Sebastian Ramirez - Red Fruits Decaf

MEET THE PRODUCER | Sebastián Ramírez is a fourth generation coffee producer who started growing coffee more than 13 years ago. Early in his career, he started exploring the nuances of fermentation, and today, Sebastián is regarded as a master of advanced processing techniques like co-fermentation and carbonic maceration. His mission is to make coffee accessible and exciting, and Sebastián champions those efforts in his processing endeavors and as a mentor for the Unblended Young Producer Program. Sebastián and his coffees can be accurately described as "anything but ordinary," and this strawberry co-ferment adaptation has always been a testament to that tradition. 

We’ve been working with Sebastián to transform one of his beloved Red Fruits lots into a decaf offering for some time now, and we are thrilled to finally welcome this project to the menu!

TRUST THE PROCESS | After being handpicked at peak ripeness and sorted for quality, whole coffee cherries undergo 120 hours of anaerobic fermentation alongside added wine yeast, dehydrated strawberries, and fruit glucose. During this time, pH is monitored diligently. Next up, the coffee is pulped before undergoing an additional 72 hours of anaerobic fermentation in stainless steel tanks, during which time CO2 is injected into the party. Finally, the coffee undergoes a two-step drying process: first, it is spread out to dry in shaded patios at a controlled temperature of 40 degrees Celsius for 20-25 days, and then it is removed to GrainPro bags for 15 days. 

The original strawberry-cofermented coffee was blended with a traditional washed lot from Sebastián’s farm. That blended lot was then sent to the decaffeination facility, where it underwent a fascinating and confusing science experiment known as Ethyl Acetate Decaffeination (EAD). The TL;DR: a sugar alcohol byproduct is used as a solvent to help dissolve 95-97% of the caffeine out of the coffee as it is steamed. This method removes caffeine while preserving flavor profile - a feat scarcely accomplished by the decaf coffees of our youth.

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. Don’t let it deter you!

If you’ve sampled one of Sebastián’s original Red Fruits lots in the past, you may remember it for its funky intensity and BIG red fruit energy. By both blending this co-ferment with a washed lot and sending it through the EAD process, we’ve turned that intensity down a notch and amped up the sweetness. It’s still fruited and fun, like strawberry jam and chocolate cherries – but it’s also smooth and sweet, like dulce de leche and milk chocolate. It’s easily one of the most exciting flavor profiles we’ve ever tasted as a decaf, and we think you’ll be nodding your head in quiet agreement as you take your first sip during that 3 pm slump. 

Origin | Quindío, Colombia

Producer | Sebastián Ramirez

Farm | Finca El Placer

Process | Co-ferment

Variety | Castillo

Elevation | 1700–1800 MASL

Produced by Sebastián Ramirez in the Quindío region of Colombia, this Red Fruits Decaf lot showcases the innovative potential of modern processing. By utilizing a co-ferment technique, the producer has crafted a profile that highlights distinct sweetness and fruit-forward characteristics, moving beyond traditional expectations for decaffeinated coffee. The base for this selection is the Castillo varietal, a plant widely recognized for its resilience and adaptability across diverse landscapes.

While co-fermentation is a specialized method often used to amplify specific sensory attributes, the resulting cup remains grounded in the classic, comforting notes of milk chocolate and dulce de leche. For those exploring the flavor wheel, this coffee offers a unique opportunity to experience how experimental processing can influence the final cup. Roasted by Black & White Coffee Roasters, this selection represents a thoughtful approach to Colombia’s evolving coffee landscape, balancing technical precision with accessible, indulgent flavors.