Sidama Natural SWP Decaf

This Swiss Water Process decaf from Ethiopia opens with rich aromas of molasses, cherry, and chocolate. The velvety body carries notes of molasses and cocoa nib with dark chocolate sweetness and stewed plum acidity. Walnut and clove linger in the finish.

Details

Producer: Mesfin Girma Farm: Smallholders Region: Oromia Altitude: 2,050 masl Varietal: Heirloom Process: Natural, Swiss Water Process Roast: Medium Notes: Molasses, Cherry, Dark Chocolate

The Swiss Water Process

This chemical-free method for removing caffeine involves soaking green coffee in fresh water until it reaches a saturation level that allows the dissolvable solids, including caffeine, to be removed. Caffeine-free green coffee extract (GCE) is then introduced to the beans, which causes the caffeine molecules to bind to the GCE. The now-decaffeinated coffee is then dried to the proper moisture content and rested before shipment.

PT's Coffee Roasting has decaffeinated this Sidama natural through the Swiss Water Process, a method that preserves the fruit-forward character typical of natural-processed coffees. The lot comes from producer Mesfin Girma in Ethiopia's Oromia region, featuring heirloom varietal plants. The roaster identifies molasses, cherry, dark chocolate, and stewed plum as the coffee's primary notes—a rich, structured profile that suggests the decaffeination process retained the complexity developed during the coffee's natural processing. Walnut, clove, and cocoa nib notes add depth, making this an atypical decaf offering fuller body and spice than many in its category.