Olivenhain Decaf

About This Coffee

Our decaf proves that giving up caffeine doesn't mean giving up flavor. This coffee comes from small producers near San Antonio town in Colombia's Inzá Department — an area known for producing beans with mild fruit characteristics and pronounced acidity, qualities that survive the decaffeination process better than most.

The decaffeination is done using the ethyl acetate (EA) method, often called "sugar cane decaf" because sugar cane is one of the primary sources of the naturally occurring compound used in the process. Unlike methods that rely on high pressure and extreme heat, EA decaffeination is gentler — the green coffee is steamed to swell the beans, the ethyl acetate dissolves the caffeine, and then the beans are washed and dried. The result is a decaf that retains remarkable sweetness and body.

In the cup, expect a pleasant caramelized quality — lightly sweetened burnt sugar with an interplay of bitter and sweet that fades into notes of sorghum syrup, honey wheat bread, and caramel. You'll find a hint of apple acidity alongside a smoked chocolate flavor with toasted cocoa notes and a woodsy accent. The body is solid for a decaf, and it works well as bittersweet espresso.

The Sugar Cane Process

The sugar cane EA method is a natural decaffeination process common in Colombia, where sugar cane is readily available. Molasses from sugar cane is fermented by bacteria that produce acetic acid. Alcohol is then added to create ethyl acetate. The green coffee beans are steamed, swelling them and allowing caffeine extraction. The ethyl acetate dissolves the caffeine, the coffee is washed with water, and then dried to its original moisture content of around 11-12%. Because EA avoids extreme heat and pressure, the coffee retains more of its original character — which is why sugar cane decafs tend to taste notably sweeter and more flavorful than other decaf methods.

Brewing Suggestions

This decaf shines across brew methods. For drip and pour-over, the caramel sweetness and subtle apple note come through beautifully. For espresso, the bittersweet chocolate character makes a satisfying shot, especially for evening espresso when you want flavor without the caffeine. Note that decaf can roast a bit differently than regular coffee — the color may appear darker than expected, which is completely normal.