Sugarcane or Swiss Water decaf

LMSC

We have been mostly drinking sugarcane decaf in the evening. This is excellent with or without milk. We are running out of the decaf, will be buying a KG soon and not sure if we should try the Swiss Water this time.

Which one do you guys mostly drink? Why? Are there any significant differences to the cup between these two?

If Swiss Water, could you recommend a roaster please?

Thx

dfk41

LMSC This is excellent…..needs a long rest
https://www.smithstreetcoffeeroasters.co.uk/product-page/five-archers-decaf

drdre89

LMSC I think you’re going to find more of a taste difference from the origin of where the decaf beans actually came from.

For instance Mexican decaf beans tastes completely different to Columbian decaf.

The decaf process whether sugarcane , Swiss water , organic mountain water is personal preference.

I find Columbian popoyan decaf to be very chocolate-y and tastes most similar to a normal rich coffee you get at a cafe. The Mexican decaf has more of a unique orange aftertaste and tastes more third wave.

LMSC

Thanks guys.

drdre89 Fait point. I was wondering if the decaf process tends to alter the taste. For example, I read elsewhere the sugarcane process adds a little bit of sweetness. I am not sure where I read this though.

There was also an article on Dr Wakefield site that unlike sugarcane process, the Swiss water method is completely organic and additive free. This is an old article.

dfk41 That’s probably perfect. The beans may perhaps last for another 3 - 4 weeks. How long did you rest the beans?

-Mac How long did you rest them please?

-Mac

This is excellent too:
https://www.neighbourhoodcoffee.co.uk/shop/colombia-i-cant-get-no-caffeination-2/

LMSC

-Mac This Neighbourhood is excellent! It does fall on the medium dark side. Very sweet and smooth!

First dial 90/96 temp. 26s. Made 2 more shots after this

Inspector

https://www.jauntygoat.co.uk/product/colombia-el-eden-decaf/

We have been enjoying this one recently.

LMSC

Inspector I mostly find Columbian decaf.

The coffee beans from Guatemala, Rwanda, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and El Salvador are usually a little difficult to extract. We notice them straightaway while brewing.

I wonder the decaf from them would mean harder dial-in, as we any way grind the decaf beans finer than standard beans?

What was your experience?

dfk41

LMSC I vacuum pack them 3 to 4 weeks after roasting, and from then on they become better and better. If you sign up to Smith Street news letter they send you an offer each month. This morning it popped in as but 2 get one free…..2 kilos of 5 Arches and a kilo of White Peaks…. £70, free postage but I paid £47.50

Inspector

LMSC

Very very easy to dial in. Probably easiest to work with so far( for decaf). Rested them 10 days though.

Gav86

Both the neighbourhood and Smith St options linked above are great.

Smith street currently have a 3 for 2 offer running on their core range if you need a lot of coffee!

LMSC

Inspector Added all the 3 recommendations to my decaf list. I have had too many sugarcane decaf. I am very keen to try sparkling and Swiss Water. Thx

MediumRoastSteam

LMSC - just learnt that “sparkling water” decaffeination process is another name for the CO2 (carbon dioxide) process.

LMSC

MediumRoastSteam Same here. 😊

It will be good to know if there is actually a difference to the cup taste between the decaf processes.

MWJB

I tend to find the EA/Sugarcane Columbian decaf imparts a slightly malty, Caramac like flavour, but I don’t find it objectionable and the best tasting decafs I have had have all been via this process.

LMSC

MWJB I haven’t tried anything other than sugarcane. It was awesome with or without milk. We were surprised how nicely they tasted - like the normal coffee. The decaf has come a long way.

Ordered a KG of Sparkling from Smith Street!

LMSC

The Sparkling Decaf from Smith Street is awesome, thanks to @dfk41. Obviously, the EA/Sugarcane is slightly on the sweeter side.

I need to order another KG, given the resting period. I am debating between sugarcane / CO2 or Swiss Water.

Is there a go to roaster for Swiss Water decaf please ?

@-Mac How is the Neighbourhood EA decaf roasted please ? I tend to avoid anything that falls on the medium dark or darker side of the scale. I do end up with bags that fall in this space when I find it is not consistent with the description.

Thx

drdre89

I’ve also found with my sugarcane Columbian decaf beans the flavour is the best at least 3 weeks after roast date.

I made the mistake early by brewing the decaf coffee beans too early after roast date. As the flavours hadn’t developed.

LMSC

Ordered a KG of EA / Sugarcane Decaf from Neighbourhood Coffee. Paid £24. They have thrown in 250g of mystery coffee beans free! Should be interesting.

I do plan to get some swiss water decaf. Not sure who that go to roaster should be!

drdre89

With decaf being this good and with the great health benefits … is there any reason to go back to caffeinated coffee despite the “get up and go” you get?

DavecUK

drdre89 I find flavour to be the main thing…decaff often seems to have had the guts knocked out of it by the decaff process.