DECAF: Colombia - Huila

Origin: Colombia

Region: La Plata, Huila

Process: Washed, E.A/Sugarcane Decaf

Producer/Farm: 20 smallholder farms of the Mártir Coffee Producers Association

Varietals: Castillo, Caturra, Colombia, Typica

Elevation: 1,700 - 2,000 MASL

Roast Level: Light/Medium

Tasting Profile: Apple, Caramel, Rounded Body

Additional Information:

This year we booked a really nice E.A Decaf from Huila,Colombia. This lot is a blend from smallholder producers of the Mártir Coffee Producers Association; an association of passionate and dedicated organic (or in transition to organic) coffee producers that extend from Huila to Cauca.

The coffee is naturally decaffeinated using the Ethyl Acetate (EA) process/Sugar Cane Process. The Sugar Cane Process, which originates in Colombia where sugar cane grows in abundance, avoids disrupting the bean’s cellular structure and even enhances sweetness of the final cup. Fermented molasses derived from sugar cane is used to make ethanol. The alcohol ethanol is mixed with a natural acetic acid, to create the solvent ethyl acetate (E.A.).

E.A. is also prominent in wine, beer, fruit, and vegetables. The coffee beans are soaked in water, which increases the bean moisture content and releases caffeine from the structure. This process removes 97% of caffeine. Due to the fermented molasses from the sugar cane, the Sugar Cane Process creates beans with a pleasant, clean, and sweet flavor.

We really like how balanced and versatile this coffee is. It has great sweetness and acidity, and a very well structured body. It can be equally enjoyed as a really nice filter coffee or decaf espresso.