Colombia | EA Decaf

The Sugarcane Process gets its name because ethyl acetate, or EA, is derived from fermented sugarcane.

Ethyl acetate is a naturally occurring ester (present in bananas and also as a by-product of fermented sugars) that is used as a solvent to bond with and gently remove caffeine from green coffee. 

First, the coffee is sorted and steamed for 30 minutes under low pressure in order to open the coffee seeds’ pores and prepare them for decaffeination.

The coffee is placed in a solution of both water and ethyl acetate, where the E.A. will begin to bond with the salts of chlorogenic acids inside the seeds. The tank will be drained and re-filled over the course of eight hours until caffeine is no longer detected.

The coffee beans are then dried and polished before being sent to us for roasting.

We taste: milk chocolate, hazelnut, & red apple

Country: Colombia Region: Huila Community: Variety: Castillo, Caturra, Colombia Process: Sugarcane Elevation: 1,400 - 2,000 Meters Above Sea Level (MASL)

Sourced from the Huila region of Colombia, this offering from Quills Coffee showcases the potential of the Castillo varietal when processed via the sugarcane (EA) method. Sugarcane decaffeination is a natural process that utilizes ethyl acetate derived from fermented sugar to remove caffeine while preserving the integrity of the bean’s cellular structure. Generally, this method is favored for its ability to maintain a clean, sweet profile without the harsh chemical residues sometimes associated with other decaffeination techniques.

Grown at elevations between 1400 and 2000 masl, this lot highlights the classic, approachable characteristics often found in Colombian coffees. The cup profile features notes of milk chocolate, hazelnut, and red apple, providing a balanced experience that aligns well with the traditional descriptors found on the flavor wheel. For those interested in how different techniques impact the final cup, further details on processing methods can provide additional insight into why this specific approach was chosen.