Category: Coffee tasting

The Art of Roasting Swiss Water Decaffeinated Coffee: From Colour to Craftsmanship

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Subtle Variations in Coffee Bean Colours: Regular vs. Decaffeinated

Have you ever wondered about the subtle differences in colour between decaffeinated coffee and its regular counterpart? When you delve into the world of green coffee beans, especially those from the Swiss Water Decaf Coffee Company, you’ll quickly notice a fascinating distinction in hues.

Typically, a regular green coffee bean exhibits a bluish-green tint, while decaffeinated coffee beans take on a more intriguing appearance, ranging from a delicate straw yellow to a light cinnamon brown. This captivating contrast is a result of the meticulous decaffeination process that these beans undergo.

Mastering the Art of Roasting Swiss Water Decaf Coffee

When it comes to roasting Swiss Water Decaf coffee, it demands unwavering attention to detail and a wealth of experience. The shifts in colour during the roasting process can be quite subtle, especially as you approach the end of the roasting curve.

As Europe’s premier (and sole) decaf coffee company, I Love Decaf takes pride in roasting Swiss Water Decaf coffee week in and week out. This extensive experience places us at the forefront of decaffeinated coffee expertise.

The Colour Spectrum: Roast Regular Coffee vs. Roast Decaffeinated Coffee

Decaffeinated coffee, in its roasted form, tends to display a darker hue compared to regular coffee. This contrast arises from the fact that green decaffeinated coffee appears lighter and paler in its raw form before undergoing the roasting process.

In our pursuit of the perfect roast for Swiss Water Decaf coffees, we adopt a balanced approach, favouring a medium to medium-dark roast profile. In essence, we adhere to a more classic roasting style, setting us apart from many independent roasters.

For a vivid illustration of the differences in colour between regular and decaffeinated coffee, refer to this colour palette curated by the skilled artisans at Swiss Water Decaf:

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Roasting Decaf: A Journey Beyond Colour

In conclusion, the world of coffee roasting is a symphony of colours, flavours, and expertise. Swiss Water Decaf coffee, with its unique appearance and flavour profile, is a testament to the artistry of decaffeination and roasting. Whether you’re a seasoned coffee connoisseur or just beginning your journey, exploring the fascinating world of decaffeinated coffee is a delightful adventure worth embarking upon. Join us in savouring the beauty of Swiss Water Decaf coffee—a truly exceptional brew.

Elevate Your Roasting Game with Swiss Water Decaf Coffee

In an era of coffee connoisseurs and an ever-discerning clientele, it’s imperative to raise your roasting standards and embrace decaffeination with the same zeal as any other coffee in your line-up. An intriguing shift occurred in 2017 when decaffeinated coffee consumption outpaced its non-decaffeinated counterpart, particularly in the restaurant and café sector. Surprisingly, the largest demographic of decaffeinated coffee enthusiasts falls within the 18-24 age group, a trend witnessed in both Canada and Western Europe (National Coffee Association “2017 Coffee Drinking Trends Report” USA and Canada, Studylogic Panel Data for US and Western European Markets, comparing 2016 to 2017). As these younger consumers also constitute the most ardent aficionados of specialty coffee, seamlessly transitioning between regular and decaffeinated brews, the need for high-quality, delightful decaffeinated coffee has never been more critical for specialty roasters and retailers alike.

Navigating the Nuances of Decaf Roasting: Insights and Expertise

The question frequently arises: “How do I roast decaf?” However, providing a definitive answer is no simple task, as each coffee bean possesses unique characteristics, making it impossible to prescribe a one-size-fits-all set of ‘roasting rules’ for decaf. Nevertheless, here are a few essential insights to help you embark on the journey of optimizing your decaffeinated offerings.

Decaf Looks Different, and That’s Perfectly Fine

It’s vital to acknowledge that your decaffeinated offerings, whether in their green or roasted form, won’t resemble their non-decaffeinated counterparts in appearance. These distinctions in visual cues during roasting may initially pose a challenge, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with what to expect and how these appearances evolve throughout the roasting process.

For instance, Swiss Water® processed coffee beans begin with a darker shade of green and sport a matte finish. Their roasting progression closely mirrors that of non-decaffeinated coffee, maintaining a darker exterior colour throughout the roast. To overcome this difference, roasters must focus on alternative visual indicators, such as internal ground colour or surface texture, to gauge roast development accurately.

Rob Hoos, Director of Coffee for Nossa Familia and author of “Modulating the Flavour Profile of Coffee,” emphasizes the reliance on thermocouples, aroma cues, and the timing of the first crack when roasting decaffeinated beans. Ultimately, the appearance of roasted coffee should play a secondary role to its taste; let flavour be the ultimate judge.

Handle With Care: Decaf Coffee Has a History

By the time decaffeinated beans reach your roaster, they have undergone a unique journey, involving rehydration and subsequent drying during the decaffeination process. This cycle of expansion and contraction affects the coffee’s structure and moisture content, consequently influencing its behaviour during roasting. As a general rule, decaffeinated coffee is more prone to release moisture early in the roast, impacting its reaction during the first crack.

Anne Cooper, Roasting Consultant and owner of Equilibrium Master Roasters in Australia, highlights the importance of understanding these moisture-related nuances. Roasters often advocate a gentle approach early in the roast, allowing the coffee to acclimate without expelling excessive moisture too soon.

Matt Higgins, owner and founder of Coava Coffee Roasters, advises a cautious start to avoid burning off vital moisture, followed by a strategic ramp-up to usher the coffee into the first crack stage. The emphasis here is on a slow and low approach, gently coaxing the coffee to maintain its structural integrity.

You’re Not Going to Lose as Much

As roasters, we’re well aware of yield loss during the roasting process, a factor we consider when planning roasts and determining product costs. Here’s where decaffeinated coffee presents a notable advantage. Due to the cleaning process before decaffeination, a portion of the coffee has already been removed, resulting in lower yield loss when compared to non-decaffeinated counterparts at similar development levels.

While this might not revolutionize your procurement choices, it allows for a slightly lower cost of goods per pound of roasted coffee. This financial flexibility can lead to increased investment in decaffeinated coffee, as you won’t experience the same degree of loss during the roasting phase.

If you incorporate roast yield loss as a quality control metric, remember to set a distinct yield loss percentage target for decaffeinated coffee compared to non-decaffeinated varieties.

Embrace Decaf with the Same Love and Dedication

Ultimately, the key to unlocking the full potential of your decaffeinated coffee offerings lies in treating them with the same level of care and devotion as any other coffee in your line-up. Roast, cup, adjust, and repeat—the recipe for success remains consistent across all coffees. However, the stakes are higher with decaffeinated varieties, as they often represent a smaller fraction of your product range throughout the year. Thus, the effort invested in crafting an appropriate roast profile for these offerings becomes all the more critical. Your customers will undoubtedly appreciate the dedication to delivering exceptional decaffeinated coffee experiences.

Decaf Just Wants to Be Loved

In the ever-evolving coffee landscape, where decaf is gaining ground and younger generations are embracing it with enthusiasm, roasters have a golden opportunity to shine by delivering outstanding decaffeinated coffee.

Unveiling the Secrets of How to Make the Best Cup of Decaf Coffee

Advice, Coffee tasting, Decaf coffee hacks, Decaf coffeePublished onUpdated onLeave a Comment on Unveiling the Secrets of How to Make the Best Cup of Decaf Coffee

(With a Dash of I LOVE DECAF Eccentricity)

Ah, decaf coffee – the enigmatic elixir that dances on our taste buds like a caffeinated waltz, only to leave us caffeine-free and carefree. But behold, for we are about to embark on a whimsical journey through the world of decaf, where each sip is a surprising twist in the coffee tale.

  1. The Art of Decaf Diversity

Picture this: Decaf coffee, much like wine, is a thrilling exploration of ‘terroir.’ It’s the coffee’s way of saying, “I’m unique, deal with it!” Taste, flavour, texture, sweetness, body, acidity, and smoothness – they’re all part of the decaf symphony. So, dare to dive into this caffeinated carnival and embrace the unpredictability!

  1. Decaf Chronicles: The Quest for Perfection

To truly bask in the glory of decaf, we must adhere to the coffee commandments:

Coffee Storage: The age-old debate rages on, with numerous theories floating around like caffeinated myths. But here’s our sage advice: Keep your precious I LOVE DECAF coffee sealed in an airtight container, nestled away in a cool, dark, and dry sanctuary. It’s like creating a secret hideout for your decaf treasures. Simple, isn’t it?

Freezing Coffee: Ah, the eternal mystery of freezing coffee beans! Some say it’s the elixir of freshness, while others remain skeptics. Let’s face it; we need more coffee scientists on the case! You can freeze unopened coffee beans, but don’t you dare grind them while they’re still frozen. It’s like attempting a culinary magic trick with coffee, and we’re not pulling any beans out of hats here!

Coffee Conjuring: When it comes to coffee preparation, keep it uncomplicated:

Fresh water is your potion for boiling. Let the kettle cool for a spell, as boiling water can cast a bitter spell on your coffee (optimal temperature: 90°C to 96°C).
When measuring coffee, don’t be shy. It’s better to be bold than bland! A rough guideline is 10 grams of coffee for every 180ml of water. You can always dilute if it’s a bit too intense.
If you’re ready to up your coffee game, consider a grinder (burr grinders like Krups or Delonghi are our enchanting picks). Grinding weekly works wonders, but if you can swing daily, you’re basically a coffee wizard.
Bonus Potion: Seeking the ultimate decaf enchantment? Grind your beans every day if time permits. But let’s be real, not all of us have a spare wand to wave, do we?

  1. The Voices of Decaf Delight

Now, if you’re yearning for some truly unadulterated reviews of I LOVE DECAF, venture forth to the hallowed halls of Google. There, the coffee connoisseurs of the internet have poured their hearts (and coffee cups) into independent reviews. Behold the wisdom of the masses, and let it guide you on your decaf odyssey:

Trust Pilot Reviews of I LOVE DECAF

  1. The Decaf Curtain Call

And there you have it, dear adventurers of the decaf realm! Your quest for the perfect cup of decaffeinated coffee may not be a tale of dragons and knights, but it’s a journey of taste and whimsy. Embrace the quirks, savour the peculiarities, and let each cup of I LOVE DECAF be a delightful sip of life’s caffeinated paradox.

Now, raise your mugs high and toast to the world of decaf, where each brew is a fantastical voyage into the unknown. Enjoy your caffeine-free adventures, coffee mages! 🧙‍♂️☕

6 Decaf Coffees that Taste Great

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Decaf coffee has come a long way in the last few years. While decaf was almost famous for its bland taste and aroma, these days it just keeps getting better and better.

Decaf can taste great too

Coffee is a great way to start the day. But sometimes we like to enjoy a cup of great tasting coffee but don’t want the caffeine. That, of course, is where decaf coffee comes in.

Decaf has been around for a while, but it’s often overshadowed by its caffeinated counterpart. There are now more options than ever when it comes to great tasting decaf coffee. So, if you’re looking to cut down on your caffeine intake, or you simply want to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee without the jitters, check out our list of the best decaf coffees below. 

Great tasting decaf coffees are here

There are many decaf coffees on the market, but not all of them taste great. In this article, we’ll recommend some of the best decaf coffees out there we have sourced for you so that you too can enjoy a delicious cup of decaf. Great tasting decaf isn’t that hard to find at I Love Decaf.

Where to buy decaf coffee that tastes great

There are a few key things to look for when shopping for decaf coffee that tastes great. 

  1. First, make sure to find a brand that you trust. May we humbly suggest I Love Decaf? There are a lot of decaf coffees on the market, but not all of them are created equal. Here at I Love Decaf we took on the challenge to find great tasting decaf. It wasn’t easy but as soon as we stopped drinking mass-market brands and supermarket own brands, we did a lot of research and found the suppliers that use high quality beans and roast them well.
  2. Second, pay attention to the grind. If you’re using a drip coffee maker, you’ll want to use a medium grind. If you’re making espresso, you’ll want to use a fine grind. And if you’re using a French press, you’ll want to use a coarse grind. The wrong grind can make even the best coffee taste bad. For more info on the grind that will work with your coffee maker, see our grand grind guide here.
  3. Finally, buy fresh beans. Coffee beans start going stale as soon as they’re roasted, so you’ll want to buy from a roaster who sells fresh beans. If you can’t find fresh beans, look for vacuum-sealed bags that have been roasted within the last week or two. Avoid beans that have been sitting on shelves for months – they’ll be stale and won’t taste very good.

More tips to keep your great tasting coffee tasting great:

  1. Whatever coffee machine or maker you own, we have the perfect grind to get the best flavour out
  2. Fresh: your coffee is ground the day that you order
  3. Keep the freshness in with our bags
  4. Perfect for all kinds of coffeemaker, be it filter machine, French press, espresso or pods

No Nasties Half Decaf Organic Coffee

This decaf/caffeinated mash-up is officially designated as ‘half-caff’. A tasty Organic coffee with less caffeine if you don’t fancy an immediate caffeine cut. Also, a coffee with more caffeine if you think you have cut too quickly. Great if you are not an ‘all or nothing’ sort, but even better if you love the notes of orange and cocoa praline oozing from this amalgamation of ethically picked coffee beans from the Nicaraguan Jinotega Estate and Swiss Water decaffeinated Organic Fairtrade Honduran beans. 

Luxe Organic Swiss Water Honduran Decaf Coffee

A brew from the Central American home of beautiful coffee for over 220 years, our organic, Fairtrade, chemical-free Swiss Water decaf method coffee grown at high altitude among the rain forests of Honduras is a serious brew for coffee aficionados, which is why Hondurans keep 90% of their coffee to themselves and export the rest with tears in their eyes.

Brasilia Swiss Water Decaf Coffee

Our Brasilia Swiss Water is made from specialty arabica beans grown in the perfect climate, this bold and satisfyingly smooth coffee produces notes of rich dark chocolate that’s consistent throughout the year.

Orizaba Mountain Water Decaf Coffee (Swiss Water Style)

The Mountain Water Process coffee is a higher quality process than the Swiss Water Decaf Method, as it’s certified Organic. The flavoid-saturated water dissolves most of the caffeine but leaves the taste intact. And what a taste that is – a truly authentic-tasting decaf brew, that’s suitable from your first morning cup to after-dinner in polite crockery. 

Happy Medium Roasted Decaf Coffee

A reliable, tasty, medium roasted decaf, a cut above a typical coffee shop Italian decaf, with a well-balanced smooth medium roast of expertly blended Arabica beans that loses none of the great taste, and most of the caffeine drama. Happy Medium Roasted Decaf Coffee is ideal for a filtered Americano and also plays nice in the cafetière. It tastes as great as any coffee, decaf or otherwise. Brewed from Brazilian beans and, like all our coffees, a great tasting decaf.

Decaf coffee

Decaf coffee

I Love Decaf is the only UK destination for the best decaf coffee. We supply decaf coffee beans, pods, filter and ground decaf coffee for those who love the taste of decaf coffee.

Shop now

Coffee Grind: How to Find the Right Kind

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Ground decaf coffee is available in a few different grades and there’s a great deal of confusion as to what the grind has to do with flavour, the kind of coffee-making equipment you have, and so on. It can be baffling for anyone but now, the guesswork is over, with our guide to the grind.

What coffee grind is best for me?

From fine ground to coarse, the grind of the coffee affects how it tastes in your cup. if you pay attention to what ground coffee you are putting into which piece of coffee-making equipment you will always get the best taste and aroma. If your coffee tastes bad, it is usually because you have over or under brewed your drink. 

It’s not surprising that with a myriad of kinds of coffee making machines, there are many ways of brewing, from the super-fast to the grindingly slow. Your chosen machine will require a specific size, grade, and grind of coffee to work properly.

How to find the perfect espresso grind

Espresso machines are fast because the hot water is in contact with the coffee for less than half a minute. This liquid extracts the flavour quickly, and a finer grind leads to a richer, more flavoursome cup. The science behind this is simple, a finer grind means more surface area in contact with the water, gram for gram. 

If you tried coarse ground in an espresso machine, you would find the flavour of your hot brown water sour and undeveloped.

The right ground coffee for your French press

A French press or cafetière takes much longer to work than an espresso machine. In a French press, the grinds float about in the water steeping for minutes on end and so brewing fine ground in a cafetière would allow serious over-extraction of the coffee’s flavour and turn it into a bitter-tasting brew.

For drip filter machines or pour over coffee makers of the kind that fill a carafe or jug, drip by drip, try a medium ground coffee

What kind of coffee grind is right for your kind of coffee machine?

Whenever you buy ground decaf, match the grind to the equipment you own. If you’re always disappointed with your machine’s coffee, it could be as simple a fix as buying different grinds for your machine.

Not only do we love decaf, but we also love keeping decaf simple. We sell coffee in different grinds for different machines. It can be difficult to tell what grind is suitable for each method, so we say what kind of machine it’s good for. Sometimes, to save space on the label, we use a letter instead on our Brasilia coffee and call it what it is for others. But what you will see is: Beans, Ground (cafetière) and Find Ground (espresso, moka and filter machines)

B Unground, whole beans (CHOOSE BEANS)

Unground beans are perfect if you like complete control over your coffee, you own a bean-to-cup machine or, alternatively, have more than kind of coffee machine and need to vary the grind accordingly.

C French Press or Cafetière (CHOOSE GROUND)

You fill a cafetière with very hot water and leave it to steep. When it is brewed, you compress all the grounds out of suspension behind a metal screen by pushing a plunger down.

E Espresso coffee (CHOOSE FINE GROUND)

An espresso machine at home can be very convenient and makes us all into a barista. But originally, people brewed coffee using a stove-top percolator called a Moka pot. This boils water under pressure, forcing steam and water through the coffee grinds. When the grinds are saturated with pressure from boiling water, the steam further forces the brewed coffee up a funnel and then into the top chamber. Once you hear the characteristic sound of gurgling, your coffee is ready.

P Coffee Pods and Capsules

Not all pod systems create environmentally responsible coffee. Many of these will be thrown away after one use and the environmental consequences will not be limited to a small area. However, it is best to find those that are refillable to avoid this dilemma. We sell one of these on ilovedecaf.com, but many other companies offer refillable pods as well.

F Filter Coffee and AeroPress (CHOOSE FINE GROUND)

The simplest way to make coffee is to drip feed or pour hot water over grounds sitting in a filter cone. From the pour-over to the new AeroPress machine, a medium grind works best.

Medium roast decaf coffee crema and grind advice
Medium roast decaf coffee crema and grind advice
Dark roast decaf coffee crema and grind advice
Dark roast decaf coffee crema and grind advice
50% decaf coffee crema and grind advice
50% decaf coffee crema and grind advice
Coffee shop style decaf coffee crema and grind advice
Coffee shop style decaf coffee crema and grind advice
Rich swiss water style decaf coffee crema and grind advice
Rich swiss water style decaf coffee crema and grind advice
Organic swiss water full bodied decaf coffee crema and grind advice
Organic swiss water full bodied decaf coffee crema and grind advice
Decaf coffee

Decaf coffee

I Love Decaf is the only UK destination for the best decaf coffee. We supply decaf coffee beans, pods, filter and ground decaf coffee for those who love the taste of decaf coffee.

Shop now

The Best Dark Roast Decaf Coffee: I Love Decaf’s Number 1 Recommendation

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When looking for a dark roast decaf coffee, you may find yourself asking: “What is the best dark roast decaf coffee?” or “Which brand of dark roast decaf is best?” If that is you, then have a quiet word with yourself, because normal people don’t talk like that. However, if you really are looking for our most popular, range of dark roast decaf coffees, full of rich flavour, then you’ve come to the right place – look no further than the I Love Decaf shop for satisfying dark roast decaf.

The beauty of dark roast decaf

Sometimes, a dark roast decaf coffee is the only answer to whatever the day might be throwing at you; bickering kids, boredom at work, line manager with a personality bypass – we’ve seen it all, too. We have what you are looking for, right here, and we consider it to be the best of the best when it comes to dark roast decaf coffee.

Brazilian Swiss Water dark roast decaf coffee

If you’re looking for a dark roast decaf coffee that packs a punch, our Brazilian Swiss Water Dark Roast Decaf Coffee is for you. This coffee is made with 100% Arabica beans and is roasted to perfection, giving it a bold and robust flavour that coffee lovers crave. Brazilian Swiss Water Decaf Coffee is decaffeinated using the Swiss water process, so you enjoy all the flavour without any trace of chemical solvents.

After clocks, mountains and bank accounts, the Swiss are perhaps best known for the Swiss Water Method – a chemical-free decaffeination process discovered in the 1930s by a man who may or may not has been in possession of an Alpine horn. The Swiss Water Method gets rid of over 99% of caffeine while keeping all the gorgeous taste intact. Perfect for dark roast decaf, the specialty Arabica beans our Brazilian Swiss Water dark roast decaf are from are grown in the perfect climate. This bold and satisfying velvet smooth coffee produces notes of rich dark chocolate that’s consistent throughout the year.

The benefits of dark roast decaf

We all know that coffee is packed with antioxidants and has health benefits, but did you know that decaf dark roast coffee is also good for you? Studies have shown that decaf dark roast coffee can help improve cardiovascular health, reduce the risk of stroke, and even lower the risk of cancer.

What’s certain is that dark roast decaf coffee is a fantastic source of antioxidants. 

Antioxidants, found in the rich brown colours of a dark roast decaf as much as regular coffee, fight free radical chemicals that harm cells and which are linked to your risk of cancer. Drinking dark roast decaf every day not only lowers risk of developing multiple forms of tumour, but also avoids the effects of excess caffeine.

Your liver also likes a cup of dark roast decaf, lowering your risk of cirrhosis development. As the body’s manufacturing facility, the liver helps filter blood, produce digestive juices and regulates many body processes.

Dark roast decaf is also rich in:

  • Riboflavin (Vitamin B2). Healthy cell development
  • Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5). Helps convert food to energy
  • Niacin (Vitamin B3)
  • Thiamine (Vitamin B3). The thiamine in dark roast decaf helps fetal development and breast feeding in nursing mothers
  • Potassium
  • Magnesium

Something that tastes so good as dark roast decaf is not always or often good for you. So, if you’re looking for a healthy cup of joe, opt for a dark roast decaf. Your body will thank you!

What is so good about dark roast decaf?

There are many things that make dark roast decaf coffee the best choice for coffee lovers. First of all, it has a rich, full-bodied flavour that is perfect for those who enjoy the taste of coffee. Additionally, dark roast decaf coffee is lower in acidity than lighter roasts, which means that dark roast decaf is so easier on the stomach. It is also decaffeinated, so you can enjoy it without having to worry about the effects of caffeine. 

Our Brazilian Swiss Water dark roast decaf is a great example – it is a bold and satisfyingly smooth coffee that produces notes of rich dark chocolate that’s consistent throughout the year

So, if you are looking for a delicious and healthy coffee option, our Brazilian Swiss Water dark roast decaf is a great choice. I Love Decaf’s number one recommendation!

How to buy dark roast decaf at Ilovedecaf.shop

If you want the best dark roast decaf coffee, look no further than the I Love Decaf shop. We offer a wide variety of medium and dark roast decaf coffees from all over the world, so you’re sure to find one that suits your taste. Plus, we have a number of handy guides, like this one, on our website to help you choose the right coffee for you.

Decaf coffee

Decaf coffee

I Love Decaf is the only UK destination for the best decaf coffee. We supply decaf coffee beans, pods, filter and ground decaf coffee for those who love the taste of decaf coffee.

Shop now

Orizaba Mountain Water or Swiss Water Decaf Coffee: Which Tastes Best?

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OK: A taste retest of two similar-sounding coffees on an over-warm day at the nub end of a July heatwave? Are you kidding me?

It’s one of the privileges of being a minion of a coffee company that you get to try out the goods. But you know what happens, right? You pour cup after cup of the Everyday Italiana Decaf and it’s so good it becomes the first, last and always cup of the day. A satisfying, amenable, comfy coffee that weaves itself into the afternoon as much as it unzipped the morning.

But what’s this? Word comes down from the top, El DeCaffito himself, that customers have asked him about our Brasilia Swiss Water and Orizaba Mountain Water Decafs. What are the differences? Which tastes nicest when? 

Your stash of Everyday Italiana Decaf is confiscated, and you are ordered on an expedition of discovery. To scale and survey the rainforests of Brazil, the mountain scenery of Switzerland and Mexico and come back with an explorer’s account of your findings. For Decaf. For humanity.

Actually, the memo looked like this.

Swiss water coffee memo

It’s pointless telling you that drinking coffee for a living holds any high drama or jeopardy, so we’ll take off our hiking boots, straw Panamas, put down the machetes and get on with it. 

Brasilia Swiss Water Decaf vs Orizaba Mountain Water Decaf: The rules. 

We hand-ground both Brasilia Swiss Water Decaf beans and Orizaba Mountain Water Decaf Coffee beans in two separate grinds. A medium grind for a French press and a fine grind for an espresso-style from a moka pot. We had to be sure not to overgrind the French press in case it over brewed in the cafetière and, likewise, sufficiently grind the espresso so its brief rendezvous with super-heated steam water in the moka pot would develop the brew enough. There’s a whole art to grinding, detailed right here on the Ground Zero blog. 

Brasilia Swiss Water Decaf Coffee

This should be the bolder of our two beans and it scored well, particularly from the Moka pot. It has a slightly richer roast with that caramelised chocolate note running right through the liquid. It produced a nice crema, and we would challenge anyone to call this a decaf in a blind tasting. It has enough body to make it taste full and substantial, with the flavour oils front and centre of the brew.

The French press cup was more laid back, but had equally delicious notes, not so much caramelised but still dark enough to make a satisfying drink.

No mistake, this is everything promised by Swiss Water decaffeination – all the original flavour is still there, everything except over 99% of the caffeine.

Orizaba Mountain Water Decaf Coffee

On paper – as it is on the packaging – Orizaba Mountain Water Decaf Coffee is a slightly lighter roast than the Brasilia Swiss Water Decaf coffee. The water in this case comes from the glacial meltwater streams on Mexico’s highest mountain, Pico de Orizaba. Other than that, the origin of the beans and the difference in roast, the process is very similar to Swiss Water. Once again, then, we expect great things from our Orizaba Mountain Water Decaf Coffee.

It did not disappoint us. Even after the truly excellent Brasilia Swiss Water decaf, our Orizaba Mountain Water Decaf shone in the Moka pot brew review. It’s lighter and has some of that chocolate goodness, but also fruit and a honey-like nutty sweetness. This is less bold than the Brazilian Swiss Water decaf, but rounder and just as satisfying.

The French press gave us cause for thought though. Steeped for a few minutes in the cafetière, we found a subtly more developed fruit and nut note than we had from the Moka pot, as if the chocolatey-ness had moved over and let it through. We went back for more from the French press but, as Sheryl Crow and Cat Stevens might sing, the first cup was the deepest.

Brasilia Swiss Water Decaf vs Orizaba Mountain Water Decaf: The result.

Both coffees are magnificent, but as there can only be one winner…

No, scrub that. 

What surprised us was the Orizaba Mountain Water Decaf Coffee’s performance in the French press. This reviewer prefers espresso style, but the cafetière version of Orizaba Mountain Water Decaf revealed a lot of hidden nuances in the flavour, so Orizaba Mountain Water Decaf gets the vote for the French press. Brasilia was not far behind, however.

The bolder roast of the Brasilia Swiss Water Decaf did very well in the frankly terrifying environs of the Moka pot and came out in one piece, so to speak, with its trousers on. After all the gurgling and percolating, it delivered a satisfying full punch of flavour.