James Hoffmann 'The Decaf Project' Tasting Kit

Decaf Like Never Before: One Coffee, Four Methods

Ever wondered how decaf coffee is made? With this exclusive tasting kit, you’ll explore how three different methods transform the same Colombian coffee—guided by renowned coffee expert James Hoffmann.

This special coffee comes from the Huila region of Colombia, specifically the municipality of Guadalupe, where it’s grown at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,000 meters above sea level. The coffee is hand-harvested from small farms and processed using the washed method, sun-dried on parabolic covered patios and raised beds. 

Tasting Kit Includes:
Four 60g (wholebean) samples of the same coffee, processed four ways:

• The original coffee washed patio dried
• Coffein Compagnie - Ethyl Acetate (EA) Decaffeination
• CR3-Kaffeeveredelung M. Hermsen - CO2 Subcritical Decaffeination
• Swiss Water® Process Decaffeination
• Sample grind size reference

Note: Samples are offered in whole bean only.

How Each Decaffeination Method Works

Coffein Compagnie - Ethyl Acetate (EA) Decaffeination
Ethyl acetate is a naturally occurring compound found in coffee and fruits like strawberries and bananas. In this process, ethyl acetate is used to gently extract caffeine from the beans, maintaining their flavor integrity. After steaming the beans to open their structure, the ethyl acetate solution selectively removes the caffeine. The beans are then steamed to remove any remaining ethyl acetate before drying them back to their original moisture content.

CR3-Kaffeeveredelung M. Hermsen - CO2 Subcritical Decaffeination
This process uses natural carbon dioxide under low temperature and pressure to gently remove caffeine. The beans are moistened and placed in a vessel with pressurized CO2, which circulates through the coffee to extract the caffeine. This method is all organic certified and ensures the coffee retains its full taste potential.

Swiss Water® Process
In the Swiss Water® Process, caffeine is removed using water, temperature, and time. The beans are rehydrated and placed in contact with a Green Coffee Extract (GCE), which contains all of the coffee’s soluble solids except caffeine. This process selectively removes caffeine while preserving the coffee’s original flavor, taking place over 8-10 hours until the caffeine level is reduced to less than 0.1%.

Why This Tasting Experience is a Must

• Consistent Single Origin Base: All four samples come from the same Colombian coffee, giving you a true side-by-side comparison of the effects of decaffeination. This unique approach offers insight into how each method impacts flavor, aroma, and body.
• Expert-Led Training: James Hoffmann and industry experts will guide you through the impact of each decaffeination method on flavor, acidity, body, and aroma, helping you deepen your understanding of coffee.
• Global Engagement: Connect with thousands of coffee lovers around the world in a live, interactive tasting event. This is a fantastic opportunity to share your thoughts, ask questions, and experience decaf coffee in a whole new way.

How to Get Involved

• Order Your Tasting Kit: Get this exclusive kit directly from us. It will be delivered in time for the event and roasted according to James Hoffmann’s dates and instructions. Quantities are limited, so don’t wait!
• Join the Live Tasting Event on December 15th, 2024: Join a global digital coffee event led by James Hoffmann, where you’ll dive deep into the complex world of decaffeination. Visit www.thedecafproject.com to be part of the event.