 |
| Bourbon | 123 | 4.41 | $21.76 |
| Caturra / Castillo / Catuai | 91 | 4.38 | $22.88 |
Treat this as a pattern in our catalog, not a law. Top varieties tend to be grown at high elevation and processed with care, so variety, farm practice and price travel together.
Why Gesha and Pacamara Rate Higher
Gesha and Pacamara are prized for floral, complex cups. Read Pacamara vs Gesha, why Gesha is so expensive, or browse Gesha coffees.
Best-Rated Gesha Coffees
| Coffee | Roaster | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finca Deborah Nirvana Geisha | Corvus Coffee Roasters | $65.00 | 4.9 |
| Mexico Finca Chelin Hydronatural | Intelligentsia Coffee | $20.00 | 4.8 |
| Mexico Oaxaca Geisha | Intelligentsia Coffee | $26.00 | 4.8 |
| Yulisa Carhuallocllo, Peru | Madcap Coffee Company | $29.00 | 4.8 |
| Mexico Eber Olivera Baltazar Geisha | Onyx Coffee Lab | $42.00 | 4.8 |
25 Gesha coffees rate 4.5 or higher. Compare with the roast level data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does coffee variety affect rating?
In our index it does. Gesha averages 4.65 across 29 coffees, Pacamara 4.68 across 16, Bourbon 4.41 across 123 and Caturra, Castillo and Catuai 4.38 across 91.
Is Gesha really better than other varieties?
Gesha and Pacamara rate highest on average in our catalog, but they are also grown at high elevation with careful processing, so variety is only part of the story.
Why does Gesha cost so much more?
Gesha lots in our index average $57.12 per bag versus $22.88 for Caturra, Castillo and Catuai. Low yields and high demand drive the price.
Which variety is the best value?
Pacamara averages 4.68 at $25.05 per bag, and Ethiopian heirloom coffees are similarly priced to Bourbon with a higher average rating.
Does a higher rating mean I will like it more?
No. Ratings reflect quality as judged by reviewers, not your taste. Try a few varieties and see which flavors you prefer.