coffeesterTHE COFFEE ENCYCLOPEDIA

Water Process · Dark

'81 Decaf

Roasted by Montana Coffee Traders

This flagship water process decaf espresso blend delivers a bold, balanced coffee experience suitable for any brew method.

'81 Decaf — Montana Coffee Traders
Image: courtesy of Montana Coffee Traders
BoldComplexSweet

From the roaster

Tasting Notes: Bold, Complex, Sweet Blend Origins:  Central America, South America Roast: Dark

'81 Water Process Decaf is our flagship espresso blend, without the caffeine, which takes root with our beginnings in 1981. Showcased at the espresso bar of every Montana Coffee Traders location, ‘81 Decaf delivers a bold yet balanced coffee experience. Originally designed to be pulled as espresso, ‘81 Decaf shines in any brew method.

Also available with caffeine.

— Montana Coffee Traders

Context

The '81 Decaf, offered by Montana Coffee Traders, is a curated blend sourced from regions across Central and South America. By utilizing the Water Process, this coffee aims to remove caffeine while preserving the integrity of the bean's inherent characteristics. Generally, coffees processed through water-based methods are favored for their ability to maintain a clean profile, often avoiding the chemical residues sometimes associated with other decaffeination techniques. You can learn more about how these processing methods impact the final cup in our educational guide.

The roaster describes this specific selection as bold, complex, and sweet. When evaluating such profiles, it is helpful to reference the flavor wheel to better identify the nuanced sugars and depth present in the cup. While decaf offerings were once limited in variety, modern techniques allow for a more robust experience that highlights the diverse terroir of its Latin American origins.

Buy — $23.4 from Montana Coffee Traders

In the Encyclopedia

Frequently asked questions

What does '81 Decaf taste like?

Expect tasting notes of Bold, Complex, and Sweet.

How is '81 Decaf processed?

'81 Decaf uses the Water Process process.

What roast level is '81 Decaf?

It is roasted to a dark level.

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Last verified: October 14, 2026 · Browse all beans.