Popayan Decaf – Colombia

From the Popayán region in the department of Cauca, this coffee is grown at elevations between 1,500–2,070 m, on rich volcanic soils ideal for a balanced, aromatic profile. The project brings together around 65 local farmers, who work with Cofinet in a sustainability program that rewards quality and good agricultural practices.

The green beans are decaffeinated at a specialized facility before they reach us. We receive the green coffee already decaffeinated and roast it. The process, known as Sugarcane Decaf, uses ethyl acetate derived from sugarcane and spring water. The green beans are first steamed to remove the silver skin, then soaked in water and exposed to ethyl acetate for about eight hours—a process that removes most of the caffeine while preserving the coffee’s character and adding a subtle, natural sweetness.

The result is a silky, balanced coffee with notes of red fruit, chocolate, and caramel, gentle acidity, and a clean, sweet finish. An ideal choice for anyone who wants to enjoy the authentic taste of Colombian coffee without caffeine; the amount remaining is negligible.

How to brew it

Popayan Decaf works very well as espresso, black or with milk: its sweetness and body come through clearly in cappuccinos and flat whites. With filter brewing, the red fruit notes stand out more. Start with your usual recipe and adjust the grind: decaf may need a slightly different setting than caffeinated coffee. We recommend methods, not rules—brew it however you like.

Why we believe in decaf

To us, people who drink decaf are true coffee lovers: they love coffee so much they’d drink it at any time of day. That’s why we choose and roast decaf with the same care as any coffee in our Core range. At our café in Timișoara, Popayan Decaf consistently receives great feedback.

Want to learn more? Read our guide to decaffeinated coffee: how much caffeine it contains, how coffee is decaffeinated, and where the myths about decaf come from.

Frequently asked questions

Does Popayan Decaf contain caffeine?

It is a caffeine-free coffee: the amount of caffeine remaining after decaffeination is negligible. As a general reference for decaf, the FDA typically indicates 2–15 mg in an approximately 240 ml cup.

What does “sugarcane decaf” mean?

Caffeine is extracted from the green beans using ethyl acetate derived from sugarcane, then the solvent is removed with steam. Decaffeination takes place at a specialized facility; we receive the green coffee already decaffeinated and roast it.

Is it suitable for espresso?

Yes. It’s part of the Core range, and we recommend it for espresso, milk drinks, and filter brewing.