Processed with ethyl acetate, (a sweet-smelling organic compound derived from sugar cane created during fermentation) this bean originates from the Andean region’s only decaffeination plant, Descafecol. The plant relies on pure water from the Navado el Ris (a snow-capped volcano resting on the border of Caldas and Tolima) and natural ethyl acetate from sugar cane plants in Palmira, Colombia. From the Trilladora Andes Mill, the coffee’s complete process involves machine-pulping, 6-8 hour fermentation, rinsing and patio-drying for 12 hours, and a final 6-hour drying.
The Decaffeination process starts with steaming the green coffee beans at low pressure in order to remove their silver skins. Then, the beans are swelled and softened with hot water, which starts the caffeine's hydrolysis process––water causes the caffeine to break down and separate from the other compounds. In the next step, the ethyl acetate circulates through the beans until at least 97% of the caffeine is removed.
Saturated steam is applied at low pressure to remove the ethyl acetate in the final processing stages. Coffee beans are then cooled to ambient temperature, surrounded by fans, and polished with carnauba wax, protecting the beans from humidity. The coffee beans are vacuum-dried in drums to ensure water removal and bring moisture levels to less than 12%.***Due to the high order volume of this coffee you may experience a 1-2 day delay in shipping. We thank you for your patience!***
Cupping notes: Candy-like, with notes of tropical fruit and citrus; creamy body.
Try before you stock up with a 1/2lb sample!!
by Doug on October 7, 2022
Roasts nicely excellent flavors
by Jeff on August 19, 2022
EA processing makes this truly the best decaf available. I could give this to most any normal coffee drinker and they would be hard pressed to tell it's a decaf at all. Extend your drying phase to like 50% to get the best out of it. I take it to FC-FC+ / 14 - 15% weight loss and think that it comes out better than at a lighter roast.
by bruce Hope on March 19, 2022
Second Review Blind taste test against Colombian Excelso Swiss Water Process Decaf. When I ordered this last time it came as Excelso EP. I assume these are the same beans with different processes. Just a touch lighter than medium dark roast. Ground on a Baratza at 9, medium. The SWP was fine but a bit bland. Sawdust wood flavors, nice balance of acid. This Excelso EP was as usual beautifully complex with intense spicy coffee flavors. Not explosively bold, but a perfect cup for me. It appears that the Swiss Water Process is destroying a lot of the flavor. I am convinced that Ethy Acetate Process is superior at least the way this processor does it.
by Bruce Hope on November 15, 2021
Loved this decaf. I don't usually like decafs but this gives better real cofffee, earthy, rich flavor than some of my favorit regulars. Roasted a little lighter than I usually do, maybe medium light. I wonder if the ethyl acetate processing is part of what make this outstandin. Looking for more ethyl acetate processed decaf to compare it to.
by GunillaE on November 12, 2021
Really a wonderful decaf. Usually decafs don't taste as good as regular, but this was just perfect for an after dinner coffee. Will buy again.
by NT on April 21, 2021
Not good in the cup. I regret I bought it.
by David on March 30, 2021
Good decaf coffee. Comes close to caffeinated columbian in aroma, richness and taste. Good in medium or light-medium roast. Also, good service & prompt shipping.
by Carl Etchison on December 15, 2020
Hard to decide what I like better...Product or Service? BOTH are really outstanding!!
by Curtis Smith on December 13, 2020
Really like this Decaf! Have purchased 7 pounds now, and this is the best decaf my wife and I have found anywhere! I roast it in my Gene Café in a two-stage roasting process, Drying pre-roast for 8.5 mins, stop and cool for 30 mins, roast in hot drum at three temps through about 16 minutes. Finishes at a beautiful ‘coffee’ color, and the aroma when cooled is smooth and sweet. We then cold brew six ounces of roasted, coarse ground coffee to make 1/2 gallon cold brew coffee. Smooth, low acid, and slightly caramel. Great with cashew milk.
by Tom on August 21, 2020
Took to a full city roast. Smooth and creamy come to mind. I would definitely recommend. Then why not a 5 star rating? I was looking for a somewhat bolder cup.
by RLBrooks on July 20, 2020
For decaf, It's pretty good to me and my wife loves it. I roast it medium.
by RLBrooks on July 18, 2020
This a mediocre decaf to my taste, but maybe I’ll try some different roast levels or grind size. It’s ok, but I’m still looking for a more flavorful decaf and I think I prefer Colombia swp or co2. This is not as bright as expected by the description.
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