Hambela Natural - EA Decaf

Whatever assumptions you may have about decaf coffee up until this point, we hope you'll lay them aside and give this one a try.

TRUST THE PROCESS | Processing for this unique adaptation of a decaffeinated coffee happens in two stages – and across two continents! First, coffee cherries are handpicked throughout Hambela at peak ripeness and delivered to a drying station for traditional Ethiopian natural processing. Then, they make the voyage to Bremen, Germany, where they undergo a fascinating and confusing science experiment known as Ethyl Acetate Decaffeination (EAD). The TLDR: a sugar alcohol byproduct is used as a solvent to help dissolve the caffeine out of the coffee as it is steamed. 

TAKE A SIP | Decaf drinkers won't be surprised by this, but we should probably mention one thing at the jump: this coffee might look a little different right out of the bag. The decaffeination process leaves its mark on the beans themselves, giving them a red-ish hue and a slightly "oily" appearance. 

Thanks to advancements in EAD, decaffeinated coffees have come a looooonnnggg way in recent years. We've tasted and featured some delicious examples, and this is easily one of our favorites. It has great acidity (especially for a decaf!) and showcases its original natural processing beautifully. Red stone fruit, like cherries, mingle with a lovely peach note in the fruit department. The sweetness is tall, dark, and handsome like molasses, and the texture is smooth and rich, like milk chocolate. 

Origin | Guji, Ethiopia

Producer | multiple

Process | Natural, then EA Decaffeination

Variety | mixed

Elevation | 2000 MASL

Sourced from the Guji region of Ethiopia, the Hambela Natural - EA Decaf represents a unique intersection of traditional processing and modern decaffeination. Produced by multiple smallholders, this lot utilizes a natural process before undergoing Ethyl Acetate (EA) decaffeination. While natural-processed coffees often exhibit heavy fruit profiles and complex sweetness, the EA method is frequently employed to preserve the inherent character of the bean while removing caffeine. As detailed in our processing methods explainer, this approach allows the cup to retain distinct notes of cherries, peach, molasses, and milk chocolate. Roasted by Black & White Coffee Roasters, this selection offers a nuanced experience for those seeking a decaffeinated option that maintains the vibrant, fruit-forward qualities typical of its origin. For those looking to further explore these descriptors, we recommend referencing our flavor wheel to better identify the specific aromatic compounds present in this mixed-varietal coffee.