EA Decaf Cumbres de Nariño

SIZE

 

DECAF COFFEE

Process: Ethyl Acetate (sugarcane)

Farmer: smallholders

Region: Buesaco, Nariño

Mill/Washing Station: Descafecol

Varietals: Borbon, Caturra, Colombia, Pacamara

Elevation: 1900m

Tasting Notes: dried pineapple, graham cracker, Brazil nuts

Our first Ethyl Acetate processed decaf is from Nariño based producers working with Shared Source Coffee Importers. Decaffeination happens in-country, in Manizales at Descafecol. Don't let the chemical sounding name scare you, ethyl acetate, or EA, is a naturally present combination of ethanol (alcohol) and acetic acid (vinegar) - a biproduct of fermented sugarcane, hence the "sugarcane process" name often used in place of EA. EA exists in many fruits (apples, pears, bananas) and tea leaves at higher levels than the trace amounts remaining after processing and roasting. EA has a lower boiling point than water (around 77C) so is boiled off prior to the rehydration stage in production. More of the flavour compounds inherent to the original coffees are retained, resulting in a far tastier decaf. Less of the sesame, tamari, umami of SWP processed options. Holler if you have any questions!