Description
A pound each of:
Decaffeinated Honduran Org Royal Select – MWP
Hondurans coffee really tend to shine with the decafs – smooth, rich and chocolaty while naturally being lower acidity. A bit more neutral and chocolaty but not nearly as nutty as a Brazil or Colombian. Nothing too jazzy but a great tasting cup that is easy to drink.
What is the Mountain Water Process (MWP)? MWP is a decaffeination process that uses only water rather than solvents, such as ethyl acetate found in the EA process. The result is a flavorful bean with an average 96% caffeine extraction rate. No chemicals or artificial solvents used. Green coffee is pre-soaked to expand beans in preparation for caffeine extraction during this decaffeination process. The saturated beans are then introduced to a unique water solution of concentrated coffee solubles that extract caffeine without compromising the bean’s flavor profile. Once decaffeination is completed, the beans are re-dried and bagged for transport. The decaffeination solution is then filtered of caffeine and recycled to be used again, making this a sustainable decaffeination process.
Tasting Notes:
A very clean, fuller bodied, smooth and chocolaty cup. A lower acidity offering that’s hard to tell its a decaf. The stronger chocolate undertones mix very well with the floral sweetness on top to create a lovely balance. Lighter roasts were interesting, pulls a bit of sweet green tea like spice, but for most Central American fans, shooting a bit fuller and creating a more chocolaty cup will be the way to go.
Roasting Notes:
Easy to roast and best medium to dark – I tended to like right before 2nd crack, a little smoother and more delicate – darker gets a rough and tumble bakers chocolate like cup with hints of smokiness.
Decaffeinated Ethiopian Sidamo 4 – Natural Processed – Royal Select SWP
Decaf Ethiopia Sidamo 4 Natural Royal Select Water Process is curated from lots that the Royal team has selected based on cup profile, physical preparation, and potential to express excellently once decaffeinated. During the water process, the green coffee is pre-soaked in water to expand the beans for caffeine extraction. The hydrated green coffee is then introduced to a unique solution of concentrated coffee solubles that draw out the caffeine while minimizing the loss of flavor compounds. Once the caffeine has been removed the green coffee is re-dried and re-bagged for transport, and the extract solution is filtered of its caffeine and recycled to be used again.
Tasting Notes: Shines at the fuller roast levels but was still interesting lighter roasted. Good body, lower acidity with nice chocolate and tea like spice tones. Some good sweetness from its natural processing, a small hint of soft fruit as the cup cools. Reminds us of a less fruity Yemen coffee. Rustic chocolate, tea like spice, lower acidity and fuller bodied.
Roasting Notes: Being a gr. 4 Ethiopian, these beans are closer to a Harrar or Yemen style coffee. Smaller screens, slightly uneven roasting, but will produce a tasty treat in the cup. SWP beans appear a bit darker than they really are. Make sure to get at least a little development after “most” of first crack to ensure a tasty cup. Medium and dark roasts are nice and easy roast points to hit with it, a little sheen for a medium, signs of second crack or a hint of oil to mark the darker roasts.
Decaffeinated Brazil Mogiana 17/18 – Royal Select MWP
A great super clean Decaf Brazil. Hard to tell this one is a decaf! This Brazil has a nutty and fruity aroma. Medium bodied with a dark chocolate and dryer nuttiness. A smooth, rich, clean cup perfect for those decaf espresso drinks.
Many use more neutral beans like this to create a house blend. Easily adopts anything blended into it. If looking for a half-calf, roast this one a bit darker and find a jazzy caffeinated to blend with it. We like Natural processed ferment/fruity coffees in smaller percentages to contrast the darker Brazil tones. Something like Ethiopian Natural processed would make a tasty treat.
During the MWP (mountain water process), the green coffee is pre-soaked in water to expand the beans for caffeine extraction. The hydrated green coffee is then introduced to a unique solution of concentrated coffee solubles that draw out the caffeine while minimizing the loss of flavor compounds. Once the caffeine has been removed the green coffee is re-dried and re-bagged for transport, and the extract solution is filtered of its caffeine and recycled to be used again.
Tasting Notes:
Great as a single origin Americana or Espresso, also works well in decaf espresso blends. Medium bodied, semi-sweet with fruitier aromatics and a dryer chocolaty/nutty undertone. Medium roasts are very smooth with a hint of sweetness, darker roasts are dryer with some smokiness.
Roasting Notes:
I found this coffee best roasted to a full city, just before the second crack. It is versatile, could be taken lighter or darker depending on your preference.
Alice Sanvito (verified owner) –
I don’t drink decaf but roast it sometimes for a friend. I bought a different decaf, did not care for it (though my friend liked it) and decided to try this sampler pack. I often like to blend beans (after roasting separately) and found that when I combined these in equal parts and brewed it, I actually liked it. It’s not quite like my favorites but if I were really wanting a decaf, I would definitely drink this.
Ed Charbeneau –
I drink decaf every evening. People think decaf tastes different and is somehow inferior, but this set is amazing. It’s even better when you roast them all and blend them together. The Sumatra is great City+ with the others light.