Decaf #2: Colombia: Popayan Reserve (Washed)

Popayan Reserve Decaf is produced by 67 select farms in the Popayan region of Colombia. These farms provide employment for over 400 people. It is grown and milled in Popayan, then transported to Manizales in Caldas to the Descafecol Decaffeination plant to be decaffeinated.

This coffees decaffeinated by the sugar cane method. The green coffee is steamed to allow for caffeine extraction, then the coffee is placed in a solution of water and Ethyl Acetate, a natural solvent derived through the fermentation of sugarcane. This a gentle and natural way to decaffeinate green coffee as this method avoids excess temperatures seen in other processes. It selectively removes 97% of caffeine from the coffee, leaving a decaf coffee that roasts and tastes much closer to a normal Colombia coffee.

Ethyl acetate occurs in ripening fruit. A ripe banana contains about 20 times more Ethyl Acetate than decaffeinated coffee using this process. It is also worthwhile mentioning that due to the volatility of Ethyl Acetate, any residual compound evaporates at just 70 degrees. As coffee is roasted to above 200 degrees all remaining traces of Ethyl Acetate are completely gone.

Another great benefit is with the decaffeination plant being in Colombia the coffee no longer has to go to Mexico, Vancouver or even Germany to be decaffeinated, it simply has to take a quick journey to the Colombian city of Manizales for processing before being shipped straight to New Zealand. This means a much lower carbon footprint, and fresher better tasting coffee. 

This decaf is clean and bright with notes of citrus and dried fruits, with a lingering finish.

-Growing Region: Cauca

-Decaffeinated: Descafecol, Manizales city

-Producers: 67 smallholder farms

-Elevation: 1500 - 2070m

-Varietals: Castillo, Variedad Colombia

-Milling Process: Washed

-Roast Profile: Medium / Espresso

*Ideal for all pressurized methods ie Espresso or Stovetop, or for filter methods such as Plunger.

*Also suitable for all filter methods; Chemex, V60, Aeropress, Clever, Swiss Gold, Moccamaster, Cold Drip/Brew, if you prefer a roastier more full bodied taste.