Decaffeinated specialty coffees are increasingly gaining popularity, and in fact, the consumption of specialty decaf coffee has skyrocketed. According to this article from Perfect Daily Grind, Generation Z is more aware that they want to enjoy a good cup of coffee several times throughout the day without excessive caffeine.

This decaffeinated specialty coffee comes from various coffee-growing regions of Colombia. It combines different bean varieties, such as Bourbon, Typica, and Castillo, harvested by several families as part of a cooperative. The producers understand that quality and consistency are key to improving their income, so they invest in additional social programs and services that help improve their quality of life, viewing the farms as a business unit that must be both profitable and competitive.

To decaffeinate the coffee beans, the Sugar Cane method is used, a natural process that employs compounds derived from sugar cane to selectively extract caffeine, preserving as much of the coffee’s aromas, nuances, and original flavour profile as possible.

The key ingredient in this process is ethyl acetate, a naturally occurring compound found in various foods and obtained, in this case, through the fermentation of sugar cane derivatives. Thanks to its high capacity to bind to caffeine, it effectively extracts it without significantly altering the compounds that give coffee its aroma, flavor, and body.

The Sugar Cane method stands out for being a gentle and respectful process for the bean, as it combines water and a natural solvent without resorting to extreme temperatures or pressures. This way, the coffee’s original structure and identity are better preserved, resulting in a product with excellent sensory quality and virtually caffeine-free.

This process yields a decaffeinated specialty coffee with sweet notes reminiscent of apricot and chocolate. Aromas of toasted almond are also revealed, along with a very smooth mouthfeel.

For brewing, we recommend using an Italian moka pot, espresso, or even a filter method such as a French press or V60.