there are a lot of varietals in speciality coffee. some are ones you may have heard of like Typica or Catuai. the most famous coffee varietal right now is the Geisha, but there are way more than that. this blog will be exploring unique arabica coffee varietals in speciality coffee.

First what do we mean by a coffee varietal

What is a coffee varietal?

Varietals are not the same as species. examples of Coffee species would be Arabica or Robusta. Varietals are the subspecies in each coffee species. This blog we will be focusing on the varietals present specifically in the Arabica species.

Why are varietals so important?

Each varietal has its own pros and cons. some will be more resistant while others will have a more desirable flavour profile. depending on the traits required, farmers and producers will choose their varietal.

They will look at cup quality, disease resistance traits and how well it can adapt.

At Flava's our reserve coffees are competition coffees from premium producers. You can generally find them in out Orange and Red Collection. You will also find some of them in our exclusive micro lot collection.

Let's go through some of the unique varietals in store

Unique Coffee Varietals

Wush Wush

This is a varietal first discovered in the town of Wush Wush, in Keffa , Ethiopia. A landrace varietal from the vast pool that is Ethiopia' s indigenous coffees. This ancient varietal is usually only used in coffee breeding programs.

Known for its intense fruity and ripe flavours, these coffees exhibit are more niche. Speciality coffee enthusiasts who are deep into understanding unique varietals like this coffee.

Our Colombia Lune is a great example of a Wush Wush coffee. With notes of Lychee, Starfruit, Peach, Brown Sugar, the notes are typical for this varietal. The sweet, intense notes of this varietal make it a popular choice with niche speciality coffee lovers.

Available in 250g and 100g experience a unique coffee profile. you can order this coffee on the website for your business or personal collection

Sudan Rume

Like the Wush Wush varietal, Sudan Rume is a key parent in many coffee breeding programs. This coffee has been recognised for its botanical and aromatic complexity. By itself though, the Sudan Rume Varietal has low yield making this a niche coffee selection.

Hailing from South Sudan, this varietal thrives in the South American climate. Expect a flavour profile that has jammy orange notes and delightful floral notes. This varietal appears as micro lots or as part of an experimental series due to its ancient roots. Its unique genetics means it highly sought after among niche speciality coffee enthusiasts.

Our Micro lot coffee Colombia Mora is a delightful Sudan Rume, part of our Orange Collection. Available in 100g and 250g, this niche coffee selection is perfect for those exploring coffee selections.

Geisha

Probably the most famous varietal out there right now. This Ethiopian origin varietal thrives in the climates of Panama and Colombia. Originally from the town of Gesha in Ethiopia, this varietal was brought to South America.

Geisha is one of the most recognised coffees in the world right now.

Flava provides 3 types of Geisha coffees

Panama lot 926

This Geisha coffee has the classic geisha taste with delicate floral notes like Jasmine, fruity notes like Mandarin Orange and Mango. Part of our Red Exhibit which holds our microlots and competition coffees. Panama 926 is perfect for those who love that classic Geisha taste.

Panama Lot 1035

This is a unique Geisha with more experimental flavour profile. Expect notes of Passion Fruit, Tamarind, Chocolate and Maple Syrup. Panama lot 1035 has more of a jammy flavour profile that is perfect for those who are looking for something new in their Geisha coffees.

Colombia Las Margaritas

Named after the farm it was cultivated on, this Geisha coffee displays notes of Starfruit, Kumquat, White Peach, Chamomile. The only Geisha in the Flava collection from Colombia, when the development team was testing this coffee they were taken aback by how good it was. If you have been looking for a new Geisha for your collection, try Colombia Las Margaritas.

CGLE - 17

This is more a cultivar than a varietal.

Cultivar is the term used when two varietals are combined. CGLE is the combination of a Caturra and a Geisha. Caturra produces more yield and is used in producing everyday speciality coffee. Geisha is very well known for it delicate flavour. Developed by the farm of Cafe Granja La Esperanza, this cultivar is named after them.

Our Colombia CGLE-17 has notes of Bartlett pear, Hibiscus and Molasses. This gives it a subtle sweetness and clean cup.

Conclusion

Coffee varietals reveal the extraordinary diversity hidden within specialty coffee. Exploring these varieties transforms coffee. From a familiar everyday beverage to a deeper sensory and cultural experience. Every varietal carries a story involving geography, genetics, farmers, researchers and generations of cultivation.

Rare coffee varietals matter because they expand the sensory possibilities of coffee. They allow producers, roasters and consumers to experience flavours that may not appear in conventional commercial varieties.

They are also important sources of genetic diversity. Modern Arabica cultivation relies on a comparatively narrow genetic base, which can make coffee production more vulnerable to disease and changing environmental conditions. Wild and rare populations from Ethiopia and South Sudan may contain traits that support future coffee breeding and conservation.

However, rarity should not be treated as an automatic measure of quality. An uncommon name can make a coffee more marketable, but the complete production story remains essential. Variety, altitude, soil, harvesting, fermentation, drying, roasting and brewing must work together.

Understanding these differences does not require professional tasting skills. It only requires curiosity, attention and a willingness to explore. Every varietal tells a different story, and every cup offers another opportunity to discover how diverse coffee can truly be.

The next time you choose a bag of specialty coffee, look beyond the country and roast level. Check the variety printed on the label. It may lead you to a rare and completely unexpected flavour experience.