Decaf Mexico Altura (SWP)

12oz

Plum, hibiscus, brown sugar, dark chocolate, full bodied

Region: Oaxaca and Chiapas

Producer: Multiple farms

Varietal: Bourbon, Caturra, Criollo, Mundo Novo and Typica

Process: Mountain Water Process

Decaf Mexico Altura Royal Select Water Process coffee is curated from lots that the importer’s team has selected based on cup profile, physical preparation and potential to express excellently once decaffeinated.  Based on the origin of the coffee used dictates whether Mountain Water Process (Mexico) or Swiss Water Process (Canada) is used.

During the water process, the green coffee is 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 is removed the green coffee is re-dried and rebagged for transport, and the extract solution is filtered of its caffeine and repurposed to be used again.

This decaf from Case Study Coffee sources Bourbon-varietal beans from multiple farms across Oaxaca and Chiapas, two of Mexico's premier coffee regions. The Mountain Water Process preserves the coffee's natural character while removing caffeine—a gentler approach than many solvent-based decaffeination methods. The roaster identifies plum and hibiscus notes alongside brown sugar sweetness and dark chocolate, suggesting a rounded cup with both fruit-forward and deeper cocoa dimensions. Bourbon typically expresses balanced acidity and sweetness, traits that often translate well through decaffeination when handled carefully. This lot represents a significant commitment to quality in the decaf category, where finding nuanced, specialty-grade options remains less common than their caffeinated counterparts.