Adam Overton

Adam Overton, alongside his partner Rachel Samuel, founded the Gesha Village Coffee Estate in 2011, driven by a mission to cultivate the world-renowned Gesha variety in its birthplace. Located in the West Omo Zone of Ethiopia, the estate sits in close proximity to the Gori Gesha Forest, the wild origin point of the Gesha variety. The project began in 2007 as an effort to document and study native coffee species, eventually evolving into a 471-hectare farm built from the ground up to showcase the potential of Ethiopian-grown Gesha.

The development of the farm involved a meticulous process of seed selection, where Overton and Samuel scrutinized wild forest samples to identify specific, high-quality wild Gesha varieties for cultivation. This commitment to genetic integrity and agricultural excellence has defined the estate's operations, which include a nursery phase, careful transplanting, and the application of modern agronomic practices to ensure the health and productivity of over 700,000 coffee trees.

Gesha Village is widely recognized for its focus on both the 1931 Gesha variety—a selection from the wild forest—and other distinct cultivars like the Gori Gesha. The farm employs sophisticated processing methods, including natural and washed techniques, to highlight the complex floral and fruity profiles, such as jasmine, oolong, and apricot, that have become synonymous with their brand. These efforts have positioned the estate as a premier producer in the specialty coffee industry.

The impact of Overton’s work is evidenced by the high regard in which the estate's coffee is held by roasters and competitors globally. Coffees from Gesha Village have frequently appeared on the world stage, often utilized by baristas in international competitions. The estate’s reputation for quality is further underscored by its private auction platform, where lots have achieved record-breaking prices, including a notable sale of $254 per pound in 2022, which was reported as one of the highest prices ever paid for an African coffee.

Beyond the commercial success, the farm serves as a model for large-scale, high-quality coffee production in Ethiopia. By integrating scientific rigor with a deep respect for the local landscape, Overton and his team have created a 'bucket list' coffee for many in the industry. The estate’s ability to consistently produce high-scoring, distinct lots has made it a focal point for discussions regarding the future of the Gesha variety and the potential for Ethiopian estates to command premium value.

Today, the Gesha Village Coffee Estate stands as a testament to the vision of its founders. It represents a unique intersection of historical preservation and modern specialty coffee production, where the wild heritage of the Gori Gesha forest is nurtured through careful stewardship. For roasters and consumers alike, the name Adam Overton is inextricably linked to the pursuit of excellence in coffee, marking a significant chapter in the ongoing story of the Gesha variety.