Popayan Decaf – Colombia

Coming from the region of Popayán, in the department of Cauca, this coffee is grown at altitudes between 1,500–2,070 m, on rich volcanic soils, ideal for a balanced, aromatic profile. The project brings together approximately 65 local farmers, who work with Cofinet in a sustainability program that rewards quality and good farming practices.

Decaffeination takes place on green coffee at a specialised plant before it reaches us. We receive the green coffee already decaffeinated and roast it. The process, known as Sugarcane Decaf, uses ethyl acetate derived from sugarcane and spring water. The green beans are first steamed to remove the silverskin, then soaked in water and exposed to the ethyl acetate for about eight hours — a process that removes most of the caffeine while preserving the coffee’s character and adding a subtle, natural sweetness.

The result is a coffee velvety and balanced, with notes of red fruit, chocolate, and caramel, a fine acidity and a clean, sweet aftertaste. An ideal choice for those who want to enjoy the authentic taste of Colombian coffee, caffeine-free; the remaining caffeine is negligible.

How to brew it

Popayan Decaf works very well as espresso, straight or with milk: its sweetness and body stay clear in a cappuccino or flat white. As filter coffee, the red-fruit notes come forward. Start from your usual recipe and adjust the grind: decaf can need a slightly different setting from a caffeinated coffee. We recommend methods, not rules — brew it however you like.

Why we believe in decaf

To us, people who drink decaf are true coffee lovers: they like coffee so much they would drink it at any hour. That is why we choose and roast our decaf with the same care as any coffee in our Core range. At our café in Timișoara, Popayan Decaf consistently gets very good feedback.

Want to know more? Read our decaf coffee guide: how much caffeine decaf has, how coffee is decaffeinated, and where the myths come from.

Frequently asked questions

Does Popayan Decaf contain caffeine?

It is caffeine-free; the remaining caffeine is negligible. As a general reference for decaf coffee, the FDA gives 2–15 mg in an 8 oz cup.

What does “sugarcane decaf” mean?

The caffeine is extracted from the green beans with ethyl acetate made from sugarcane, and the solvent is then removed with steam. Decaffeination happens at a specialised plant; we receive the green coffee already decaffeinated and roast it.

Is it good for espresso?

Yes. It is part of our Core range and we recommend it for espresso, milk drinks, and filter coffee.