Colombia Gesha vs SL28: Filter Coffee Face-Off
By Code Black Coffee | Published: 2026-10-28
Category: Comparisons
Compare two rare single-origin filter coffees from Code Black Coffee: Colombia Linarco Rodriguez Gesha and Maria Rodriguez SL28. Discover which one suits your taste.
Quick Answer
Choose the Colombia Linarco Rodriguez Gesha if you want an aromatic, delicate cup; opt for the Maria Rodriguez SL28 if you prefer a bolder, more structured filter brew. Both come from the same farm network, so the real difference is the variety.
Same Farm, Different Varieties
Both coffees come from Finca Betania in Palestina, Huila, where Linarco Rodríguez and Maria Rodriguez co-lead a network of 117 smallholder families. This shared origin means you can expect similar farming ethics—soil health, biodiversity, and chemical-free practices—but the Gesha and SL28 varieties bring distinct flavor profiles to your filter brewer.
Gesha is famous for its floral, tea-like character, while SL28, a Kenyan variety, often delivers more body and sweetness. Knowing this helps you pick based on your taste preference rather than just the farm story.
Why the Variety Matters for Filter Brewing
Filter methods like pour-over highlight clarity and acidity. Gesha's delicate aromatics shine here, making it a favorite for those who enjoy complex, fragrant cups. SL28, with its heavier body and bold sweetness, can stand up to a slightly longer extraction, giving you a more robust filter coffee.
If you're new to single origins, the SL28 might feel more familiar, while the Gesha offers an eye-opening experience.
Choosing Your Filter Coffee: Trade-Offs
- Flavor Profile: Gesha offers delicate floral and tea-like notes; SL28 provides more body and sweetness. Pick Gesha for complexity, SL28 for richness. Think about whether you want a light, aromatic cup or a heavier, sweeter one.
- Brewing Flexibility: Gesha requires careful brewing to avoid over-extraction, while SL28 is more forgiving and can handle a slightly coarser grind or longer steep. If you're a beginner, SL28 may be easier to brew well.
- Price and Value: The Gesha is priced at USD 24.84 (compare at USD 34.50), while the SL28 is USD 25.16 (compare at USD 34.00). Both are premium, but the Gesha offers a slight savings. Consider your budget and whether the Gesha's unique profile justifies the price difference.
Product Facts
- Colombia Linarco Rodriguez Gesha Washed Filter - Single Origin: Colombia Linarco Rodriguez Gesha comes from Betania Farm, part of a network of 117 smallholders in Palestina, Huila, with shared labs, drying facilities, and warehouses. This shared infrastructure supports consistent processing, which helps preserve the Gesha's delicate floral notes during the washed filter process.
Colombia Linarco Rodriguez Gesha Washed Filter - Single Origin - Colombia Maria Rodriguez SL28 Washed Filter - Single Origin: Colombia Maria Rodriguez SL28 is co-led by Maria Rodriguez at Finca Betania, within the same group of 117 smallholder families committed to soil stewardship and chemical-free farming. The SL28 variety, combined with high-altitude farming, can yield a more full-bodied cup that suits those who prefer a stronger filter brew.
Colombia Maria Rodriguez SL28 Washed Filter - Single Origin
Which One Fits You?
Best For
- Gesha: Coffee enthusiasts who love aromatic, complex filter brews and want to explore a rare variety.
- SL28: Those who prefer a fuller-bodied, sweeter cup that's forgiving to brew and still offers single-origin character.
Not For
- Gesha: If you dislike very light, tea-like coffees or want a more traditional heavy filter brew.
- SL28: If you're specifically seeking the floral, delicate profile that only Gesha provides.
